2021 Kia Telluride

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine
3.8L V6
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Synthetic Blend (5.5 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Wheel Torque
79-94
ft-lbs

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.

2021 Kia Telluride Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Synthetic Blend
Oil Capacity5.5 qt
Lug Nut Torque79-94 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantPhosphate-based Green/Blue
Transmission FluidSP-IV-M (ATF)
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
SP-IV-M (ATF)
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Phosphate-based Green/Blue
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Kia Telluride. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
0W-20 full synthetic. 3.8L Lambda V6. Severe: 5,000 mi / 6 mo.
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
Cabin Air Filter
15,000 mi / 12 mo
Replace every 15,000 miles.
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace every 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid
30,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi / 48 mo
8-speed AT: 60,000 mi. Severe: 30,000 mi.
Coolant
60,000 mi / 48 mo
First at 60,000 mi; then every 30,000 mi.
Spark Plugs
97,500 mi
Iridium plugs; replace at 97,500 miles.
Serpentine Belt
60,000 mi / 48 mo
Inspect at 60,000 mi; replace by 90,000 mi.
Battery
48 mo
Inspect annually; replace around 48 months.
DTC Code Lookup

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.

1

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.

Solution

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 recall
2

Instrument 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.

Solution

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 recall
3

Driveshaft 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.

Solution

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 recall
4

Incorrect 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.

Solution

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 recall
5

AWD 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.

Solution

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 warranty

4 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Telluride. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Park Outside
Campaign: 24V407000 Date: 05/06/2024

Kia 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.

Consequence

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

2

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign: 24V214000 Date: 20/03/2024

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.

Consequence

A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

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.

3

TRAILER HITCHES

Park Outside
Campaign: 22V626000 Date: 15/08/2022

Kia 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.

Consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

4

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Campaign: 21V164000 Date: 11/03/2021

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Have the VIN?

Decode your VIN for even more detailed specs including trim-level data.

Decode a VIN
Telluride — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220202019
See Also
2021 Kia Telluride Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2021 Kia TellurideAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Synthetic Blend OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2021 Kia TellurideWiper Replacement: 2021 Kia Telluride