general problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Telluride - part 1

Sunroof broke when trying to open it. Now it’s in the open, venting, position unable to close. Dealership can’t look at it for a week so I’m risking water damage. Vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and is just past the 5 yr warranty of course.

The sunroof is stuck open and is loose on the tracks, if even on the tracks at all. Very dangerous, as it could fly off while I am driving. This is a common problem with the Telluride, and I believe it should be recalled.

My 2021 kia Telluride (60,500 miles) experienced failure of the panoramic sunroof wind deflector arm/mechanism. The broken component is available for inspection. The failure prevents the sunroof system from operating properly and may result in improper sealing, water intrusion, or further mechanical damage. The issue was confirmed by a kia dealership. Kia has issued technical service bulletin bod 319 addressing Telluride sunroof wind deflector arm and mechanism failures. Despite this bulletin, I was quoted approximately $4,000+ for replacement of the entire sunroof assembly instead of the component repair procedure described by kia. There were no warning lights or messages before failure. The issue occurred during normal vehicle use. I believe this known component failure presents a safety and reliability concern for Telluride owners.

Opened the sunroof wind deflector broke tracks broke will not close.

I opened my sunroof to let the heat out as we were getting back in after seeing a movie and the track popped and the sunroof glass was not broken, but not able to close because of the track. Kia dealership claimed not a warranty item and $7,000 to have fixed since it was the track that was faulty. Full mechanism needs replacing. Charged $250 for the diagnostic review and disabled the use of sunroof and moon roof until I pay to have the whole thing fixed. We were not driving when this happened. We were parked in a parking lot.

Children helping to unload groceries from trunk. 2 different kids have burnt their legs on exhaust pipe while leaning into car to reach.

After receiving a kia?issued transmission control module (tcm) software update, my 2021 kia Telluride experienced a severe and dangerous transmission malfunction while descending a high mountain pass in colorado. When I attempted to downshift for engine braking, 3rd gear completely disengaged, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably downhill. None of the lower gears would engage or hold as they had prior to the software update. This forced me to slam on the brakes and ride them continuously down the mountain, creating a serious loss?of?control hazard and risk of brake failure. Downshifting is essential for safe descent on steep grades, and the vehicle’s inability to do so created an extremely dangerous situation. The issue was duplicated by the kia dealership technicians, and kia field engineers have confirmed awareness of the problem. Despite this, kia corporate refuses to authorize transmission replacement or reversal of the software update, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition. This is a critical safety defect involving gear disengagement, loss of engine braking, unintended acceleration, and brake?dependent descent control. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on mountain roads, and kia has declined to perform the necessary repairs.

The sunroof failed and is stuck open. This creates a hazard as you cannot secure the vehicle, it is open to the elements, and you have highway noise. This is not a simple small motor fix it is $3000+ and a complete replacing of the track/cassette.

The moon roof has came off track.

May 9, 2026 opened my sunroof for first time this year. Would not open all the way. Jammed sideways. Couldn't get it shut. The arms in the track to move the window back and forth disinegrated. Slight water damage to right side headliner. Currently at glass company for repair. Need entire unit. $1,450 for a used one $5,000 for new. Are there any current recalls? 2021 kia telleride purchased new; current mileage 38,000. Will attach copy of repair order when received.

There is no incident that lead to this part breaking. My sunroof broke when it was opened. A part fell out of the assembly into the car. The sunroof will now not open fully or close fully. It's a hazard because I'm not sure if the glass is properly attached to my car and can fly off. I took this to a dealership the other day and was told this was common and not covered under warranty, costing owners thousands of dollars and days of repairs.

Sunroof - broken wind deflector arms.

I recently pressed the button to open the sunroof, and it only retracted a few inches before I heard a loud noise. The sunroof stopped, and simply would not go any further. Thankfully, the vehicle is garaged at home (I was stationary and heading out when this occurred), but with kia topping the list of most stolen vehicles, along with unpredictable weather, I'm sure you can understand why I was concerned about leaving my sunroof open!  after doing some research online, I found that this is a known problem with Tellurides. I took my car in as soon as possible for service to figure out what was wrong. Unfortunately, I was given an estimate of approximately $4,000 to repair. I purchased the car from fred anderson kia of raleigh, and took it to the same dealer for service and to report the issue. Video provided from service appointment: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Sunroof wouldn’t fully close when a rainstorm hit, causing driver panic attack. This appears to be a known issue under TSB bod-319.

I have 2 issues going on with my vehicle. The trim on the outside of my doors is coming off which I know was a recall for some Telluride vehicles about this old. Also ive been having some electrical issues/hot smell like something is burning if the heated seats get turned on.

Opens sunroof and part broke.

Catastrophic failure timeline (13 days) xxx: delivery taken at 105,439 miles. Xxx: my boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. Xxx (day 12): check engine light (cel) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 quarts of oil purchased and added. Which brought the level right above the l line. Sent texts to both salesmen (freedom and driveway). Went to work in [xxx]. Xxx (day 13): got home with odometer: 106,974. Plugged code reader into the vehicle and got code p0597 logged at 1:04 am. Tried both salesmen again through texts, email and or call. Have yet to get a reply from either. Xxx posted review updates on both of my previous posted reviews for freedom and driveway. Received my first response from the driveway review team only. Xxx rear brake pads had been cutting into rotors a few days prior. I had to purchase a tool and pads to replace. Xxx documented loss of an additional 4 quarts of oil across 4 dates. Xxx subscribed to kia connect and the app also detected issue fault code p0597. And at a later date the app detected a 2nd fault code p0598 which went away a couple days later. May 14th finally got a hold of justin grable (gm freedom) to discuss options. Xxx trade-in is only option being given to me. Documented defects & root cause code p0597 (thermostat heater control/open): an electrical/mechanical failure that caused internal engine "hot spots. " engine failure: pre-existing piston ring tension loss causing catastrophic oil consumption (1 quart/wk). Consequential damage: chronic oil burning will poison the catalytic converters and foul all oxygen (O2) sensors. As of xxx my vehicle is now consuming 1 qt/day. Ac is not working and now giving me 6 codes for engine light. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Sunroof wouldnt close. Broken assembly.

The sunroof on my 2021 kia Telluride broke and is stuck open. We had to take it to kia to have the repair quoted and they want to charge $6k to have it replaced. This is a huge safety issue, as it is winter and we have rain/snow getting in the car, as well as the potential for someone to break into my car through the sunroof as well. I have read numerous reports online of other 2021 kia Tellurides with this same issue. Please have kia issue a recall to have this issue addressed.

Sunroof bracket broke off when opening.

In August 2025, my kia dealership serviced my 2021 kia Telluride and billed me for 7 quarts of oil as part of the repair. Approximately four months later, in December 2025, the vehicle developed severe engine problems and became inoperable. The dealership diagnosed the failure as a collapsed timing tensioner and stated the engine required complete replacement. Kia techline agreed with that diagnosis and used it as the basis for recommending a new engine. Despite acknowledging that engine replacement was necessary, kia denied warranty coverage, leaving me responsible for an estimated $11,000 repair. I then obtained a second opinion from an independent, reputable repair facility. After inspecting the vehicle, the shop concluded the engine failure was not caused by a timing system failure. Instead, they found the engine contained only about one quart of oil and determined the damage resulted from oil starvation. They further stated that, in their professional opinion, the dealership had misdiagnosed the vehicle and that the low oil level was consistent with the possibility that the dealership failed to add the oil for which I was charged during the August 2025 service. What is especially concerning is that the dealership never documented or informed me that the engine was critically low on oil. Because the timing components rely on engine oil for lubrication, I believe it would have been impossible to properly inspect and diagnose a timing tensioner failure without recognizing and documenting the severely low oil level. Based on the independent inspection and the dealership's failure to identify or disclose the lack of oil, I believe the dealership either failed to perform the service as billed or failed to correctly diagnose the true cause of the engine failure. I am concerned that this incorrect diagnosis diverted attention from possible negligent workmanship during the prior service and led to an unnecessary recommendation for an $11,000 engine replacement.

1) what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the panoramic sunroof assembly — specifically the sunroof panel and its track/mechanism — failed. The sunroof panel came off its track and damaged related components (e. G. , guide rails/wind deflector arms). The damaged sunroof and broken parts are available for inspection upon request. 2) how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the sunroof panel dislodged unexpectedly during normal use. This could have caused objects or glass to fall into the cabin or onto the roadway, presenting a risk of injury to occupants or other road users. Sudden failure of the sunroof mechanism also poses a distraction while driving. 3) has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The dealership/service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed the sunroof panel was off its track and broken. (if the dealer refused to acknowledge it as a defect, state: “the dealership inspected the failure but did not classify it as a warranty defect. ”) 4) has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle/sunroof was inspected by an authorized kia dealership service department. (if applicable: “insurance representatives were not involved. ” / “kia corporate has not inspected the vehicle. ”) 5) were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the sunroof failure. There were no abnormal noises or operational symptoms immediately before the sunroof panel disengaged from its track.

On 11/01/2025, while traveling on the highway traveling at a speed of 80mph, my vehicle suddenly would not accelerate beyond 60 mph. I managed to exit safely, but this created a dangerous situation for both me, my daughter and other motorists . The next day, firestone inspected the vehicle and informed me the engine contained zero oil—yet no oil light, check-engine light, temperature warning, or sensor alerts were triggered at any point. There were no visible oil leaks, suggesting internal oil consumption, which I had reported to kia in October of 2024. On 10/21/2024, I paid $3,300 for a flywheel/ignition repair at a kia dealership. When I dropped off the vehicle for that repair, I specifically reported abnormal oil consumption and requested it be checked. Kia did not diagnose or remedy the concern. The combination -complete oil loss -no warning indicators -sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate -occurring at highway speed constitutes a critical safety defect. Drivers cannot take preventative action if the vehicle provides no indication of catastrophic engine failure until it is already occurring. This defect exposes drivers, passengers, and surrounding motorists to severe risk of collision or injury. Additionally, the dealership later provided a carfax entry simple stating "car maintenance" on 10/22/2024. No record of what was repaired, indicating inaccurate or incomplete documentation. I am requesting that NHTSA: -review this incident as a potential engine safety defect. -investigate whether other 2021 kia Telluride owners are experiencing similar catastrophic oil -loss or lack of warning indicators. -assess whether current recalls adequately address this failure pattern. -determine whether an additional recall or investigation is warranted.

