KIA TELLURIDE · model year

2023 KIA TELLURIDE

249 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2023KIATELLURIDE carries 249 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2023 TELLURIDE is unknown or other with 45 filings, followed by electrical system (35) and visibility/wiper (27). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2023 TELLURIDE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

249
Complaints
11
Crashes
2
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
2023 KIA TELLURIDE — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2023 KIA TELLURIDE. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

249 filings

Crashes Reported

11 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER45
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
VISIBILITY/WIPER27
POWER TRAIN18
ENGINE15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13
STRUCTURE:BODY11
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD9
STEERING9
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
SUSPENSION6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING5
SERVICE BRAKES5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL3

Recalls (5)

23V03500029/01/2023

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Telluride vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the wire harnesses for the second row seat side air bags may become damaged, causing them not to deploy in the event of a crash.

25V49400028/07/2025

STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.

23V29800026/04/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information wh

24V21400020/03/2024

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.

24V40700005/06/2024

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Recent Complaints

20260219ENGINE

KIA/HYUNDAI INSPECTED AND FOUND CYLINDER 2 TO NOT FIRE ALONG WITH OIL LEAKING FROM LOWER 02 SENSOR. ENGINE BLOCK HAS HOLE, CYL 2 PISTON AND ROD ARE NO LONGER WITH/IN ENGINE. THIS OCCURED WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING THEN LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE IT WAS VERY SCARY BEING STUCK ON THE FREEWAY WAS ALMOST HIT MULTIPLE TIMES.

20260212VISIBILITY/WIPER

I’m writing to report an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s windshield washer system. The washer fluid is not dispensing properly, and as a result, the windshield is not being cleared effectively while driving. This creates a safety concern, especially in poor weather conditions or when road debris accumulates on the windshield. The reduced visibility makes it difficult to drive safely and confidently. I have already taken the vehicle in for service regarding this issue. However, I was informed that nothing is wrong with the system and that it is performing the same as a new vehicle. Despite this, the washer fluid output still appears insufficient and continues to create visibility concerns while driving.

20260212LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

I’m writing to report an ongoing issue with my vehicle’s windshield washer system. The washer fluid is not dispensing properly, and as a result, the windshield is not being cleared effectively while driving. This creates a safety concern, especially in poor weather conditions or when road debris accumulates on the windshield. The reduced visibility makes it difficult to drive safely and confidently. I have already taken the vehicle in for service regarding this issue. However, I was informed that nothing is wrong with the system and that it is performing the same as a new vehicle. Despite this, the washer fluid output still appears insufficient and continues to create visibility concerns while driving.

20260211ENGINE

The engine’s serpentine belt started to fail prematurely. In cold weather, the engine’s belt would scream for 1 to 5 minutes when warming up the engine (under no load and not moving). The belt had less than 40,000 miles on it (when Kia expects it to go 80,000 miles).

20260122ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Upon starting suv, the instrument panel / cluster did not display. There is now no way to know speed, safety warnings such as malfunctioning sensors or safety features . No odometer or any driving feedback of any kind. Have scheduled appointment with dealer tomorrow.

20251229ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2023 KIA Telluride. The contact stated the vehicle was experiencing heating system failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions for heating and cooling failures. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor and the thermostat; however, the heat became inoperable. The contact stated that the heat was only operable while driving, and the vehicle would blow cool air while idling. The contact stated that the heat was barely warming up the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that the failure had caused the windows to be foggy, which reduced the road's visibility while driving. The vehicle was taken to a Kia Dealer, where an unknown sensor and the thermostat were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

20251229ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 KIA Telluride. The contact stated the vehicle was experiencing heating system failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions for heating and cooling failures. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor and the thermostat; however, the heat became inoperable. The contact stated that the heat was only operable while driving, and the vehicle would blow cool air while idling. The contact stated that the heat was barely warming up the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that the failure had caused the windows to be foggy, which reduced the road's visibility while driving. The vehicle was taken to a Kia Dealer, where an unknown sensor and the thermostat were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

20251227ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Upon starting the vehicle, the gauge cluster screen was and remained completely blank. No indication as to an error, no visual indicator was available as to my speed or the vehicle's status, and no problem lights were visible. The vehicle appeared otherwise operable, and the media control screen was fully functional

20251217ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument cluster went blank. The speedometer and fuel gauge failed to display as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V298000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

20251217ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster display screen failed to activate and was inoperable. During the failure, the driver was unable to view several needed features, such as the speedometer and fuel gauge, and the blind spot monitoring system. The vehicle was cautiously driven to the dealer, who diagnosed that the instrument cluster screen was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

20251205CrashAIR BAGS

VIN: [XXX] Owner: [XXX] Purchase Date: December 2022 I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Telluride. For nearly two years, I have unknowingly driven this vehicle with multiple active safety recalls, including: •Airbag wiring harness defect (airbags may not deploy) •Seatbelt pretensioner/tensioner defects •Front power seat motor overheating (fire hazard) •Driveshaft engagement defect (vehicle may roll out of Park) Kia never properly notified me of these recalls and never repaired them, despite my family using the vehicle daily. I drove this SUV with my autistic child and infant grandchild, believing it was safe. I have now discovered that Kia allowed me to operate a vehicle that could: •Fail to protect us in a crash •Catch fire •Roll away unexpectedly •Malfunction in ways that could cause severe injury or death This is a serious safety negligence issue. Kia did not offer a loaner vehicle, did not notify me promptly, and has not provided any

