Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

21 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
5

Most reports here involve transmission slipping.

transmission slipping 3fluid leaks 1sudden stalling 1
A recent report: 2027 Kia Telluride gasoline model. On multiple occasions, while accelerating from a complete stop, the engine RPM increases but the vehicle does not accelerate normally. The condition is…
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2027 Kia Telluride gasoline model. On multiple occasions, while accelerating from a complete stop, the engine RPM increases but the vehicle does not accelerate normally. The condition is intermittent. During the delay, the transmission appears to engage or shift at least twice before the vehicle begins accelerating normally. This creates an unpredictable delay when attempting to accelerate from a stopped position and is a safety concern when entering or crossing traffic. No warning light has appeared. Vehicle is scheduled for dealer inspection on September 1, 2026.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11759905 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
3

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 1
A recent report: I am reporting multiple intermittent safety and electrical issues with my 2027 Kia Telluride. The rear passenger seat on the driver’s side repeatedly detects or indicates that a person is occupying…
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I am reporting multiple intermittent safety and electrical issues with my 2027 Kia Telluride. The rear passenger seat on the driver’s side repeatedly detects or indicates that a person is occupying the seat when the seat is completely empty with no objects on it. When this occurs, the rear seat belt warning activates and the alarm/chime repeatedly sounds as though an unbelted passenger is present. The issue is unpredictable. Sometimes it begins shortly after starting the vehicle and driving away. Other times, the vehicle operates normally and the warning suddenly activates while I am already driving. I have also experienced an Auto Hold system error/malfunction as well as other intermittent electrical/dashboard errors affecting vehicle functions and warning indicators. I am a member of a Facebook group for owners of this vehicle, and numerous owners have reported experiencing similar rear-seat detection/seat belt warning problems. I have also seen multiple reports from owners describing other electrical issues with their vehicles. This raises concern that these problems may not be isolated to my vehicle. I contacted my Kia dealership regarding these concerns and was advised that there is currently nothing they can do because there is no recall for the vehicle addressing these issues. I am concerned that an electrical, software, sensor, wiring, or control-module defect may be affecting multiple systems. The false occupant warning is especially concerning because I cannot determine whether the vehicle’s occupant and safety systems will function properly when an actual passenger is present. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these issues to determine whether they represent a broader safety defect affecting the 2027 Kia Telluride.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758881 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Minor
1

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 1
A recent report: Vehicle shifts into drive and reverse, but will not move freely. Feels as though brakes are locked up, but emergency brake is not on.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11743623 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
5

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 3
A recent report: When all occupants in the vehicle have their safety belts on the safety belt warning alarm still sounds. I noticed it in August 2026 that it still ring . It had not been reported until today . It…
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When all occupants in the vehicle have their safety belts on the safety belt warning alarm still sounds. I noticed it in August 2026 that it still ring . It had not been reported until today . It happens often.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763907 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
7

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

software faults 2
A recent report: When backing up the vehicle failed to alert, backed up into another vehicle that was reversing at the same time. Driver on both vehicles failed to see each other and ended up rear ending each other…
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When backing up the vehicle failed to alert, backed up into another vehicle that was reversing at the same time. Driver on both vehicles failed to see each other and ended up rear ending each other. The system did not function as no alert ever came up on the vehicle. Kia claims to have all the safety features to prevent this and yet it happened while backing out of the house.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761282 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 21 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2026 and 2026, roughly 21 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.