MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2024 Kia Telluride

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2024 Kia Telluride Safety Ratings

The 2024 Kia Telluride scores 70 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 200 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

5Recalls
200Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2024 Kia Telluride achieves an Average NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, its standing anchored by strong NHTSA crash-test results. However, four recall campaigns, notably one advising owners to park outdoors, tempered the overall rating. This is further reflected in a modest avoidance-tech sub-score, preventing the vehicle from attaining a higher safety assessment.

The 2024 Kia Telluride received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, based on NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia Telluride ranks 138 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2024 Kia Telluride safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index70 / 100 (Average)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk14.3%
Recalls on file5 (includes park-outside)
Owner complaints200 (unverified allegations)
Class rank138 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia Telluride?

A park-outside instruction accompanies one of the four recall campaigns affecting the 2024 Kia Telluride, stemming from a seat-motor overheating risk. The engine valve spring breakage recall, specific to the 2024 model year, further contributes to a defect-record sub-score of 7.75 out of 20 for this vehicle. These four recalls have been issued over approximately two years. Despite the recall burden, the 2024 Telluride achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This represents a one-point increase over the 2023 model's 73 out of 100. This gain is primarily driven by a strong crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, reflecting the 5-star overall rating and a clean dynamic tip outcome published by the federal safety agency. The avoidance-tech sub-score remains a relative weakness at 5 out of 10. While forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standard equipment, this score suggests the impact of scoring weight given to optional versus fully standard systems. In addition to the recalls, 200 unverified complaints have been filed, with a notable concentration around the electrical system and forward collision avoidance. These complaints underscore the importance of ensuring all recall remedies are completed before acquiring a 2024 Kia Telluride.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia Telluride perform in crash tests?

The 2024 Kia Telluride achieved a 5 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection was rated at the maximum 5 stars. Frontal crash protection earned 4 stars, as did rollover prevention, with a 14 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result on the dynamic test.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19272

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record3.75/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia Telluride have any recalls?

Yes. The 2024 Kia Telluride carries four recall campaigns. One is a park-outside advisory tied to front power seat motors that may overheat due to a stuck switch. Additional campaigns address engine valve springs that may break while driving, driveshaft components that may not be fully engaged, and door belt molding trim that can delaminate and detach.

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL24V077000

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. A hole in the engine block increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC296.

Reported 2024-02-07

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia Telluride?

NHTSA has received 200 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include Unknown or Other issues (60 reports), Electrical System (42), Visibility and Wipers (29), Forward Collision Avoidance (27), and Structure (24). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.

200 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

5reported crash
2reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 60Electrical System 42Visibility/Wiper 29Forward Collision Avoidance 27Structure 24Vehicle Speed Control 15

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia Telluride?

A critical safety check for any prospective 2024 Kia Telluride owner is to verify open recall status via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Two specific recalls merit attention. The "park outside" guidance associated with the power seat motor recall is a significant safety concern. Furthermore, the 2024 model year is subject to an engine valve spring recall. Confirming that remedies for both have been completed is essential for any purchase.

  • The 2024 Telluride carries a park-outside advisory tied to a front power seat motor overheating risk, a campaign that also covers 2020-2023 units but requires VIN-specific confirmation of remedy on any 2024 example.
  • An engine valve spring breakage recall is specific to 2024 Telluride vehicles and does not extend to prior model years, making it a year-exclusive safety item to verify before purchase.
  • The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the weakest component of the 74/100 Safety Index, despite standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning, indicating room for improvement in the tech-credit portion of the rating.
  • Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA include 27 unverified allegations related to Forward Collision Avoidance, a figure worth noting given that the system is standard equipment on this model year.

RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia Telluride places

The 2024 Kia Telluride qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2024 Kia Telluride safety questions

Was the 2024 Kia Telluride crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia Telluride, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 70 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 2024 Kia Telluride crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Kia Telluride have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 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 2024 Kia Telluride?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 200 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Kia Telluride. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Telluride years

Rivals in SUV (2024)

Safest SUV rivals, 2024 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2024 Lexus Rz 300e100/100not rated0
2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd100/1005 of 50
2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness98/100not rated0
2024 Lexus Rz 450e96/1005 of 50
2024 Buick Encore GX95/1005 of 52
2024 Nissan Murano95/1005 of 51
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19272), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Telluride 2024.
  • 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 138 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
  • 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.