2021 Kia Telluride Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 18%of 373 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Kia Telluride, 18% of the 373 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,500 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was low on oil and check oil light don't go on have to put oil very 2 week because it get low and I don't have no oil leak at all I found out because the motor start shaking and making noise tow it home and mechanical came to check it out and didn't have oil he say I was lurking I was not in the highway because it could lock the mortar and cause a accident”
NHTSA complaint #11756506, filed 2026-08“Excessive Oil usage to the point of no oil on dip stick yet engine doesnt alert to low oil or pressure. Engine started sputtering and stalling which is why we even checked. Oil changes are done on normal basis. This seems to be a common complaint on the Internet now that I am looking into this. This car is 4 years old and should not be having engine trouble.”
NHTSA complaint #11655365, filed 2025-04“The last two times I have been due for an oil change my car has been completely empty. It is 4 years old and burning 4/5 quarts of oil between oil changes. Yesterday for example, my oil notification came on, today I start my car and my engine light came on, check the oil and nothing. Put 2 quarts of oil in it so I can make it to the mechanic tomorrow. This should not be happening on a 4 year old vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11657104, filed 2025-04“When starting in the cold (approx 30 degrees F or less), the Kia has a very high pitch squeal. The sound appears to be coming from inside the engine and is NOT a pulley or slipping belt. There is a lot of discussion about this issue on the web, and Kia has not issued any resolution to any of the customers who have complained and taken to dealers. This link is not my car but is the same noise - if necessary, I too have my own video I can share. …”
NHTSA complaint #11450915, filed 2022-02“Bought the vehicle in February. The vehicle is burning oil too fast. In 1 week 5 qts. I don't drive much as I work from home. Kia dealer wants thousands of dollars. I paid for extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11707979, filed 2025-12Related service bulletins
- 11037615Sep 25, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION: This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing a 2020-2025MY Telluride (ON) vehicle's engine…
- 11033994Jun 4, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET REPLACEMENT (WTY045) - This bulletin provides information regarding the ‘Warranty Extension…
- 11031935Apr 30, 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…
- 11031933Apr 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…
- 11031928Apr 29, 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…
- 11031920Apr 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…
- 11031915Apr 29, 2026WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY045) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty…
- 11029044Feb 21, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC357) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign…
- 11029138Feb 16, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: ECU EMISSIONS SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC357) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Engine…
- 11028790Feb 12, 2026Sc357_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Kia Telluride
106 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
86 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsBody and structure
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsForward collision avoidance
22 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Kia Telluride
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology