2021 Kia Telluride engine problems
57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Kia Telluride — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop…”
filed Jul 28, 2026
“Constant jerking and shuttering when accelerating/shifting gears. Oil consumption done last year as dealership thought it was engine related. Engine replaced. Problem continues. Fuel in MAP sensor. Continued shuttering at acceleration, shuttering at parked idle, shuttering at braking idle, engine…”
filed Jul 16, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET REPLACEMENT (WTY045) - This bulletin provides information regarding the ‘Warranty Extension Program (WTY045)’ for the inspection and, if…
WTY045_TSB · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Jun 4, 2026WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY045) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this…
WTY045_REIMB · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Apr 30, 2026WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY045) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to…
WTY045_OWNR · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Apr 30, 2026WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY045) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty…
WTY045_DPSM · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Apr 29, 2026WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY045) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners for certain…
WTY045_DP · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Apr 29, 2026
Engine problems in other Telluride years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Telluride | 28 | 31% |
| 2024 Telluride | 15 | 7% |
| 2023 Telluride | 21 | 11% |
| 2022 Telluride | 28 | 9% |
| 2020 Telluride | 136 | 18% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia Telluride
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.