The biggest Kia Telluride problems are recalls on 2020–2024 models: a front power seat motor that can overheat and catch fire (24V407, replaced by 26V430), and a rollaway risk in Park from an intermediate shaft that may not fully engage (24V214). Other campaigns cover a tow-hitch harness fire, 2024 valve springs and 2027 seat belts.
CarWhere lists 12 documented Telluride issues, including 12 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
2020–2025 Telluride problems
Front power seat motor may overheat and cause a fire (recall 26V430) (2020–2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2020–2024
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The front power seat motor can overheat if a seat slide knob sticks, or if the earlier 24V407 repair was done improperly, which can start a fire while parked or driving. Dealers install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. This campaign replaces 24V407, so vehicles already repaired under that recall need the new remedy.
Symptoms
- Power seat stops moving or moves on its own
- Burning smell or smoke from under a front seat
- Seat slide switch feels stuck
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- If the car was repaired under 24V407, confirm the 26V430 remedy is recorded too
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V430 (2026-07-02) · 462,869 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2]
Stuck power seat knob may overheat seat motor (first remedy) (recall 24V407) (2020–2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2020–2024
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
A stuck power seat slide knob can make the front power seat motor overheat and cause a fire while parked or driving. The original remedy added a bracket for the seat switch back covers and replaced the slide knobs. It has since been replaced by recall 26V430, which adds an electronic fuse.
Symptoms
- Burning smell or smoke from under a front seat
- Seat slide switch feels stuck
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 24V407 (2024-06-05) · 462,869 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2][1]
Vehicle may roll away while in Park (recall 24V214) (2020–2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2020–2024
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can let the vehicle roll while the transmission is in Park. Until the repair is done, Kia advises setting the electronic parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Dealers update the electronic parking brake software and replace damaged intermediate shafts as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Vehicle moves or creeps while in Park
- Clunking from the front axle area
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Until repaired, apply the electronic parking brake every time you park
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 24V214 (2024-03-20) · 427,407 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Tow hitch harness module may short and cause a fire (recall 22V626) (2020–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2020–2022
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
On vehicles with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness, fitted at the factory or as a dealer accessory, debris and moisture on the harness module's circuit board can cause a short and a fire. Dealers add a new fuse and harness extension and replace the harness assembly as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Burning smell near the rear of the vehicle
- Trailer lights not working
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- Check whether the vehicle has a Kia tow hitch harness; only equipped vehicles are affected
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V626 (2022-08-15) · 36,417 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Engine valve springs may break (recall 24V077) (2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2024
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The engine valve springs can break while driving, causing a loss of drive power and possibly punching a hole in the engine block, which can lead to a fire. Dealers replace the engine sub-assembly, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Engine misfire or rough running
- Check-engine light
- Loss of power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 24V077 (2024-02-07) · 2,872 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Front seat back frames may not restrain occupants (recall 26V105) (2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2025
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall (power front seats)
On 2025 Telluride models with power front seats, a manufacturing error can leave the driver and passenger seat back frames unable to properly restrain occupants in a crash. Dealers inspect and replace the frames as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash; the defect shows only when the part is needed
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V105 (2026-02-23) · 85,515 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Second-row side air bags may not deploy (recall 23V035) (2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2023
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
A manufacturing error can damage the wiring harnesses for the second-row seat side air bags, so they may not deploy in a crash. Dealers inspect and replace or secure the harnesses, free of charge.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V035 (2023-01-29) · 31,943 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]
Seat belts may not hold a child seat tightly (recall 19V594) (2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2020
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
Seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second and third rows may not secure a child restraint tightly in a crash, failing federal standard FMVSS 208. Dealers replace incorrect seat belt assemblies and swap a driver's belt with a non-US label for a US-spec belt, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Child seat cannot be cinched tight with the seat belt
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 19V594 (2019-08-13) · 30,168 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8]
Door belt molding trim may detach (recall 25V494) (2023–2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2023–2025
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The trim strip along the base of the door windows can delaminate and come off, creating a road hazard for other drivers. Dealers inspect and replace the trim assemblies as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Window trim lifting, bubbling or peeling at the edges
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 25V494 (2025-07-28) · 201,149 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]
Trailer brake lights may not light under Smart Cruise (recall 20V436) (2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2020
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall (Smart Cruise Control models)
When a trailer is connected and Smart Cruise Control applies the brakes, the trailer's brake lights do not come on. Dealers add a wiring harness at the main fuse box, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Trailer brake lights stay dark when cruise control slows the vehicle
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 20V436 (2020-07-28) · 86,921 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
2027–present Telluride problems
Driver seat belt may lock and not extend (recall 26V356) (2027 (incl. Hybrid))
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2027–present
- Years:
- 2027 (incl. Hybrid)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The driver seat belt's emergency locking retractor can lock so the belt will not pull out, failing federal standard FMVSS 209. Dealers replace the seat belt assembly, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Driver seat belt will not pull out of the retractor
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V356 (2026-06-02) · 6,264 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11]
Third-row center seat belt buckle may not latch (recall 26V135) (2027)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2027–present
- Years:
- 2027
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The third-row center seat belt anchor buckle may not latch properly, so it may not restrain an occupant in a crash. Dealers inspect and replace the buckle assembly as needed, free of charge. The 14,870-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Buckle does not click or releases with a light pull
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V135 (2026-03-06) · 14,870 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]