Anytime going through the car wash the front and back parking sensors don’t work and gives an error. It is now permanently stuck with this error.
2021 Kia Telluride electrical problems
moderate 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2021 Kia Telluride's electrical system is unreliable and potentially dangerous—owners report complete power loss while driving, transmission lockouts, and spontaneous restarts. Add in recurring sunroof failures, excessive oil consumption without warning lights, and child safety lock defects, and you're looking at a vehicle with serious quality control problems that Kia hasn't fully addressed despite multiple complaints.
Electrical failures dominate the complaint pattern: vehicles lose all power while driving or stopped, dash lights die, infotainment screens go blank, and in several cases, vehicles restart on their own minutes after shutdown without driver input. Some owners have been left stranded with no warning lights or ability to restart; others report transmission lockouts where Park won't release even with the brake pressed.
Multiple safety system cascades occur simultaneously—collision warnings, tire pressure sensors, lane departure, and parking brake warnings flash and fail in rapid succession, sometimes with a loss of power steering. One owner had to manually shift to control the vehicle after losing engine power at 35–40 mph.
Instrument clusters fail outright or display false readings: speedometers show zero while the engine is running, tachometers freeze, and gauges don't illuminate. These failures can persist across multiple restarts or resolve spontaneously after a day.
Engine stalling with zero warning is a recurring complaint—oil runs dry with no low-oil light, and three quarts need topping between changes. One mechanic indicated a recall was anticipated for the 2021 model year due to the same oil consumption issue in prior model years.
Sunroofs are problematic: plastic mechanisms break with minimal use, glass derails from tracks, and units become stuck open—one owner notes TSB 319 documents this as a known 2019–2022 issue, yet no recall exists. Cooling fans run continuously after shutdown, draining batteries. Alternators fail prematurely, and child safety lock actuators cycle randomly even when engaged, allowing children to open doors while driving.
Window switches produce false obstruction readings, stranding drivers with windows stuck open at highway speed. Parking sensors throw persistent error codes, particularly after car washes. One vehicle rolled down a driveway unintentionally with children inside; Kia investigated and found no fault, but a software recall was later issued for the same issue.
Same Kia Telluride electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Complete electrical loss and power failure while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power, dash lights, infotainment, and engine response while in motion or at a stop. Vehicle may restart on its own after minutes without driver input.
When: Under 20,000 miles to 99,600 miles; 40 minutes into drive cycle in one case; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: All dash lights go out; Infotainment screen turns off; Engine loses power; No ability to restart or respond to controls; Vehicle may spontaneously restart itself; Loss of power steering and air conditioning; Vehicle starts on its own after sitting for minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple shop visits noted; no permanent resolution achieved in some cases. Radio and backup camera replaced under warranty due to electrical shorts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia escalation underway per owner report in complaint #2; preliminary investigation per complaint #6 stated vehicle functioned as intended
Transmission park lockout and shift failure
Vehicle becomes stuck in Park and refuses to shift out even with brake depressed. No mechanical obstruction noted.
When: Intermittent, under 20,000 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in Park; Will not shift out of Park; Brake pedal becomes very firm after shutdown; Vehicle will not restart until hours later
Dashboard warning light cascade and system malfunctions
Multiple safety warning lights illuminate simultaneously ('Christmas tree' failure) with loss of power and engine response. Warning lights remain on after restart in some cases.
When: 17,786 miles; intermittent; can repeat same day
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard indicator lights illuminate simultaneously; Slight loss of power with engine and transmission; Check engine light remains on after restart; Forward collision avoidance warning flashing and failing; Tire pressure system warning; Speedometer and tachometer fail; Turn signals fail; Lights fail; Gear shift unresponsive; ESC, TPMS, Collision Assist, Blind Spot warnings activate randomly; Parking Brake warning activates
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects UB module assembly behind dashboard is defective and needs replacement. Cluster Assembly-Instrument replaced at $2,600 cost in one case but problem recurred within half hour of leaving dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for this cascade failure pattern as of complaint dates
Instrument cluster malfunction and gauge failure
Speedometer, tachometer, or entire instrument cluster fails to display readings or illuminate. Failures can be intermittent or persistent across drive cycles.
When: Under 30 days on new vehicle (complaint #23); sporadically during operation; can persist across multiple restart attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Analog and digital speedometers show 0 mph while vehicle is moving; RPM gauge continues to work while speed gauge fails; Instrument cluster gauges do not light up or work; Speedometer failure intermittent; fixed by waiting until next day; No warning lights or messages precede failure
Repairs/costs cited: Cluster Assembly-Instrument replacement cost $2,600 but did not resolve issue permanently
Infotainment system screen freezes and display failures
Infotainment and navigation screen freezes, displays color distortions, or turns completely black. Issues persist after software updates.
When: Before 4-year anniversary; intermittent during operation
Symptoms owners cite: Screen freezes with vertical magenta blocks; Olive green and brown background discoloration; Screen completely black; Screen color oscillates between blue and normal functionality; Navigation system fails; Backup camera functionality tied to screen failure
Repairs/costs cited: Software update attempted but did not resolve issue. System replacement on owner's dime.
Parking sensor and rear bumper harness failures
Rear parking sensors display error messages indicating malfunction. Dealership blames rear bumper harness as faulty component. Problem appears widespread.
When: Beyond factory warranty period; variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rear parking sensor error message; Forward parking sensors fail due to blockage; Parking sensors don't work after car wash and remain stuck with error; Blockage messages appear consistently
Repairs/costs cited: Rear bumper harness replacement quoted at $850. Forward sensor blockage initially appeared to be debris issue but was precursor to larger electrical failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia aware of widespread issue but not addressing it; attempting to charge owners out of warranty
Sunroof/moonroof mechanical failure and derailment
Sunroof plastic mechanism parts break, allowing glass to derail from tracks. Wind deflector breaks. Glass becomes stuck open and cannot close, posing safety and water intrusion risk.
When: Between factory warranty and 60,000 miles (complaint #9 notes most failures after 60k or warranty expiration); used infrequently (10 times in 4 years in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Popping sound when opening sunroof; Glass propped open and won't close; Manual override produces only clicking sound; Plastic rail breaks causing glass derailment; Wind deflector breaks; Sunroof comes off track and bends tracking system; Sunroof stuck in half-open and tilted position; Glass stuck open at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Sunroof assembly replacement quoted over $5,000. TSB 319 documents known problem for 2019-2022 models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 319 issued for 2019-2022 models but no recall issued; owners responsible for out-of-warranty repair costs
Alternator failure and battery drain
Alternator fails causing battery to drain and die while driving. Battery cannot recharge and is permanently damaged. Vehicle loses all power including power steering and headlights.
When: Variable mileage; battery less than 2 years old in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains and dies while driving; All power lost to vehicle; Multiple warning lights illuminate in rapid succession; Power steering shuts off; Headlights shut off; Safety features shut off in rapid succession; Vehicle becomes inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Battery less than 2 years old but 3,000 miles out of warranty; dealership refused to cover battery cost. Alternator replacement required.
Engine stalling with no warning lights and excessive oil consumption
Engine stalls during operation with no warning light activation. Vehicle consumes excessive oil between changes (3 quarts between oil changes). Oil light never illuminates even when oil runs completely dry.
When: After one year of ownership; intermittent; occurs while driving with children in car
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling without warning; No oil level warning light illuminates; No check engine light despite stalling; Excessive oil consumption between changes; Engine puttering before stall; Steering becomes difficult when engine stalls; Problem resolves after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption test performed by dealership; owner told consumption was within 'standard' levels. Mechanic indicated recall anticipated for 2021 model due to same issue in previous years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed oil consumption test and deemed consumption acceptable; no recall issued as of complaint date
Child safety lock actuator failure with continuous cycling
Child safety lock will randomly latch and unlatch repeatedly while engaged, causing door to open uncontrollably. Issue can repeat within days to weeks after dealer repair.
When: October 2021 onwards; first service December 2021; multiple repeated failures through March and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Child safety lock randomly latches and unlatches repeatedly; Clicking and continuous cycling when button is engaged; Child able to open door while vehicle is in motion; Issue does not occur when button is disengaged; Problem recurs within days to weeks after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Service taken 6+ times for same issue; multiple component replacements including actuator and master key lock system attempted; no permanent fix achieved. Issue also reported on Kia Palisade which shares frame.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia corporate contacted (case #14666961); no recall issued; owner sending certified letter
Power window malfunction with safety sensor false activation
Driver's side window becomes stuck open or unable to move despite safety sensor indicating obstruction. Window may freeze at highway speeds with switch unresponsive.
