What year is Telluride not to buy?

Quick answer and what this guide covers

Short answer, for readers who want a fast take: some early production Kia Telluride model years, especially many 2020 examples and certain 2021 vehicles, show up more often in recalls and owner complaint timelines, so they usually deserve closer scrutiny before you commit to a purchase. At the same time, the Telluride as a model retains ratings at or above segment average, so not every used example from those years should be ruled out without inspection and paperwork checks. Buyers looking at a kia telluride for sale should confirm VIN level recall status and verify remedies were completed, and they should obtain a vehicle history report before negotiating.

This guide covers the practical steps and evidence you need to decide: a concise summary of model year concerns and their likely impact, a review of official recalls and which years are most often affected, a walkthrough of common owner reported problems, step by step VIN checks and vehicle history report items to verify, an inspection and test drive checklist focused on known issues, decision criteria for when to walk away, common buying mistakes to avoid, and short scenarios that translate the guidance into clear next steps.

The goal in the first pass is simple: when you see a Telluride listing, verify whether the specific VIN has open recalls and whether recall remedies were completed, then check ownership and service history on a vehicle history report. If you confirm those basics, proceed to focused in person checks on electrical, seats, and warning lights.

What the data says about Telluride model years and recalls

Official records show multiple recall campaigns covering Telluride model years from 2020 through 2024, including a known campaign for front power-seat motor overheating that can pose a fire hazard and that has published remedies. Confirming recall scope and remedy instructions at the VIN level is important when evaluating any used listing NHTSA Recall Summary - Kia Telluride (2020-2024).

Kia owner notices and the manufacturer's recall pages list campaign details and owner remedy plans, which explain how affected components are inspected or replaced at no cost when a recall applies. Buyers should read the maker's recall descriptions and compare them to the VIN report or dealer service documents for the car under review Kia Owner Notices & Recalls - Telluride recall information and owner remedies.

Which model years show clusters of action? Across public recall timelines and complaint databases, early production runs, particularly many 2020 examples and some 2021 vehicles, appear more frequently in both official recalls and owner reports. That clustering suggests extra scrutiny for those years, both to confirm recall completion and to check for related owner repairs documented in service history Kia Telluride complaints and problem overview. See NHTSA details for newer model recalls 2025 Telluride recalls.

How recall remedy programs typically work is worth a quick primer. When a recall is announced, manufacturers and NHTSA publish the affected VIN ranges and the remedy steps. Dealers are required to perform the prescribed repairs at no charge. That is why VIN level verification can convert a risky listing into an acceptable one if the recall work is completed and documented. If documentation is missing, insist on proof or verify with the dealer or a service center before proceeding Kia Owner Notices & Recalls - Telluride recall information and owner remedies.

Common owner-reported problems to watch for

Aggregated owner complaint sources concentrate non powertrain trouble in a few categories: electrical and infotainment faults, accessory and trim failures, and seat mechanisms. These are the items that show up most often in owner reports, rather than widespread engine or transmission failures, so they are the practical priority during a walkaround and test drive Kia Telluride complaints and problem overview.

Electrical and infotainment problems can range from screen freezing and software glitches to Bluetooth pairing failures and intermittent warning lights. These issues can be time consuming to diagnose and, when not covered by a recall, may lead to out of pocket repairs for the buyer. Check the vehicle history report for repeat dealer visits or owner repairs related to electronic modules or infotainment systems Kia Telluride reliability, common repairs and cost overview. RepairPal also maintains recall and reliability pages for recent model years RepairPal Telluride 2025 recalls.

Accessory and interior trim problems, such as loose panels or failing switches, are typically owner reported and not often covered by safety recalls. They can be a nuisance and sometimes require parts that have long lead times. When an owner report lists repeat interior repairs, ask to see service invoices to understand whether complaints were recurring or one off events.

Seat related complaints are notable because they include both mechanical faults in seat tracks and motors and the specific front power-seat motor overheating campaign that has an associated recall remedy. When seat function is affected, the problem can be either a covered recall repair or an owner paid fix. Confirm which before relying on a seller's claim that a seat issue was resolved NHTSA Recall Summary - Kia Telluride (2020-2024).

Distinguishing recall issues from owner reported wear is a practical skill. If a complaint or service record mentions the same symptom as a known recall, treat it as likely covered until warranty and VIN checks say otherwise. If the problem is an infotainment glitch or trim rattle with no recall reference, assume it may have been handled by the owner and could recur, meaning a potential out of pocket cost.

VIN checks, vehicle history reports, and recall verification

Step 1, run a VIN lookup for open recalls. Use either the NHTSA VIN tool or the manufacturer's VIN lookup resource to check whether any recalls are open against that VIN, or run a VIN report on CarFax Deals CarFax Deals VIN report. A VIN level check will show open recalls and often state whether the recall remedy is complete or outstanding. Confirming the VIN is the fastest way to move from a general concern about model years to a specific assessment of the car in front of you NHTSA Recall Summary - Kia Telluride (2020-2024).

Step 2, confirm completion of recall repairs with documentation. Even if the VIN check reports a past recall, verify the work was performed by obtaining service records or a signed dealer repair order that matches the required remedy description. Ask the seller for the repair invoice or contact the servicing dealer with the VIN to confirm the repair history Kia Owner Notices & Recalls - Telluride recall information and owner remedies.

Step 3, review the vehicle history report carefully. Look for ownership counts, title status, reported service entries, and any reported accidents. Service entries that repeat the same symptom, such as recurring electrical module work or repeated seat repairs, can indicate persistent problems even if no current recall is open. Use the report to prioritize inspection points during your visit to the seller CARFAX is an example provider or run a report on CarFax Deals run report.

Step 4, interpret what you find. An open recall is a red flag you should not ignore. A completed recall with a matching dealer invoice is a major reassurance. Multiple owner reported repairs in the history report, particularly for the same subsystem, suggest you should either walk away or insist on price reductions and clear repair documentation before closing.

Inspection checklist and test-drive priorities for used Telluride listings

Electrical, seats, and infotainment should be top of the list. During a test drive, pair your phone to the car, try streaming audio, check all display menus and climate controls, and watch for intermittent reboots or lag. Verify all USB ports and external inputs, and pay attention to any warning lights that remain on after startup. If infotainment hangs or reboots during your visit, document it and ask for service records connected to that symptom Kia Telluride reliability, common repairs and cost overview.

Seat operation deserves specific tests. Cycle all power seat motions front to back, tilt and lumbar if equipped, and test seat heaters at multiple settings. Listen for grinding or unusual noises from seat motors, and move the seats while the car is both off and running. Because seat motor overheating is a documented recall area, if you find sluggish or erratic seat movement ask for proof of the recall remedy before continuing NHTSA Recall Summary - Kia Telluride (2020-2024).

Powertrain and brake checks remain standard. During the drive, note any hesitations, unusual vibrations, or transmission shifting behavior. Brake feel should be consistent without pulsing or grab. While broad powertrain failures are not the primary owner complaint for the Telluride, long term durability questions exist for any used three row SUV and merit review of service records for scheduled maintenance Kia Telluride reliability and owner satisfaction report. See recent recalls listed on Cars.com Cars.com 2025 recalls.

Ask to see records for routine maintenance items such as fluid changes, brake service, and any repairs that relate to recurring electrical faults. If the dealer cannot provide specific invoices for fixes that appear in the vehicle history, insist on a clear explanation or a service verification from a qualified shop before you finalize a purchase. For guidance on steps to run before you visit a seller, see our how-to guide how-to-use.

Decision criteria: which model years and conditions make sense to avoid

When to require extra assurances. Treat early production 2020 and some 2021 Telluride listings as higher risk by default. That does not mean every 2020 vehicle must be avoided, but it does mean you should demand VIN level recall verification, documented recall remedy proof, and a clean pattern in service history for recurring electrical or seat issues before you sign anything Kia Telluride complaints and problem overview.

Clear red flags that should prompt a walk away or firm demands include: open recalls on the VIN, missing service records for required recall remedies, repeated service entries for the same electrical or seat problem with no lasting fix, and title anomalies or salvage branding on the vehicle history report. Any of these increases the likelihood of near term repairs and cost exposure.

When a vehicle can still be a reasonable buy. Later model years or cars with confirmed and documented recall completions, an otherwise clean service history, and no repeated owner complaints are often acceptable for many buyers. If you plan to keep the car long term, check whether extended warranty options are available and compare those costs against expected repair exposures for non recall items.

Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them

A common error is relying only on the dealer description or photos. Many of the Telluride issues reported by owners, such as intermittent infotainment faults or seat motor quirks, are not visible in photos. Always run a VIN check and obtain the complete vehicle history report before scheduling a test drive Kia Owner Notices & Recalls - Telluride recall information and owner remedies.

Another mistake is assuming recalls were completed without documentation. If a seller says a recall was addressed, ask for the repair order or the dealer invoice that matches the recall remedy. If documentation is not available, contact the servicing dealer with the VIN to confirm the repair history rather than accepting a verbal claim.

Skipping a thorough test of electrical and seat functions is another frequent misstep. Because infotainment and seat mechanisms are common complaint areas, test device pairing, voice controls, screen menus, and all seat adjustments. If an issue appears during the test drive, document it and factor the likely repair cost into negotiations.

Finally, do not ignore repeated small repairs in the service history. Several modest, recurring fixes in the same subsystem often add up to a pattern that predicts future cost. Use the vehicle history report to identify patterns and ask the dealer for detailed service invoices when you see repeat entries.

Practical examples and next steps for your listing review

Scenario A: 2020 Telluride with open recall entries. Action: do not proceed with purchase until the open recalls are resolved. Require the seller to have the recall work completed and provide the corresponding repair orders, or verify with the manufacturer that the VIN is clear of open campaigns. Open recalls related to safety components should be treated as immediate blockers NHTSA Recall Summary - Kia Telluride (2020-2024).

Run CarFax Report

Run a vehicle history report

Scenario B: 2022 Telluride with owner reported infotainment repairs. Action: request service invoices for those repairs and understand whether they were one off fixes or recurring visits. If the infotainment problem recurs, expect possible out of pocket repairs and price accordingly. Consider a pre purchase inspection that includes a specialist check of software and modules Kia Telluride reliability, common repairs and cost overview.

Scenario C: later model year with confirmed recall completions and documented service history. Action: if the VIN shows completed recall work with matching service invoices, and the vehicle history report shows routine maintenance with no repeated subsystem repairs, this can be a reasonable purchase for many buyers. Confirm the test drive is clean and verify no active warnings appear.

Short action checklist to use on a listing: 1) Run a VIN recall check, 2) Obtain a vehicle history report and review service records, 3) Test electrical, infotainment, and seat functions in person, 4) Ask for dealer or service repair invoices for any recall or repeated repairs, 5) Walk away or require documented fixes for open safety recalls.