Head-to-head reliability
KIA Optima vs KIA Telluride
How the KIA Optima 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 Optima vs KIA Telluride: The Optima has 604 complaints per year, with engine issues like oil consumption and knocking, while the Telluride has 271 per year, but sudden shutdowns and wiper problems. The Telluride has fewer complaints but safety concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Optima or KIA Telluride more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Optima
The KIA Optima, a midsize sedan, shows a heavy concentration of engine-related complaints, with owners reporting oil consumption, knocking, and loss of power, often leading to breakdowns. The high complaint volume over a decade suggests these issues are not isolated, making engine health a primary concern for buyers. While other areas like steering and brakes also appear, the engine dominates the ownership experience.
KIA Telluride
The KIA Telluride, a larger SUV, has a lower complaint rate but still shows notable issues, particularly with visibility/wipers and unexpected engine shutdowns. Owners report sudden power loss while driving, which is alarming, and windshield wiper fluid leaks. Electrical system glitches also appear, but the overall pattern is less engine-centric than the Optima, with more variety in problem areas.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Optima | KIA Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6,041 | 1,897 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 33 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 212 | 39 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 604.1 | 271.0 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 189 | 40 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 9 | 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 Optima
- 01ENGINE3,051
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER782
- 03STEERING717
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM713
- 05SERVICE BRAKES451
Owners report excessive oil consumption (e.g., 2 quarts per 1,000 miles), leading to low oil levels, knocking, rattling, and loss of power, sometimes resulting in engine failure. This is the most common complaint, affecting drivability and reliability.
Some complaints describe transmission hard-shifting after a software update, and others mention severe engine issues like smoke and undriveability, indicating broader powertrain concerns beyond just the engine.
While not detailed in the sample, steering complaints are frequent, suggesting potential issues with steering components that could affect control and safety.
Electrical issues are also common, though specifics are not provided in the sample, but they may contribute to warning lights and other malfunctions.
“Out of town July 12th 2025 my 2020 Kia Optima engine started having problems. I tried to get to my hotel but it was obvious I was not going to make it. I pulled into the nearest station and was told my car had no oil. There were no signs of leaking oil and no…”
“I have kept up on regular oil changes and maintenance on my Kia which I bought new 5 years ago. My issues started when my car's orange check engine light came on, I experienced loss of power such as difficulty accelerating even at low speeds, especially up hi…”
KIA Telluride
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER447
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER341
- 03ENGINE287
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM271
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING204
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, with messages to shift to park or neutral to restart, which is a serious safety concern as it can occur in traffic.
Windshield wiper fluid leaks from the front to the back, and windshields are prone to catastrophic shattering from minor debris, contrary to safety glass expectations.
Engine overheating occurs when climbing with AC on, and electronic safety/engine control systems malfunction, sometimes causing the engine to turn off while driving.
Electrical malfunctions are linked to engine shutdowns and other system failures, indicating potential software or sensor issues.
“I rented a car from Avis on [XXX] (a Friday) for a 24-hour rental. I rented it in Manhattan, and the car (a Kia Telluride) had a New York license plate [XXX] ). I drove to Boston to pick up my daughter from college and then returned the car Saturday morning (…”
“My 2025 Kia Telluride is suddenly shutting off in traffic. It first happened 6/24/26 I was pulling away from a stop light when my vehicle shut off. I received a red dash as you would for collision warning and a message to shift into park or neutral to restart…”
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 Optima — 41 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
The risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
The risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Ow…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Moto…
The risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
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 Optima or KIA Telluride: which should you buy?
The KIA Telluride has fewer complaints per year (271 vs 604) and a lower rate of severe engine issues, making it a more reliable choice on average. However, the Telluride's sudden shutdowns are a critical safety concern, so buyers should weigh the frequency of issues against their severity.
Key differences
- The Optima has a much higher complaint volume, especially engine-related, with oil consumption and knocking being common.
- The Telluride has a notable issue with sudden engine shutdowns, which is a safety risk not as prominent in the Optima.
- The Telluride's windshield wiper fluid leaks and windshield shattering are unique visibility problems.
- The Optima's transmission hard-shifting after software updates is a specific issue not seen in the Telluride.
- Check for engine oil consumption by monitoring oil levels and listening for knocking or rattling sounds.
- Inspect for any signs of engine smoke or loss of power, and verify if the vehicle has had the latest software updates that might affect transmission.
- Test the windshield wiper system for fluid leaks and inspect the windshield for any existing cracks or damage.
- Be alert for any warning messages about engine shutdown or electrical malfunctions during a test drive, especially in traffic.
Before you buy
- For the Optima: ask for service records to confirm regular oil changes and check for any engine-related recalls or repairs.
- For the Telluride: test the wiper system and inspect the windshield for any signs of weakness.
- For both: check for open recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
- Take a thorough test drive, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to listen for unusual engine noises or shutdowns.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on engine health and electrical systems.
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 Optima | KIA Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 137 | 744 |
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 Optima or KIA Telluride in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Optima vs KIA Telluride
- KIA Optima total complaints
- 6,041
- KIA Telluride total complaints
- 1,897
- KIA Optima total recalls
- 41
- KIA Telluride total recalls
- 33
- KIA Optima avg complaints/year
- 604.1
- KIA Telluride avg complaints/year
- 271.0
- More reliable overall
- KIA Telluride
- KIA Optima top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA Telluride top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER