Free used car buyer guide / ON / first generation facelift / 2021-2025
Kia Telluride common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.7/10
2 walk-away risks, 2 serious faults, 4 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: front driveshaft / intermediate shaft roll-away recall. Score methodology.
The Telluride is one of Kia's strongest used-family-SUV buys, but it is not a blind Toyota substitute: the recalls around roll-away risk, front power-seat fire risk, tow-hitch harness fire risk and exterior trim separation need VIN proof before money changes hands. The safest buy is a 2024-2025 EX/SX without a dealer-installed four-pin tow harness, with the front-seat and belt-molding campaigns closed and no rear shock/self-leveling noise. Inspect 2021-2022 cars more carefully because they carry the hitch-harness fire recall and more early LCD/cluster recall exposure. Owners should treat parking-brake use, recall completion and rear suspension noises as maintenance discipline, not annoyance.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
Front driveshaft /
Best years
2021-2022
Best buys
- 2024 SX or EX AWD with 24V214, 24V407 and 25V494 campaign status documented.
- 2025 non-X-Pro cars with clean seat-frame recall lookup and no rear shock clunk.
- 2021-2022 cars only if the tow-hitch harness campaign is complete or the harness was never fitted.
Inspect hard
- Any car with a trailer harness for moisture intrusion and recall paperwork.
- 2023-2025 door belt molding for lifting edges, rattles and missing clips.
- Self-leveling rear suspension on SX/X-Line/X-Pro trims for knocking, sag and oil seepage.
Avoid
- Open 24V214 driveshaft recall or seller who will not demonstrate EPB operation.
- Melted seat-switch trim, stuck seat slide knob or burnt smell under either front seat.
- Cars with recurring low-speed vibration after tire balance and wheel alignment.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Kia Telluride viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Kia Telluride should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.8 Lambda II GDI V6 FWD
2021-2025
LOWEST-RISK MECHANICAL VERSION
Front-drive Tellurides avoid AWD coupling and transfer-case wear, and they are usually bought by road-trip families rather than tow users. The trade-off is traction, not engine durability; the same 3.8 GDI still needs oil-level discipline and cooling-system checks.
3.8 Lambda II GDI V6 AWD
2021-2025
BEST ALL-ROUND BUY
AWD is the spec most buyers want and it fits the Telluride's size, but it brings the front driveshaft/intermediate-shaft recall into the inspection. A clean AWD car should have no binding on tight turns and no open 24V214 status.
3.8 Lambda II GDI AWD X-Line / X-Pro tow-oriented trims
2023-2025
BUY FOR SPEC, NOT FOR TOWING HISTORY
X-Line and X-Pro bring desirable equipment and resale strength, but inspect hitch wiring, rear shocks, tire wear and cooling history. A tow-prepped Telluride that lived behind a trailer is a different risk from a school-run SX.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2021
Second US model year; broad SX/EX supply, OCS recall exposure and tow-hitch harness recall exposure.
Buyer: Good value only with hitch-harness status, seat-fire campaign status and clean AWD shaft recall records.
Owner: If the car has a dealer hitch, confirm the module campaign and inspect the spare-wheel area after rain.
2022
Instrument-cluster blank-screen recalls were added alongside tow-hitch and driveshaft campaigns.
Buyer: Check that the LCD cluster starts every time and that spare tire recall status is clean.
Owner: A blank cluster is a compliance/safety issue; let the dealer handle it rather than cycling the battery.
2023
Facelift year with X-Line/X-Pro trims, updated styling and later exterior trim recall exposure.
Buyer: Inspect belt molding and rear shocks closely; the facelift is desirable but not issue-free.
Owner: Keep photos and repair orders for trim or shock complaints while warranty remains active.
2024
Mature facelift production, still inside 24V214 and 24V407 recall populations for many VINs.
Buyer: Do not pay late-model money until both safety campaigns show closed.
Owner: Use warranty for seat-switch or driveline symptoms immediately; delays weaken the paper trail.
2025
Final pre-redesign year; door belt molding recall and later front seatback-frame recall exposure.
Buyer: Nearly-new cars still need a recall lookup, especially power-seat and spare-tire campaigns.
Owner: A 2025 is new enough that cosmetic trim and suspension noise should be dealer-documented early.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Front driveshaft / intermediate shaft roll-away recall
Affects
2021-2024 Telluride within NHTSA 24V214 population.
Symptoms
Vehicle movement in Park risk, front driveline clunk, vibration, EPB software campaign open.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 600-1,600 if driveline parts are handled outside campaign.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none; check dealer campaign status rather than relying on scan codes.
Root cause: The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged and can wear at the connection.
Quick check
- Run the VIN through NHTSA and Kia recall lookup before viewing.
- Ask for the 24V214 / SC303 dealer invoice or campaign printout.
- On the test drive, shift between R and D and listen for a front driveline clunk.
- Park on a mild slope and verify EPB application and release.
Buyer note
An open roll-away campaign belongs at the dealer before purchase, not in your first ownership week.
Owner note
Use the EPB and close the campaign; the software update is part of the safety strategy.
Fault 2
Front power-seat motor overheating
Affects
2021-2024 Telluride with power front seats under NHTSA 24V407.
Symptoms
Stuck seat slide knob, seat that keeps trying to move, hot smell, melted trim under seat.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 400-1,200+ for seat switch/motor/trim outside goodwill.
Codes / scan clues
Body/seat module faults may store; visible heat damage matters more.
Root cause: A stuck power-seat slide knob can keep the motor energized until it overheats.
Quick check
- Move both front seats through full travel and confirm switches return cleanly.
- Smell around the lower seat trim after operation.
- Inspect side trim and wiring for melting or discoloration.
- Confirm 24V407 completion by VIN.
Buyer note
A seat that acts alive after the switch is released is not a comfort defect; it is a fire-risk clue.
Owner note
Do not store items near seat controls and get any sticky switch handled under campaign/warranty.
Fault 3
Tow-hitch harness module fire recall
Affects
2021-2022 Telluride with genuine Kia four-pin tow hitch harness.
Symptoms
Burnt smell near rear, trailer-light faults, moisture around hitch module, parasitic battery drain.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 150-600 for harness diagnosis if modified.
Codes / scan clues
Trailer lighting or body module communication/short codes.
Root cause: Moisture and debris can enter the tow-hitch harness module PCB and short it.
Quick check
- Confirm whether the car ever had a Kia accessory tow harness.
- Inspect the hitch connector and rear module area for corrosion.
- Check trailer light operation if the harness remains fitted.
- Look for 22V626 campaign completion.
Buyer note
A Telluride with tow equipment needs paperwork; the hitch is not just an accessory.
Owner note
After heavy rain or washing, treat trailer-light glitches as possible module moisture.
Fault 4
Self-leveling rear shock clunk or leakage
Affects
Mostly SX/X-Line/X-Pro AWD trims, especially higher-mileage or tow-used cars.
Symptoms
Rear knocking over small bumps, uneven rear ride height, oil on shock body, cupped rear tires.
Typical repair cost
EUR 500-1,500 per axle depending on self-leveling parts.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Heavy rear loading and self-leveling shock wear create internal knock or damping loss.
Quick check
- Drive slowly over broken pavement with the third row quiet.
- Look for oil staining on rear shock bodies.
- Measure rear ride height left-to-right after the car sits.
- Check rear tires for cupping or feathering.
Buyer note
Rear shock noise is a price item if documented, but tow history can make it return.
Owner note
Replace tired rear dampers before they ruin tires and make the car feel loose.
Fault 5
Door belt molding delamination
Affects
2023-2025 Telluride under NHTSA 25V494.
Symptoms
Loose window belt trim, wind noise, trim lifting from door, missing clips.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 150-500 if cosmetic parts are not covered.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Door belt molding can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
Quick check
- Run fingers along each door's lower window trim.
- Look for uneven gaps or fresh adhesive.
- Check recall status on 2023-2025 VINs.
- Listen for trim buzz on highway test drive.
Buyer note
Use open trim campaigns to delay handover, not to reject an otherwise clean car.
Owner note
Photograph lifting trim early; cosmetic disputes get harder after weathering.
Fault 6
Blank LCD instrument cluster
Affects
Some 2022 Telluride vehicles under 21V577 and 22V344.
Symptoms
Cluster remains black after startup, missing speed/gear/fuel display.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 500-1,200 cluster work outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Cluster/display communication faults.
Root cause: LCD display/circuit-board issue can leave the instrument panel blank.
Quick check
- Cold-start the car twice and wait for the cluster to fully wake.
- Check brightness controls and warnings.
- Look up 21V577 and 22V344 on 2022 VINs.
- Do not accept a seller explanation that it is only a low battery until scanned.
Buyer note
A blank speed display is a safety and compliance fault, not a bargaining cosmetic.
