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Kia Telluride Reliability Grade

FOverall

Poor reliability

EngineD
TransmissionD

Grade a specific Kia Telluride

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Kia Telluride earns an F overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a D for its engine and a D for its transmission. It ranks 22nd of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. Both its engine (D) and transmission (D) grade poorly, so a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is a must. Grades are based on 1,665 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Kia Telluride reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2020F2021D2022C-2023C-2024D

Years to avoid: 2020 (oil burning) and 2021 (engine failure / knocking)

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Kia Telluride last?

170,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Kia Telluride problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Kia Telluride, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Telluride problems

Kia Telluride vs. other midsize SUVs

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Nissan Murano A A A
Toyota 4Runner A A A
Buick Enclave A- B+ A-
Toyota Highlander A- B- B+
Mazda CX-9 B- B+ B+
Subaru Outback B+ B B
Chevrolet Traverse B C+ B-
GMC Acadia B C B-
Dodge Journey B- B- B-
Honda Pilot C C+ C+
Nissan Pathfinder B- C C+
Subaru Ascent B C- C+
Chevrolet Blazer C+ C- C+
Dodge Durango B- C+ C+
Jeep Grand Cherokee C C- C
Volkswagen Atlas C- B C
Ford Explorer C+ C C-
Honda Passport C C C-
Hyundai Santa Fe D C- D
Kia Sorento D C- D
Ford Edge C D D
Hyundai Palisade D D F
Kia Telluride D D F

Most reliable midsize SUVs →

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Kia Telluride reliability FAQ

Is the Kia Telluride reliable?

Poor reliability. The Kia Telluride earns an F overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a D for its engine and a D for its transmission. It ranks 22nd of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. Both its engine (D) and transmission (D) grade poorly, so a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is a must. Grades are based on 1,665 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Kia Telluride last?

We estimate a well-maintained Kia Telluride lasts around 170,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Kia Telluride?

No Kia Telluride model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2021, 2022 and 2023.

What Kia Telluride years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Kia Telluride years to be most careful with are 2020 and 2021. The 2020 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is oil burning. The 2021 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission C), and its top engine/transmission problem is engine failure / knocking.

Is the Kia Telluride transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Kia Telluride transmission a D (poor reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Kia Telluride engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Kia Telluride engine a D (poor reliability).