20251205CrashSEAT BELTS

VIN: [XXX] Owner: [XXX] Purchase Date: December 2022 I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Telluride. For nearly two years, I have unknowingly driven this vehicle with multiple active safety recalls, including: •Airbag wiring harness defect (airbags may not deploy) •Seatbelt pretensioner/tensioner defects •Front power seat motor overheating (fire hazard) •Driveshaft engagement defect (vehicle may roll out of Park) Kia never properly notified me of these recalls and never repaired them, despite my family using the vehicle daily. I drove this SUV with my autistic child and infant grandchild, believing it was safe. I have now discovered that Kia allowed me to operate a vehicle that could: •Fail to protect us in a crash •Catch fire •Roll away unexpectedly •Malfunction in ways that could cause severe injury or death This is a serious safety negligence issue. Kia did not offer a loaner vehicle, did not notify me promptly, and has not provided any

20251205CrashSEATS

VIN: [XXX] Owner: [XXX] Purchase Date: December 2022 I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Telluride. For nearly two years, I have unknowingly driven this vehicle with multiple active safety recalls, including: •Airbag wiring harness defect (airbags may not deploy) •Seatbelt pretensioner/tensioner defects •Front power seat motor overheating (fire hazard) •Driveshaft engagement defect (vehicle may roll out of Park) Kia never properly notified me of these recalls and never repaired them, despite my family using the vehicle daily. I drove this SUV with my autistic child and infant grandchild, believing it was safe. I have now discovered that Kia allowed me to operate a vehicle that could: •Fail to protect us in a crash •Catch fire •Roll away unexpectedly •Malfunction in ways that could cause severe injury or death This is a serious safety negligence issue. Kia did not offer a loaner vehicle, did not notify me promptly, and has not provided any

20251128ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

after receiving my car on Friday morning 10/31 from the dealership, I drove to work, where all my dashboard lights popped on, I lost power steering, and I lost my speedometer (which is what it was in the shop for that whole week). I tried to drive it back to Kia and it completely stopped working in the middle of the road, even though it was turned on, it wouldn’t drive or change gears. Leaving me stranded in the middle of a 50 mile per an hour road. I had to call the police to help me maneuver off the road.

20251128STEERING

after receiving my car on Friday morning 10/31 from the dealership, I drove to work, where all my dashboard lights popped on, I lost power steering, and I lost my speedometer (which is what it was in the shop for that whole week). I tried to drive it back to Kia and it completely stopped working in the middle of the road, even though it was turned on, it wouldn’t drive or change gears. Leaving me stranded in the middle of a 50 mile per an hour road. I had to call the police to help me maneuver off the road.

20251128FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

after receiving my car on Friday morning 10/31 from the dealership, I drove to work, where all my dashboard lights popped on, I lost power steering, and I lost my speedometer (which is what it was in the shop for that whole week). I tried to drive it back to Kia and it completely stopped working in the middle of the road, even though it was turned on, it wouldn’t drive or change gears. Leaving me stranded in the middle of a 50 mile per an hour road. I had to call the police to help me maneuver off the road.

20251125UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2023 Kia Telluride – Instrument cluster intermittently goes blank while operating the vehicle. This has happened multiple times over the last few years since we bought it brand new, even after the official recall repair (SC270). Dealer has told us to disconnect the battery as a temporary fix. This is my wife’s primary vehicle for transporting our children and it’s unsafe because she cannot see speed, warning lights or blinkers when the cluster fails. Today 11/24/25, I had to meet her to switch cars because she didn’t feel safe to drive it anymore when the cluster went out. On 11/17/25 it had gone out and I disconnected it, which showed to be a quick fix again. I would estimate the cluster goes out at least once a month. My research shows this is a common issue with this car and updates or the recall doesn’t fix it. As a law enforcement officer, I am held to high safety standards both on and off duty. A vehicle with a recurring and unrepairable safety defect like this is una

20251123STRUCTURE:BODY

2023 PEARL WHITE KIA TELLURIDE. WHILE WASHING MY CAR NOTICE CLEAR COAT COMING OFF FRONT OF CAR

20251113STRUCTURE:BODY

I am writing to file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Telluride (VIN: [insert VIN here]) which has two active safety recalls: 1.SC303 / NHTSA 24V214 – Intermediate shaft/driveshaft may not be fully engaged, causing the vehicle to potentially roll away while in Park. The remedy is available but has not yet been scheduled for my vehicle. 2.SC347 / NHTSA 25V494 – Door belt molding trim may delaminate and detach. Remedy parts are not yet available, and there is currently no fix. Due to these recalls: •No dealerships will accept or buy my vehicle for trade-in or resale. •I am unable to sell the car, which has become a severe financial burden. •I am current on my loan but cannot continue payments indefinitely under these circumstances. I have contacted Kia Consumer Affairs (1-800-333-4542) but have not received a satisfactory resolution. I am requesting the Florida Attorney General’s office to intervene or assist in facilitating: •A buyback or payoff assistance from Kia, or

20251106ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Drivers display panel not working, no vehicle information is available, it's a black screen. This is the 4th incident since new in 2023. Car can't be driven with nothing displayed.

Compare 2023KIATELLURIDE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2023 KIA TELLURIDE have?
The 2023 KIA TELLURIDE has 249 NHTSA complaints, 11 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 KIA TELLURIDE?
The 2023 KIA TELLURIDE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 KIA TELLURIDE?
Yes, the 2023 KIA TELLURIDE has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 KIA TELLURIDE?
The most-complained component for the 2023 KIA TELLURIDE is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 45 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and VISIBILITY/WIPER.
Is the 2023 KIA TELLURIDE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2023 KIA TELLURIDE has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.