Owner note
Document any black-screen event with photo/video before the dealer visit.
Fault 7
Low-speed vibration / wheel and driveline shake
Affects
2021-2025 Telluride, reported across trims.
Symptoms
Seat or steering vibration, repeat tire balancing, shake under acceleration.
Typical repair cost
EUR 100-300 balance/alignment; EUR 800-2,000 if tires, wheels or driveline parts stack up.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Combination of tire uniformity, wheel balance, alignment and sometimes driveline shaft issues.
Quick check
- Test at 40-80 mph on smooth road.
- Accelerate lightly and coast to separate tire shake from driveline load.
- Inspect tire dates and wear pattern.
- Ask whether the car has repeated balance invoices.
Buyer note
A vibration that survives fresh tires needs a deeper diagnosis before purchase.
Owner note
Record speed/load conditions; vague vibration complaints waste dealer visits.
Fault 8
Incorrect spare tire recall
Affects
Some 2022 and 2025 Telluride vehicles.
Symptoms
Wrong temporary spare installed, ABS/TCS behavior risk if spare is used.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 100-300 for correct spare if missing outside campaign.
Codes / scan clues
None until wrong spare is driven; ABS/TCS lights possible.
Root cause: Vehicles may have been equipped with an incorrect temporary spare tire.
Quick check
- Lift the cargo floor and verify spare size.
- Check 22V509 and 25V745 status by VIN.
- Confirm jack and tools are present.
- Inspect tire age and pressure.
Buyer note
This is easy to fix, but it reveals whether the seller has actually checked recalls.
Owner note
Do not use an unknown spare at highway speed; verify it before a trip.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- NHTSA and Kia recall lookup printout for 24V214, 24V407, 25V494 and hitch campaigns.
- Dealer service history showing any rear shock, seat-switch, cluster or trim repairs.
- Tow-hitch installation invoice or confirmation that no four-pin Kia harness is fitted.
- Tire replacement and alignment history.
Walk around
- Inspect door belt moldings, roof trim, hitch connector and rear underside.
- Look for rear shock leakage and uneven rear stance.
- Check windshield and front sensors for chips, cracks and calibration notes.
- Verify spare tire size and tool kit.
In the car
- Power both front seats through full travel.
- Confirm cluster wakes cleanly after startup.
- Test all driver-assistance warnings, cameras and infotainment boot time.
- Check for burnt smell near seat bases and rear hitch wiring area.
Test drive
- Drive at highway speed for vibration.
- Shift between Drive and Reverse and listen for front driveline clunk.
- Run over small bumps listening for rear shock knock.
- Park on a slope and test EPB operation.
Scan tool
- Full body and cluster module scan.
- Check for ABS/AWD communication faults.
- Read battery voltage before and after startup.
- Save recall lookup screenshots with the inspection notes.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a recall-clean 2024 SX/EX AWD or a 2025 with closed seat/trim/spare campaigns and no rear suspension noise. The Telluride is strongest as a family hauler that has not towed heavily.
Avoid: Avoid any car with open roll-away or seat-fire recall status, unexplained vibration, burnt seat-trim smell, or a wet/corroded tow-hitch harness. These are not cosmetic used-car flaws.
Quick answers
Kia Telluride buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Kia Telluride 2021-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Front driveshaft / intermediate shaft roll-away recall; Front power-seat motor overheating; Tow-hitch harness module fire recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Kia Telluride years are the best to buy?
2021-2022 stand out in this generation. Buy a recall-clean 2024 SX/EX AWD or a 2025 with closed seat/trim/spare campaigns and no rear suspension noise. The Telluride is strongest as a family hauler that has not towed heavily.
Which Kia Telluride should I avoid?
Avoid any car with open roll-away or seat-fire recall status, unexplained vibration, burnt seat-trim smell, or a wet/corroded tow-hitch harness. These are not cosmetic used-car flaws.
Is the Kia Telluride 2021-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.7/10 (buy with checks). 2 walk-away risks, 2 serious faults, 4 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: front driveshaft / intermediate shaft roll-away recall.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Kia Telluride guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- apnews.com: 8d0832de5e40e7124dfdae20ea0158af
- apnews.com: cd8cd19cdd1d8686a7328e1e9d5ac4ce
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10238224-0001.pdf
- kiatelluride.org: telluride-vibration.3155
- reddit.com: 1hsndkp
- carcomplaints.com: 2021
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- reddit.com: trim_recall_20023_2025
- carcomplaints.com: 2022