Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander
For 2019–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 16.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 43.6 for the Kia Telluride. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2019–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Kia Telluride
43.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.7× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- Complaints
- 1,427
- Sold
- 327,320
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2020. Fewest: 2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 7,976 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 5,000 mi
-
Sunroof and panoramic roof
Typically around 7,018 mi · repair $330–$620
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 3,700 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 76,500 mi
Toyota Highlander
16.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
63% fewer than the Kia Telluride
- Complaints
- 1,531
- Sold
- 938,646
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Kia Telluride or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2019–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 16.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Kia Telluride has 43.6, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Kia Telluride?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Telluride is body control and other modules, typically around 7,976 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Kia Telluride: 2020.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.