2021 Kia Telluride
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2021 Kia Telluride maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Kia Telluride.
For oil changes, the 2021 Kia Telluride takes 5W-20 Synthetic Blend motor oil with a capacity of 5.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Phosphate-based Green/Blue, and transmission fluid is SP-IV-M (ATF). Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Kia Telluride, torque the lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2021 Kia Telluride have reported 5 common issues including "Tow Hitch Wiring Harness Fire Risk", "Instrument Cluster Display Blank Screen" and "Driveshaft Disengagement and Rollaway Risk". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 4 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Kia Telluride. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2021 Kia Telluride uses 5W-20 Synthetic Blend motor oil (5.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 79-94 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Kia Telluride. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Kia Telluride.
Common problems reported by 2021 Kia Telluride owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Tow Hitch Wiring Harness Fire Risk
On vehicles equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness, debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board can cause an electrical short, potentially resulting in a fire while driving or parked.
Kia issued a recall covering 2020-2024 Telluride models with the tow hitch package. Dealers will inspect and replace the tow hitch wiring harness module free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallInstrument Cluster Display Blank Screen
The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. This can be caused by excess adhesive on the circuit board or a software incompatibility. The driver loses access to the speedometer, fuel gauge, and all warning indicators.
Kia issued recalls to address both the hardware (excess adhesive) and software causes. Dealers will replace the instrument cluster assembly or update the software, free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallDriveshaft Disengagement and Rollaway Risk
The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in the vehicle rolling away while the transmission is in PARK. This creates a serious runaway vehicle hazard, especially on slopes.
Kia issued a recall covering 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. Dealers will inspect the driveshaft engagement and repair as necessary, free of charge. Do not leave the vehicle unattended without the parking brake engaged.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallIncorrect Spare Tire
Certain 2022 Telluride vehicles were equipped with an incorrect spare tire from the factory. When installed, the wrong-size spare impairs the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS), reducing vehicle stability and increasing stopping distances.
Kia issued a recall to replace the incorrect spare tire with the correct specification, free of charge. Contact your dealer to verify if your VIN is affected.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallAWD System Clunk and Drive Belt Wear
Telluride owners report a clunking noise from the AWD system during speed changes, particularly when transitioning between acceleration and deceleration. Additionally, the V-ribbed drive belt on certain 2022 models may wear prematurely, causing squealing or chirping noises.
TSB TRA108 addresses the AWD coupling actuator clunk by replacing the actuator assembly. A separate TSB covers inspection and replacement of the V-ribbed drive belt. Both repairs are covered under warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $200 - $500 for belt; $500 - $1,200 for AWD actuator out of warranty4 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Telluride. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Park OutsideKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
TRAILER HITCHES
Park OutsideKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
