Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sportage vs KIA Telluride
How the KIA Sportage 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 Sportage vs KIA Telluride: The Sportage averages 124.6 complaints per year with 25 recalls, while the Telluride averages 285.4 complaints per year with 33 recalls. The Sportage's issues are mostly engine-related, whereas the Telluride has more sunroof and electrical complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sportage or KIA Telluride more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sportage
The KIA Sportage is a compact SUV that has averaged about 125 complaints per year over the past decade, with engine issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and limp-mode activations that sometimes lead to short-block engine replacements. Brake and electrical problems also appear, including reports of brakes locking and airbags deploying. Overall, the data suggests a vehicle that may require frequent attention to engine health and electrical systems.
KIA Telluride
The KIA Telluride is a larger SUV that has averaged about 285 complaints per year over seven years, with a broader range of issues reported. Owners frequently complain about sunroof glass shattering, windshield wiper problems, and engine/electrical failures that can disable multiple safety systems at once. There is also one reported death in the data, though the circumstances are not detailed. The higher complaint rate and diverse problems indicate a vehicle that may demand more frequent repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sportage | KIA Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,246 Better | 1,998 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 33 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 | 39 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 124.6 Better | 285.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 73 | 41 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Sportage
- 01ENGINE522
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER250
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM216
- 04SERVICE BRAKES112
- 05POWER TRAIN107
Owners report excessive oil consumption, often needing to add quarts between oil changes, and engine codes related to fuel mixture. Some vehicles enter limp mode or stall, and in severe cases the engine is replaced under recall. This matters because engine failure can be costly and leave you stranded.
Complaints include stuttering or failure to start after refueling, and instances where headlights, signals, and hazard lights become inoperable while driving. These electrical glitches can compromise safety and are frustrating to diagnose.
Some owners report brakes locking unexpectedly, sometimes during normal braking, leading to airbag deployment. There are also recalls for ABS control modules and hydraulic brakes that may not have been repaired. Brake issues are critical for safety.
This category includes reports of vehicles suddenly entering limp mode due to engine campaigns, even with good maintenance. Owners also mention overheating and stalling. These vague but serious symptoms can indicate underlying engine or software problems.
“Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue t…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle required 6 quarts of oil every 1,900 miles. The vehicle was recently taken to Valvoline, where an oil cha…”
KIA Telluride
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER470
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER347
- 03ENGINE324
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM287
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING207
Many complaints describe panoramic sunroof glass shattering with a loud bang, sending glass into the cabin. This can be alarming and potentially injurious. The cause is often unclear, but it is a recurring and dangerous issue.
Owners report windshield wiper malfunctions, such as fluid leaking to the rear windshield, and windshields that shatter catastrophically instead of cracking as safety glass should. These problems impair visibility and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include simultaneous failures of electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, and stability control, often accompanied by engine control issues. These failures can happen at speed and may recur under similar conditions, posing a serious safety risk.
Electrical problems often mirror engine complaints, with multiple warning lights and system malfunctions occurring together. Owners describe electronic safety and engine control systems failing while driving, which can be disorienting and dangerous.
“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 Sportage — 25 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an elect…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to co…
The risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
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 Sportage or KIA Telluride: which should you buy?
The KIA Sportage has fewer complaints per year (about 125) compared to the KIA Telluride (about 285), suggesting the Sportage may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the Sportage's complaints are heavily concentrated in engine problems, while the Telluride's are spread across sunroof, wiper, engine, and electrical systems. In practice, the Sportage might be simpler to maintain if engine issues are addressed, but the Telluride's diverse problems could mean more varied repair bills.
Key differences
- The Sportage has a much lower complaint rate per year (124.6 vs. 285.4), but its complaints are dominated by engine issues like oil consumption and stalling.
- The Telluride has more diverse complaints, including sunroof glass shattering and wiper malfunctions, which are rare in the Sportage data.
- The Telluride has one reported death in the data, while the Sportage has zero, though the circumstances are not detailed.
- Both have recalls, but the Sportage's recalls include brake and trailer hitch issues, while the Telluride's include structure, tires, seats, airbags, and instrument cluster.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking about oil change intervals and inspecting for low oil levels or blue exhaust smoke.
- Test the brakes for any locking or unusual behavior, and verify that any open recalls for ABS or hydraulic brakes have been repaired.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof glass for any cracks, chips, or signs of previous shattering, and ask if it has been replaced.
- Test all electrical systems, including wipers, lights, and dashboard warnings, and check for any simultaneous failure warnings during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and oil consumption check on the Sportage, and a sunroof and electrical system inspection on the Telluride.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual engine noises, test all electronics, and brake firmly in a safe area to check for locking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or electrical repairs.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed by checking with a dealership.
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 Sportage | KIA Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 37 | 0 |
| 2025 | 52 | 116 |
| 2024 | 71 | 219 |
| 2023 | 191 | 207 |
| 2022 | 46 | 324 |
| 2021 | 53 | 365 |
| 2020 | 161 | 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 Sportage or KIA Telluride in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sportage vs KIA Telluride
- KIA Sportage total complaints
- 1,246
- KIA Telluride total complaints
- 1,998
- KIA Sportage total recalls
- 25
- KIA Telluride total recalls
- 33
- KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
- 124.6
- KIA Telluride avg complaints/year
- 285.4
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sportage
- KIA Sportage top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA Telluride top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER