NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Kia Telluride Safety Ratings
The 2025 Kia Telluride scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 78 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Kia Telluride demonstrates genuinely impressive crash-test performance, contributing to a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, a strong showing. This score represents a meaningful six-point climb from the 2024 model's 74/100 Average rating. However, the presence of three active recalls tempers this otherwise positive assessment.
The 2025 Kia Telluride received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Kia Telluride ranks 140 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 78 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 140 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia Telluride?
The 2025 Telluride represents the strongest Safety Index result this nameplate has posted in back-to-back years tracked by MotorCaliber, jumping six points from the 2024 model's 74/100 Average to 80/100 Strong. The bulk of that score rests on crash protection, where the vehicle earned 61 out of a possible 70 points, anchored by that 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side result. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning but leaves room for improvement relative to the top of the market. The defect record component scores 13.5 out of 20, a figure shaped by three recall campaigns that are specific and consequential: a seat recliner manufacturing error on power-seat trims, a mismatched spare tire, and a multi-year door trim delamination issue that also sweeps in 2023 and 2024 units. The 78 filed complaints, while unverified, include alleged engine and electrical concerns that prospective buyers should monitor as the model year ages on the road.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Kia Telluride perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Kia Telluride SUV AWD achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly noteworthy, earning a perfect 5 stars, the strongest result across all tests. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle carries a 14 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20731
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia Telluride have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2025 Telluride. The first involves front seat recliner assemblies on power-seat-equipped vehicles, tied to a manufacturing error. The second flags an incorrect spare tire fitment shared with the 2026 Sorento. The third, spanning 2023 through 2025 Telluride vehicles, addresses door belt molding trim that can delaminate and detach while driving. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER26V105000
Risk: A seat back frame that fails to properly restrain an occupant during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat back frame assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning April 24, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC362. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-23
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE25V745000
Risk: Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the spare wheel and tire assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC355. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-31
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia Telluride?
NHTSA has logged 78 unverified owner complaints for this model year, including alleged reports of 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (21 reports), Unknown Or Other (16), Visibility and Wipers (13), and the Electrical System (13). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
78 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia Telluride?
Three distinct recall campaigns affect the 2025 Kia Telluride, necessitating a VIN check through NHTSA's recall lookup tool for any prospective buyer. Individual vehicles may still have open remedies for these issues. Among them are campaigns addressing the seat recliner and spare tire. Confirming completion of all outstanding recall work at an authorized Kia dealership, with documentation, is a prudent step for ownership.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index of 80/100 Strong is a six-point improvement over the 2024 Telluride's 74/100 Average, the largest single-year gain in recent index history for this model.
- A seat recliner recall specific to 2025 power-seat-equipped Telluride vehicles stems from a manufacturing error and is unique to this model year's production run.
- The door belt molding delamination recall spans 2023 through 2025 Telluride units, meaning used buyers cannot assume a prior owner addressed this campaign on a 2025 example.
- Engine-related concerns top the unverified complaint log at 21 alleged reports, making that category worth asking about when inspecting any specific 2025 Telluride unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Kia Telluride places
The 2025 Kia Telluride qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Kia Telluride safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia Telluride crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Kia Telluride, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Kia Telluride crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Kia Telluride have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Kia Telluride. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia Telluride?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 78 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20731), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Telluride 2025.
- 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 140 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.