MODEL
Kia Telluride
NHTSA safety across every Kia Telluride model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Kia Telluride we cover (2020 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 80 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 73. 28 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Telluride is a three-row midsize SUV that has carved out serious credibility in a competitive family-hauler segment since its 2020 debut. Positioned as a near-premium alternative to pricier domestic and Japanese rivals, it targets families who want generous interior space, a composed road presence, and strong value. The Telluride competes directly with the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade.
The Kia Telluride earns a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 in its strongest year, 2025, with scores ranging across Strong and Average bands depending on the model year you examine. Crash-test geometry tells a mixed but generally solid story: side-impact protection reaches a full 5 out of 5 stars, which is genuinely reassuring for a tall three-row SUV. Frontal and rollover results land at 4 out of 5 stars each, respectable but not flawless, and worth weighing if frontal-impact protection is a priority for your household. The recall picture demands honest scrutiny. Across the 2020 to 2025 model years, the Telluride has accumulated 28 recalls, and 8 of those carried park-outside or do-not-drive designations, meaning federal regulators considered the risk serious enough to pull vehicles from normal use. That is a number shoppers should not gloss over. Owner complaints total 1,825 across covered years. Within that pool, 38 crashes, 21 fire-related allegations, 36 injuries, and 1 death have been reported. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed incidents, but the fire-related complaint volume in particular warrants attention when researching specific model years. Check the NHTSA database for your target year before buying, and confirm any open recalls are resolved at delivery.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Telluride as one of the more well-rounded three-row SUVs in its class, praising its cabin quality, spaciousness, and composed driving character for the segment. Most professional assessments position it as a strong family-vehicle choice, though some note the competitive midsize SUV field has grown tighter in recent years.
- Eight of the Telluride's 28 recalls across 2020 to 2025 carried park-outside or do-not-drive warnings, indicating elevated urgency. Always verify whether any open recall applies to a specific VIN before purchase or continued use.
- Side-impact crash protection is the Telluride's strongest federal test result at 5 out of 5 stars, while frontal and rollover ratings hold at 4 out of 5, so the vehicle is not uniformly top-rated across all crash modes.
- Owner complaints include 21 fire-related allegations across the covered model years. These are unverified, but prospective buyers should cross-reference their target model year against NHTSA complaint records to spot any concentrated patterns.
- The 2025 model year achieved the highest Safety Index score in the covered range at 80 out of 100, suggesting Kia has made incremental safety improvements over the generation. If maximum federal safety scores matter to you, the newest available model year has the edge.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Kia Telluride with 6 recalls.