I tried to open the sunroof and it made a loud "popping" sound then would not close. I took it to the kia service center in SC (fred anderson kia greenville, SC)and the tech informed me this would be a $7000 fix. They also informed me to report this incident since they have also had numerous sunroof issues with this make and model. Kia also released a technical service bulletin " this bulletin provides information to perform a partial replacement of the sunroof wind deflector and mechanism arms on some 2019-2022my Telluride (on) vehicles produced from February 15, 2019 through January 19, 2022. The affected vehicles may experience the sunroof open/close operation inoperative and/or the sunroof wind deflector function inoperative. " a this is a known defect, this should be issued recall as it could result in sunroof glass break, causing injury to drivers, passengers.

The trim pieces on the outside of the doors are not properly on and are flapping.

I opened up my sunroof it became lodged, sideways and cracked.

While driving at highway speed, the moon roof cracked and blew outward with out any reason.

Sunroof fails to close. Problem is known as there are multiple reports stating that the sunroof deflector breaks within a few years on kia Telluride. Vehicle cannot be driven as you cannot lock the vehicle when a window is open/weather impacts drive-ability. .

I drive a kia Telluride and while driving down the highway two pieces of plastic fell down into the passenger seat. Next the window flew up into the air. I had to physically hold the window down while driving with children in the back seat. No warranty will cover the sunroof and I was quoted $6000 to fix it. Upon searching this information I found that this has happened to multiple people and kia is not trying to fix it. I spent all of my savings on this car to be able to transport my family safely. This did not happen.

The sunroof wind deflector mechanism on my 2021 kia Telluride failed due to what appears to be a known defect. The passenger side wind deflector arm broke off and upon trying to close the sunroof it made grinding noises. This caused the sunroof to malfunction and created a situation where the sunroof could not operate properly and is now stuck open. Kia has acknowledged issues with this component in a technical service bulletin, indicating prior knowledge of defects in the wind deflector arms. However, no recall or owner notification was issued. Because of this lack of notification, I was not aware of the need to inspect or repair this part when the issue was minor. Instead, the failure progressed and now requires a significantly more expensive repair involving major sunroof components. The sunroof being stuck open is a distraction when driving and during rain has allowed water to leak into the car. Fortunately, I was parked when the wind deflector arm failed. Had this occurred while driving, the abrupt malfunction could have created a dangerous distraction and compromised safe vehicle operation.

On Sunday, August 31, at approximately 12pm, I was driving south on union blvd. , colorado springs, CO, between acacia dr. And circle dr. , when I heard a loud explosion coming from my roof. I did not feel anything hit my car and did not see anything or anybody that could be responsible for the loud sound. I drove to a safe place and got out of my car to discover a hole in and shattered glass from my sunroof. Fortunately, the sunshade was closed, keeping the glass from falling into my car and damaging its interior or hurting me. It was a clear 74-degree day with no traffic in front, or to either side of me. There was no indication that something hit the sunroof. -what failed or malfunctioned: the sunroof. -how was my safety put at risk: had the sunvisor been opened, shattered glass could have hurt or caused me to crash. -vehicle or component inspection: it is at the peak kia service center being looked at now. I am waiting for my insurance claims adjuster to get back with me. -any warnings or knowledge of the problem prior to the explosion: no. There was no advance warning or knowledge. The first that I knew about the sunroof was from the explosive sound, which scared the heck out of me. I have more photos, but can't upload them because I am struggling to convert them from heic to jpg.

Tried to open sunroof and it would not open. Seems to be a common issue on 20-22 Tellurides. Please make this a recall so people don’t have to pay out of pocket for a repair, like the dealership is telling me.

I was driving at approximately 65-70 mph on the freeway at around 7:40 am when the sunroof glass spontaneously exploded above me. The sound was terrifying. . . Literally like an explosion or gunshot going off. Thankfully, I did not jerk the wheel at this high speed from the scare and the sunroof shade was closed, preventing glass shards from falling on top of me. The sunroof was not hit by any debris and was not near any large trucks, so it was a huge surprise when it happened.

Sunroof has failed to close. A sunroof that does not close 1. Could allow for build up of moisture within the the vehicle causing mold which could cause respiratory issues. 2. An open sunroof could lead to theft of the vehicle the dealer has stated that sun roof fell off the track and will need to replaced. The kia dealer completed a diagnostic review. There were no warnings.

The sunroof button is defective. It allows both the “vent” and “slide open” functions to activate at the same time, which should not be mechanically possible. This causes the sunroof to jam and break the track system. It’s a design flaw that leads to physical damage and could easily become a safety issue if the sunroof fails while driving or during a storm. This needs to be addressed before more owners end up with broken hardware from a faulty control system.