NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Telluride Safety Ratings
The 2023 Kia Telluride scores 69 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 188 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A NHTSA Safety Index of 73/100 places the 2023 Kia Telluride in the Average band. Its strong NHTSA crash-test scores are offset by five recall campaigns, which hold its defect-record sub-score to 6.75 out of 20. This is a reasonable safety choice, though with caveats worth examining.
The 2023 Kia Telluride received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Kia Telluride ranks 135 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 69 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 6 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 188 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 135 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Kia Telluride?
Five distinct recall campaigns significantly impact the 2023 Kia Telluride's safety profile, contributing to a defect record sub-score of 6.75 out of 20, the primary detractor from its overall Safety Index of 73/100. This score remains unchanged from the 2022 model year, indicating no measurable safety progress or regression in this generation. Among these recalls, the most impactful involves a park-outside seat motor overheat, affecting 2020-2024 Tellurides. Additionally, a second-row airbag wire harness recall issued in January of the 2023 model's launch year suggests an early manufacturing-stage defect. The vehicle's crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 represents a clear strength, underpinned by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side impact score. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 indicates that while standard features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning are present, the overall suite does not achieve a top-tier rating. For the 2023 Kia Telluride, its recall history stands as the predominant safety concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Kia Telluride perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kia Telluride achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection registered a perfect 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 stars. The Telluride's rollover risk is assessed at 14 percent, and it exhibited no tip in the dynamic test. All categories were rated.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Kia Telluride have any recalls?
Yes, five recall campaigns cover the 2023 Telluride. One is a park-outside campaign tied to a front power seat motor that may overheat due to a stuck switch, raising a fire concern. Other campaigns address door belt molding delamination, a driveshaft seating defect, an instrument cluster electrical issue, and a second-row side airbag wire harness manufacturing error.
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
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Kia Telluride?
Owners have filed 188 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 5 crashes, 2 fires, and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (53 reports), Electrical System (46), Visibility and Wipers (28), Powertrain (21), and Engine (19). All are unverified consumer allegations.
188 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Kia Telluride?
Five recall campaigns are on record for the 2023 Telluride, a notable figure for a single model year. Prospective owners should prioritize verifying that all applicable recall remedies have been completed. Of particular concern is the park-outside advisory related to seat motor overheating, a campaign that warrants specific confirmation of its resolution before purchase.
- The 2023 Telluride carries five NHTSA recall campaigns, including a park-outside advisory for a front power seat motor overheat risk that applies to this model year.
- A second-row side airbag wire harness recall was issued in January 2023, indicating a manufacturing defect present from production, making VIN-level remedy verification especially important for used buyers.
- The defect-record sub-score of 6.75 out of 20 is the single largest factor holding the Safety Index at 73/100, outweighing the strong 61-out-of-70 crash-protection performance.
- With 188 unverified owner complaints on file, the Electrical System category (46 alleged reports) and Visibility and Wipers category (28 alleged reports) are the most active non-powertrain complaint areas for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Kia Telluride places
The 2023 Kia Telluride qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Kia Telluride safety questions
Was the 2023 Kia Telluride crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Kia Telluride, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 69 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Kia Telluride crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Kia Telluride have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 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 2023 Kia Telluride?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 188 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18811), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Telluride 2023.
- 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 135 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.