Head-to-head reliability
KIA Telluride vs Toyota Camry
How the KIA Telluride and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Telluride vs Toyota Camry: The Telluride averages 278 complaints per year with 39 crash-related reports, while the Camry averages 214 per year with 181 crash-related reports. Both have 1 death reported. The Camry has more injuries (163 vs. 41). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Telluride or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a three-row family SUV that generates about 278 complaints per year, with the most common issues in unknown areas, visibility/wiper, engine, and electrical systems. Owners report serious problems like exploding glass, windshield wiper fluid leaks, and simultaneous failures of power steering, brakes, and stability control. Recalls cover structural trim, spare tires, seat recliners, side air bags, and instrument clusters, suggesting a range of safety-related fixes. Overall, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection of glass, wipers, and electronics before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 214 complaints per year, lower than the Telluride, but with more crash-related reports (181) and injuries (163). The top complaint areas are power train, unknown, engine, service brakes, and electrical systems. Owners describe transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC problems. Recalls involve air bag sensors, seats, wheel studs, and labels. It's a popular car with known powertrain and brake concerns that buyers should check thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Telluride | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,945 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 277.9 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Telluride
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER457
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER342
- 03ENGINE302
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM280
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING205
Owners report windshield wiper fluid leaking onto the rear windshield and windshields shattering from minor road debris instead of cracking safely. These issues can impair visibility and lead to costly glass replacement.
Complaints describe simultaneous failures of electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, and stability control while driving, often at speed. Such failures can make the vehicle hard to control and are a major safety concern.
Owners report electronic safety and engine control systems malfunctioning while driving, sometimes repeatedly under similar conditions. This can cause warning lights, loss of power, and unpredictable behavior.
Some complaints involve loud explosive sounds and flying glass, possibly from sunroof or window breakage. These events are frightening and could cause injury or distraction.
“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 (…”
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, often traced to transmission failure requiring replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue but their VIN not being covered, leaving them with costly repairs.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes, and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger engine maintenance codes. These can result in loss of control or engine damage.
Drivers describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills or slopes. This is a critical safety failure that can lead to collisions.
Owners report AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents. These are comfort and potential mold issues, not usually safety-critical but annoying and costly.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle 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 inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
KIA Telluride or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214 vs. 278), but more crash-related reports and injuries. The Kia Telluride has a higher annual complaint rate but fewer crashes reported. In practice, the Camry may have more severe safety incidents, while the Telluride has more frequent but varied issues.
Key differences
- Kia Telluride has more complaints per year (278 vs. 214) but fewer crash-related reports (39 vs. 181).
- Toyota Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, while Telluride owners report glass shattering and simultaneous electronic failures.
- Camry has more injuries reported (163 vs. 41) and more crash-related complaints, despite lower annual complaint rate.
- Telluride recalls cover structural trim, spare tires, and seat recliners; Camry recalls cover air bag sensors, seats, and wheel studs.
- Inspect windshield and rear glass for chips, cracks, or signs of shattering; test wiper spray for leaks onto rear window.
- Check for warning lights related to power steering, ABS, and stability control; test drive at highway speeds to feel for electronic glitches.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration; test transmission for smooth shifting and check for recalls on your VIN.
- Test brakes on a slope or hill for firm pedal response; check for sudden acceleration by gently pressing gas from a stop.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: glass and electronics for Telluride; transmission and brakes for Camry.
- Test drive on varied roads, including highways and hills, to replicate reported conditions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission or electrical repairs.
- Verify that any recall work has been completed and get documentation.
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 Telluride | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 105 | 153 |
| 2024 | 215 | 48 |
| 2023 | 204 | 62 |
| 2022 | 319 | 59 |
| 2021 | 354 | 155 |
| 2020 | 748 | 270 |
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 Telluride or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Telluride vs Toyota Camry
- KIA Telluride total complaints
- 1,945
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- KIA Telluride total recalls
- 33
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA Telluride avg complaints/year
- 277.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- KIA Telluride top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN