NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Kia Telluride Safety Ratings
The 2020 Kia Telluride scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 728 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A defect record score of 2 out of 20, driven by six recalls, including two park-outside directives, significantly impacts the 2020 Kia Telluride's overall safety assessment. This weakness offsets otherwise strong crash-test scores. The model achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. Buyers should carefully consider the implications of these defect findings.
The 2020 Kia Telluride SUV AWD received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Kia Telluride ranks 102 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 71 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 7 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 728 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 102 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Telluride?
The 2020 Kia Telluride's safety profile is defined by its defect record, not its strong crash test results. This model year accumulated six recalls, two of which required owners to park outside due to fire risk. One park-outside recall addresses seat motor overheating, a campaign that includes 2020 through 2024 Tellurides. An earlier park-outside order for the tow hitch harness also specifically names the 2020 model. Further, a recall for headlight high beam failure is exclusive to the 2020 model year. This recall activity significantly impacts the vehicle's overall safety assessment. While the 2020 Telluride earned a strong crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, reflecting a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side impact result, its defect record sub-score is only 2 out of 20. The avoidance technology sub-score is a full 10 out of 10, with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. However, the accumulated recalls pull the overall Safety Index score to 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. No prior-year Safety Index is available for direct comparison.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Kia Telluride perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Kia Telluride AWD achieved an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, buoyed by a perfect 5-star score in side protection. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover risk stands at 14 percent, with a dynamic tip result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14134
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Telluride have any recalls?
The 2020 Kia Telluride carries six NHTSA recall campaigns. Two are park-outside orders: a front power seat motor overheating risk and a tow hitch wiring harness fire hazard. Additional campaigns address the driveshaft intermediate shaft, high beam headlight failure, electrical wiring tied to Smart Cruise Control, and the broader driveline assembly. Both park-outside orders demand immediate attention.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST26V430000
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC374. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 24V407. Vehicles already rep
Reported 2026-07-02
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST24V407000
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
Reported 2024-06-05
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT24V214000
Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this r
Reported 2024-03-20
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS24V148000
Risk: Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the high beam headlights, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC299.
Reported 2024-02-26
TRAILER HITCHES22V626000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4
Reported 2022-08-15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING20V436000
Risk: Inoperative trailer brake lights can fail to warn other drivers that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional wire harness to the main fuse box to signal the trailer brake lights, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC194.
Reported 2020-07-28
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER19V594000
Risk: If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect seat belt assemblies. The repair will also include replacing the driver's seat belt which has a non-U.S. specified label, with a U.S. specification seat belt. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number f
Reported 2019-08-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Kia Telluride?
NHTSA has logged 728 unverified consumer complaints for the 2020 Kia Telluride. Alleged problem areas include Exterior Lighting with 182 reports, Unknown or Other at 138, Visibility and Wiper systems at 135, and Engine at 131. Owners have also alleged 8 fires and 8 crashes. All figures are unverified allegations, not established facts.
728 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Telluride?
For the 2020 Kia Telluride, two open park-outside recall campaigns may remain unresolved. Shoppers considering this model year should verify recall completion. A total of six recalls have been issued for the 2020 Telluride. It is advisable to run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and obtain written confirmation from a Kia dealership that all recall remedies have been completed.
- The 2020 Telluride has a year-specific high beam headlight recall - the failure campaign names only 2020 model year vehicles, not later production runs.
- Two park-outside recall orders apply directly to this model year: one for front power seat motor overheating and one for a tow hitch wiring harness fire risk - both require dealer remedy before regular use.
- The defect record sub-score of 2 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 73 out of 100 Safety Index, reflecting six accumulated recall campaigns against this specific model year.
- NHTSA has received 728 unverified complaints for this model year, with alleged Exterior Lighting problems leading at 182 reports - a figure worth cross-referencing against the headlight recall campaign unique to 2020 production.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Kia Telluride places
The 2020 Kia Telluride qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Kia Telluride safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Telluride crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Kia Telluride, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Kia Telluride crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Kia Telluride earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Telluride have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Kia Telluride, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Telluride?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 728 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Kia Telluride. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Telluride years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14134), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Telluride 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 102 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.