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 285.4 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Camry averages 205.6 over 10 years. The Telluride has 33 recalls and 39 crash-related complaints; the Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints. 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 owners often buy for its space and features, but NHTSA data shows an average of 285.4 complaints per year over seven years. The most common complaints involve unknown or other issues (470), visibility/wiper problems (347), and engine concerns (324). Owners report dramatic failures like exploding sunroof glass and sudden loss of multiple electrical systems, which can be alarming for a family vehicle.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for dependability, yet it still averages 205.6 complaints per year over ten years. The top complaint areas are power train (385), unknown or other (323), and engine (315). Owners describe issues such as a stuck ignition key, hesitation and shuddering, and brake system noises, but the overall complaint rate is lower than the Telluride's.
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 | 1,998 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 285.4 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 158 |
| 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 OTHER470
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER347
- 03ENGINE324
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM287
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING207
Owners report panoramic sunroof glass shattering with a loud bang, sending glass flying inside the cabin. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen while driving and may distract or injure occupants.
Complaints include windshield wiper fluid leaking onto the rear window and windshields cracking or shattering from minor road debris. These issues can impair visibility and lead to costly repairs.
Some owners experience simultaneous failures of electric power steering, electronic parking brake, ABS, and stability control, often accompanied by engine control malfunctions. This can make the vehicle hard to control and may require immediate service.
Reports describe electronic safety and engine control systems malfunctioning while driving at speed, sometimes recurring under similar conditions. Such failures can disable multiple safety features at once, increasing risk.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even when the dashboard shows the car is in Park. Another common issue is hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic.
Some owners find the electronic parking brake will not disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Others hear a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says comes from the ABS system.
Multiple systems such as smart stop, vehicle stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance have malfunctioned simultaneously. This can leave the driver without key safety aids.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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 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…
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…
Buyer analysis
KIA Telluride or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (205.6) than the Kia Telluride (285.4), despite being on the road for more years. In practice, this means a Camry owner may encounter fewer reported problems overall, but both vehicles have notable issues that buyers should inspect.
Key differences
- The Telluride has a higher annual complaint rate (285.4 vs. 205.6), with many reports of sunroof glass shattering and wiper fluid leaks.
- The Camry's most common complaint area is the power train, including a stuck ignition key and hesitation, while the Telluride's top issue is unknown or other, often sunroof related.
- The Telluride has 39 crash-related complaints and 41 injuries, compared to the Camry's 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, though the Camry has been on the road longer.
- Both vehicles have 1 death reported, but the Telluride has 33 recalls versus 31 for the Camry, with different recall subjects like structure and air bags.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof glass for any cracks, chips, or signs of previous shattering, as owners report it can explode without warning.
- Test the windshield wiper system thoroughly, including the spray function, to ensure fluid does not leak to the rear window and that the wipers work properly.
- Check that the ignition key can be easily inserted and removed when the car is in Park, as a stuck key is a reported power train issue.
- Listen for any clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages smoothly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the sunroof, wiper system, and electrical components on the Telluride, and the power train, brakes, and throttle response on the Camry.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, shuddering, or warning lights, and test all electronic safety features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any previous complaints or repairs have been addressed.
- Verify that the vehicle's software and safety systems have received any available updates from the manufacturer.
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 | 0 |
| 2025 | 116 | 163 |
| 2024 | 219 | 50 |
| 2023 | 207 | 64 |
| 2022 | 324 | 61 |
| 2021 | 365 | 157 |
| 2020 | 767 | 274 |
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
- 1,998
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- KIA Telluride total recalls
- 33
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA Telluride avg complaints/year
- 285.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- KIA Telluride top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN