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2025 Kia Telluride Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 10, 2026·Ethan Miller
2025 Kia Telluride Report

Overall Score

6.8/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Telluride earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
  • Its 3.8L V6 engine and 8-speed automatic provide competent performance with 20 MPG combined.
  • While no consumer complaints are logged, multiple recalls, especially for seat recliners and spare tire fitment affecting ABS/TCS, require verification of completion.
  • The primary ownership concern revolves around potential seat frame failures, a critical safety component.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride presents itself as a well-rounded family SUV, boasting a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Under the hood, a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission delivers power to all four wheels, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined. While consumer complaints are notably absent, a significant number of recalls, particularly concerning seat integrity and potential ABS/TCS issues, warrant careful inspection. These recalls suggest a focus on early-life manufacturing defects rather than wear-and-tear.

Critical Failure Risk

Recalls indicate potential for exterior trim pieces to delaminate or detach from the vehicle body. This can occur due to manufacturing defects or environmental exposure.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$1,500 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls8
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
20
MPG
City
18
MPG
Highway
23
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

7.7/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Families seeking a spacious and safe three-row SUV.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers unwilling to meticulously check recall completion records.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 Kia Telluride Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 Kia Telluride.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
20

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Most Common Issues

1. Exterior Trim Detachment

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Seat Recliner Failure

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades

Est. shop cost: $100 - $175

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (6 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
8 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2025 Kia Telluride reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Kia Telluride is 7.7/10. Reliability score is 7.7/10. NHTSA recalls: 8. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2025 Kia Telluride for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 20 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Kia Telluride is 6.8/10. Overall score is 6.8/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.2/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $300 - $500. Repair prediction highlight: Brake Pads (typical at 50,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $300 • Max: $600).

What engine is in the 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.8.

What transmission does the 2025 Kia Telluride use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Telluride, transmission is Automatic (S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

EPA combined estimate is 20 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

15 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Telluride, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 Kia Telluride use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Kia Telluride, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S8).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Are there open safety recalls on the 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

This model year has 8 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2025 Kia Telluride?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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