Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Kia Telluride
The 2021 Kia Telluride has moderate concern levels with five recalls and 374 complaints. Issues range from overheating power seat motors to electrical shorts in trailer hitches. Although these issues could be serious, they don't appear widespread. However, ensure to carefully inspect for these during evaluation, highlighting the importance of checking known recall areas and verifying recall rectifications.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Kia Telluride has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 374 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V430000 Park Outside: Fire from Overheated Power Seat Motors NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V407000 Fire from Overheated Power Seat Motor NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V214000 Vehicle Roll Away from Disengaged Driveshaft NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V626000 Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V164000 Occupant Detection System Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 105 complaints
- Engine 68 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 64 complaints
- Electrical System 42 complaints
- Structure 33 complaints
- Power Train 28 complaints
Of the 374 complaints on file, 7 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 374 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power seat motor overheating
How to check: Inspect power seat function for sticking or excess heat. Confirm recall repair.
Air bag sensor faults
How to check: Inspect front passenger seat sensor functionality. Verify any related recalls completed.
Driveshaft disengagement risk
How to check: Check smooth shifting and secure engagement. Confirm recall repair.
Trailer hitch short circuit
How to check: Inspect trailer hitch for debris/moisture and verify recall status.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or consistent noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe idle stability for vibrations or inconsistencies.
Red flag: Rough or unstable idle
- 03
Low-speed parking maneuvers
What to check: Test drive shaft engagement and braking response.
Red flag: Lag or unusual braking feeling
- 04
Driving at city speeds
What to check: Pay attention to seat operation and check for heat.
Red flag: Seat motor heat or dysfunction
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration without vibration.
Red flag: Rough or uneven acceleration
- 06
Braking at speed
What to check: Assess brake firmness and absence of noise or pulling.
Red flag: Squealing or uneven braking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have any recalls been addressed?
- Are maintenance records available?
- Any known electrical or airbag issues?
- Has the seat motor been problematic?
- Have all safety features been tested?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall history
- Service and maintenance records
- Accident history report
- Warranty documents
- Title and registration details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Kia Telluride at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.