When: Around 3,100 miles; variable instances
Symptoms owners cite: Window stuck open approximately 1 inch; Window won't move up or down while in motion or stopped; Switch unresponsive to driver input; Safety sensor detects false obstruction; Window stuck at highway speeds; Rear window won't close completely; Back seat window makes weird noise when operated
Repairs/costs cited: Fixed by placing vehicle in accessory mode (not running) and manually moving window gently to closed position, then using switch. Workaround of opening sunroof did not work for all cases.
Door power loss and lock/window/mirror control failure
Driver's side door loses electrical power while parked or driving, disabling all door-mounted controls including locks, windows, and mirrors.
When: Variable; intermittent while parked and while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Door loses power; Locks do not work; Windows will not move up or down; Mirrors will not fold in; Door lights go out; Door controls completely unresponsive
Battery discharge warning indicator inconsistency
Battery discharge warning light illuminates intermittently and inconsistently without clear cause. Warning appears and disappears at different times.
When: Variable operation
Symptoms owners cite: Battery discharge warning illuminates inconsistently; Warning appears and disappears at different times; No consistent pattern to activation
Cooling fan continuous operation causing battery drain
Cooling fans run continuously after vehicle is turned off, draining battery. Problem persists after battery replacement, indicating faulty fan relay.
When: Variable; no warning signs precede failure
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fans run continuously after engine shutdown; Battery drains from continuous fan operation; Battery depleted in busy traffic area creating safety hazard; No warning lights or messages precede problem
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty fan relay identified as cause; battery replacement attempted but issue continued. Fan relay replacement required.
Vehicle unintended rollaway and shift-to-drive without driver input
Vehicle rolled down driveway with children inside without driver engagement. Kia investigated and stated vehicle functioned as intended; safety recall subsequently issued for software update to prevent movement with doors open.
When: August (year not specified); prior to March recall announcement
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolled down driveway unintentionally; Vehicle released from Park without driver input; Occurred with children inside
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle sent to Kia for investigation; Kia found no issues. Vehicle later sold to CarMax.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia preliminary investigation stated 'vehicle functioned as intended, no issues found with the parking mechanism.' Subsequently issued safety recall on March 26 to update software preventing vehicle movement with doors open; noted 16 prior cases without injuries.
Heated seat electrical malfunction and burning smell
When heated seats are activated, electrical issues occur with burning smell emanating from vehicle, indicating potential electrical short or component overheating.
When: Variable operation
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell when heated seats activated; Electrical issues linked to heated seat use; Hot smell from electrical components
Exterior trim peeling and door hardware failure
Nightfall trim on exterior doors peels off. Separate recall noted for some Telluride vehicles regarding trim separation. Leather ripping on seats and center console.
When: Three months into ownership (trim); variable for leather
Symptoms owners cite: Nightfall trim peeling from doors; Crack in windshield with no external impact; Leather ripping on seats with regular conditioning; Leather ripping on center console
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield covered with protective film; ceramic coating applied to vehicle to help longevity. Leather damage ongoing despite regular conditioning.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Trim peeling was subject of recall for some Telluride vehicles
Windshield spontaneous cracking
Windshield develops crack while parked in driveway with no external impact or cause. Crack appears spontaneously.
When: Within three months of ownership; 2,800 miles on vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield crack while parked in driveway; No external impact; Crack visible in glass; Front collision warning light illuminates (possibly related)
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield protected with film to prevent further splintering.
Engine jerking when stopped with subsequent electrical and shutdown failures
Engine jerks when vehicle is stopped. Electrical systems then malfunction. Engine shuts off while driving.
When: Variable operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine jerking when stopped; Electrical issues follow jerking; Windows won't roll up; Engine shuts off while driving
Oil filter housing damage
Oil filter housing becomes damaged despite vehicle only receiving service at Kia dealerships. Dealership claims damage and quotes $450 repair despite no owner negligence.
When: Variable mileage; within service life
Symptoms owners cite: Oil filter housing damaged; Coolant or fluid leakage possible (inferred from damage)
Repairs/costs cited: Kia dealership quoted $450 for repair; appears to be widespread issue not addressed by manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia aware of issue but charging owners for repair as if it were damage
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My engine started jerking when stopped. Then the electrical started acting up, like the windows wouldn't roll back up. Then the engine just shut off while I was driving.
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 Kia Telluride?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2021 Kia Telluride?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 31 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 2,950 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Kia/Telluride.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.