The Lemon Index2025 Kia Telluride.
The 2025 Kia Telluride is so far worse than average by owner complaints: 121 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 162, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 20 to 22 mpg combined. The best Kia Telluride year is 2021.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 121 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Telluride year. 2025 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 22K miles on the car (11 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- seats 2026
Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
- tires 2025
The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS).
- body structure 2025
The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 26 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Technical service bulletin: awd coupler noise/vibration logic improvement - this bulletin…
- Technical service bulletin: awd coupler noise/vibration logic improvement (revision 1) - this…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Telluride SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.8L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine shut off while idling. Had to shift into Park and restart engine.
2025 Kia Telluride owner · NHTSA complaint 11771932
More owner reports
The driver screen are all blacked out, when I start my car in the morning, cannot see the speed, fuel gauge and all ADAS functions not working. Car is only a month old with only around 430 miles.
NHTSA complaint 11713117
Rodent damage to floor harness of brand new car. Per service advisor this is a common issue with newer cars due to the use of soy based wiring which attracts rodents.
NHTSA complaint 11715784
Quick answers
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.6× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 162; 100 is average). The best Kia Telluride year by this measure since 2010 is 2023.
What are the most common 2025 Kia Telluride problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (38%), electrical (18%) and wipers & visibility (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Telluride have?
3 safety recalls (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Kia Telluride get?
20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2025 Kia Telluride have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2025 Kia Telluride cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Kia Telluride have?
3.8L 6-cyl.
What Kia Telluride year is better than the 2025?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2021, 2022 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works