2021 Kia Telluride

My 2021 Kia Telluride has suffered two consecutive component failures of the rear suspension's self-leveling shock absorbers. This component is the exact subject of Kia's August 15, 2024 Extended Warranty Program (WTY040), which acknowledges a widespread engineering defect causing premature rear shock failures. The factory-installed original shock failed previously. The official Kia genuine replacement part (redesigned by Kia to permanently address the original defect) has now failed prematurely under the exact same mechanical conditions. The failed replacement component bears a manufacturing date stamp of 11/2023. Kia America Corporate is utilizing an administrative loophole regarding the component's manufacturing date code to deny safety coverage, actively refusing to honor or remedy the failure of their own redesigned replacement part. The local Kia dealership service manager inspected the vehicle and formally endorsed 100% replacement coverage due to this premature safety failure, but Kia Corporate has completely stalled the repair (I have had a formal 100% goodwill coverage request submitted since 7/21/26 without resolution), leaving a known vehicle stability defect unaddressed on a public roadway.

I wish to amend my previous report dated 6/22/2026. #11745783. IT is is cv boot on the right side. I had a dealer do the repair. It is not under warranty, If you follow the Kia Telluride complaint page son FB, others have had the same issue. It cost $777.61 to repair. It should not need to be repaired at 72k miles. That is a third of the expected life expectancy. Thank you for considering this safety matter.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the passenger’s side drive shaft boot was leaking. The steering and mileage were affected by the failure. While making a turn, the steering wheel was readjusting. The accelerator pedal was depressed; after the pedal was released, the pedal jerked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The brakes were reprogrammed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front boot was leaking, and the axle and tires needed to be replaced, and an alignment performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Kia Mentor (9090 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060); who provided the same diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The BBB was contacted and the Attorney General. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

I have 2021 Kia Telluride with 38000 miles on it. When I wash my car, I normally wash the roof and in order to do that I put one foot on 3 step ladder and one foot on the back tire. I always had a plenty space above the tire and under the fender and I could stand up on the tire while I was washing the roof. On my last wash after the harsh winter weather, I notice I can not place my foot on the tire anymore. I google the height from the bottom of the fender to the ground and I noticed is way down. I read on Google that is covered by KIA for 15 years or 180000 miles. I contacted the Riverhead Kia and they replaced the shocks. When I came out of the dealer I immediately noticed the height has not been improved. I informed the service advisor, he said that is not going to be like a new 2026 vehicle and it should be Ok. Two days later over the weekend I noticed Roaring sound and when I hit the bump it seems my chasing banging on the axle. I am planning to go back to dealer tomorrow.

The rear frame of my 2021 Kia Telluride has a broken weld. This is a structural failure that compromises the safety and integrity of the vehicle. The Kia dealership mechanic who inspected it confirmed the weld was defective and also stated they have heard other Tellurides with the same issue. A broken frame weld poses a serious risk to vehicle occupants in the event of a crash and may affect handling, towing, and long-term durability. This appears to be a recurring defect and should be investigated as a potential safety hazard. After several trips to the dealership, for the loud metal to metal type bang, they have replaced struts, rear stab links and shock absorbers. On 9/17/2025 the mechanic was given a list of items to inspect and the dealership informed me that one of the items on the list was to check the frame welds. I was informed that they found the broken weld and have forward pictures to KIA engineers. I was informed that the car is safe to drive and they will get back to me within a couple weeks. They offered me a loaner car but it would be a KIA Soul which is too small for my wife that has bad knees to get in and out of. I do not have pictures of the problem and the dealership didn't want to copy me.