NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Telluride Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Telluride scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 326 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Kia Telluride presents a mixed safety profile, achieving an Average rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100. Its strong performance in federal crash tests contributes significantly to this score. However, a series of four recalls, notably including two "park outside" advisories, along with a comparatively low defect record sub-score, introduce significant caveats. While its crashworthiness is commendable, potential owners should consider the implications of its recall history.
The 2021 Kia Telluride received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100, derived exclusively from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Telluride ranks 106 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 | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 5 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 326 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 106 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The 2021 Kia Telluride achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all provided as standard equipment. This contributed to its overall Safety Index score of 75/100, a two-point increase from the 2020 model's 73/100, placing both model years in the Average band. The vehicle earned a strong crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a 5 out of 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating. However, the 2021 Telluride's defect record significantly lowers its overall safety standing, scoring only 4 out of a possible 20 points. Four recalls are on file, with two carrying park-outside severity designations. One recall, for seat motor overheating, affects a wide range of Telluride models from 2020-2024. Another recall, specific to the 2021 model year, concerns the airbag Occupant Classification and Detection System, also impacting the K5 and Forte. Used-market buyers should verify this recall by VIN. The NHTSA database also lists 326 unverified consumer complaints for the 2021 Telluride, including alleged reports of 7 crashes and 4 fires. These defect and complaint figures highlight a critical area for prospective owners to address, despite the strong crash-test results.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Telluride perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Kia Telluride achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection tests earned a full 5 stars. Frontal impact and rollover resistance each received 4 stars. The Telluride’s rollover risk was assessed at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test resulting in No Tip. All crash-test categories for this model year were rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15134
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Telluride have any recalls?
The 2021 Kia Telluride carries four recall campaigns. Two are park-outside orders: one covering a front power seat motor that may overheat, and one involving a 4-pin tow hitch harness. A third addresses a driveshaft that may not be fully engaged. A fourth, specific to 2021 model year units, targets the Occupant Classification and Detection System within the airbag restraint control module.
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
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
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE21V164000
Risk: In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Reported 2021-03-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Telluride?
NHTSA has logged 326 unverified owner allegations for the 2021 Telluride. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (89 reports), Visibility and Wipers (60), and the Engine (53). Electrical System, Structure, and Powertrain also appear among the top reported components. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
326 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The 2021 Kia Telluride carries specific recall concerns that prospective owners must address. Crucially, three distinct recalls impact this model year: the airbag OCS module, the seat motor overheating, and the tow hitch harness. Each of these requires confirmation of remedy via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Of particular note, any unresolved park-outside recall, such as the seat motor overheating or the tow hitch harness, should be considered a critical factor in the purchasing decision.
- The 2021 model year carries a recall exclusive to this year: the airbag Occupant Classification and Detection System recall filed in March 2021, affecting 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles.
- Two of the four recalls on this model year carry park-outside severity designations, one for a front power seat motor overheating risk and one for a 4-pin tow hitch harness, both of which remain actionable for used buyers who have not verified remedy completion.
- The defect-record sub-score of 4 out of 20 is the primary reason the 2021 Telluride's Safety Index of 75/100 stays in the Average band despite a perfect crash-avoidance tech score and a strong overall crash-test result.
- The 2021 Telluride's Safety Index rose two points from the 2020 model year's 73/100, a modest gain that reflects the same Average band but signals a slightly improved defect and crash-test profile year over year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Telluride places
The 2021 Kia Telluride qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Telluride safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Telluride crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Kia Telluride crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Telluride have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Kia Telluride?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 326 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15134), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Telluride 2021.
- 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 106 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.