Head-to-head reliability
KIA Forte vs KIA Telluride
How the KIA Forte and KIA Telluride compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Forte vs KIA Telluride: The Forte averages 110.8 complaints per year with 16 recalls, while the Telluride averages 285.4 complaints per year with 33 recalls. The Forte has more crash-related complaints (103 vs. 39), but the Telluride has more total complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Forte or KIA Telluride more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Forte
The KIA Forte is a compact sedan that has averaged about 111 NHTSA complaints per year over the past decade, with 16 recalls. The most common owner-reported problems involve the engine, electrical system, and power train, often leading to stalling or failure to accelerate. While the Forte has fewer complaints per year than the Telluride, the severity of issues like engine metal particles and sudden shutdowns can be alarming. Buyers should be aware that many complaints describe repeated dealer visits without a permanent fix.
KIA Telluride
The KIA Telluride is a mid-size SUV that has generated about 285 complaints per year over seven years, along with 33 recalls. Owners frequently report issues with the sunroof shattering, windshield wiper problems, and electronic system failures that can disable safety features. The higher complaint rate and complex electronics suggest that living with a Telluride may require more frequent attention to potential defects. However, the lower number of crash-related complaints (39 vs. 103 for the Forte) indicates that not all issues lead to collisions.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Forte | KIA Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,108 Better | 1,998 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 33 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 103 | 39 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 110.8 Better | 285.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 68 | 41 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Forte
- 01ENGINE458
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER202
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM151
- 04POWER TRAIN120
- 05AIR BAGS89
Owners report engines that won't start or accelerate, and in some cases metal particles are found in the oil, indicating internal damage. This can lead to costly repairs or replacement, and the problem may appear even at low mileage.
Complaints describe the car stalling and shutting down while driving, sometimes due to a faulty fuel pump. This is dangerous because the vehicle can die in traffic and cannot be shifted into neutral, increasing crash risk.
Similar to engine issues, owners report stalling upon acceleration and transmission problems. These failures can leave the car undrivable and may require major repairs.
This category includes steering that loosens or tightens, alignment problems, and complete air conditioning failure. These issues affect drivability and comfort, and may be expensive to fix if not covered by warranty.
“While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function…”
“In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 Kia Forte GT, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1.6L turbo Gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-Kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting…”
KIA Telluride
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER470
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER347
- 03ENGINE324
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM287
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING207
The most common complaint is the panoramic sunroof shattering unexpectedly with a loud bang, sending glass into the cabin. This poses a serious injury risk to occupants and is often reported without any impact.
Owners report windshield wiper malfunctions, such as fluid leaking to the rear windshield, and windshields that crack or shatter more easily than expected. These issues can impair visibility and safety in bad weather.
Complaints include simultaneous failures of electronic safety systems and engine control while driving, leading to loss of power steering, brakes, and stability control. This can happen at speed and is extremely dangerous.
Electronic malfunctions often accompany engine issues, with multiple warning lights illuminating and systems shutting down. These failures can leave the driver with reduced control and may require extensive diagnostics.
“Was driving with my husband and granddaughter in the car and had just left the house. Horrible, loud explosive sound like a gunshot and glass sound and glanced to make sure all glass ok and our granddaughter was safe. Could see the glass flying behind us and…”
“Component: Factory forward panoramic sunroof glass, 2025 Kia Telluride, VIN [XXX]. On XXX at 8:18 a.m. ET, [XXX], 59 mph, the glass shattered with a loud bang. No object was seen hitting the roof. Sunshade open. Vehicle/photos available. Original glass may no…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Forte — 16 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
The risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia custo…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
KIA Telluride — 33 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A detached trim piece can become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the belt molding trim assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the spare wheel and tire assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC355. Vehicle Iden…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
The risk: A seat back frame that fails to properly restrain an occupant during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat back frame assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning April 24, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number f…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Telluride vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the wire harnesses for the second row seat side air bags may become damaged, causing them not to deploy in the event of a crash.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the air bag wire harnesses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for thi…
Buyer analysis
KIA Forte or KIA Telluride: which should you buy?
The KIA Forte has fewer complaints per year (about 111) compared to the Telluride (about 285), but the Forte's issues often involve engine and electrical failures that can cause sudden stalling. The Telluride's higher complaint rate is driven by sunroof and wiper problems, though it has fewer crash-related complaints. In practice, the Forte may be less likely to have frequent minor annoyances, but its problems can be more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Forte has 1108 complaints over 10 years, while the Telluride has 1998 over 7 years, meaning the Telluride has a much higher annual complaint rate.
- Forte owners frequently report engine and electrical failures that cause stalling, whereas Telluride owners most often complain about sunroof shattering and wiper issues.
- The Telluride has 33 recalls versus 16 for the Forte, suggesting more widespread defect campaigns.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Forte (103) than the Telluride (39), despite the Telluride's higher total complaints.
- Check for any signs of engine trouble, such as rough idling, difficulty starting, or metal particles in the oil during a pre-purchase inspection.
- Test the electrical system thoroughly, including the fuel pump and battery, and look for any history of stalling or sudden shutdowns.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof for any cracks, chips, or previous repairs, and ask if it has ever shattered.
- Test all electronic systems, including the instrument cluster, ABS, and stability control, and check for any warning lights or intermittent failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if the car has been subject to any recalls or has a lemon law buyback.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the Telluride, specifically inspect the sunroof and windshield for any damage or signs of replacement.
- For the Forte, check for any open recalls related to steering and suspension, and ensure they have been addressed.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any major components have been replaced.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA Forte | KIA Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 25 | 219 |
| 2023 | 63 | 207 |
| 2022 | 27 | 324 |
| 2021 | 68 | 365 |
| 2020 | 76 | 767 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Forte or KIA Telluride in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Forte vs KIA Telluride
- KIA Forte total complaints
- 1,108
- KIA Telluride total complaints
- 1,998
- KIA Forte total recalls
- 16
- KIA Telluride total recalls
- 33
- KIA Forte avg complaints/year
- 110.8
- KIA Telluride avg complaints/year
- 285.4
- More reliable overall
- KIA Forte
- KIA Forte top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA Telluride top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER