NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Telluride
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2023 Kia Telluride carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18811
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM25V494000
Risk: A detached trim piece can become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the belt molding trim assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC347.
Reported 2025-07-28
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL23V298000
Risk: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Reported 2023-04-26
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW23V035000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the air bag wire harnesses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC262.
Reported 2023-01-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
188 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.