Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2023 Kia Telluride pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2023 Kia Telluride
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2023 Kia Telluride
LX / S / EX / SX / SX-P / X-Line / X-Pro (1st gen ON, 2020–present)
Low Risk

The Telluride is widely considered the best 3-row midsize SUV value — premium interior, spacious third row, and proven 3.8L V6 that does not share the Theta II engine concerns. The 8-speed automatic is smooth. This updated 2023 model features cosmetic and feature refreshes. No chronic failure modes. Main checks: 8-speed automatic fluid service, infotainment update, and standard service records (the Telluride has no CVT in any trim).

Items to check
8
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
130
Top concern
Minimal

Powertrain

3.8L Lambda II V6 — no Theta II concerns

Low Risk
The 3.8L is a completely separate engine from the Theta II recall. No documented failure modes.
Cold-start idle smooth. Oil level check.
Est. cost: Routine maintenance Source: Kia 3.8L reliability data

8-speed automatic — smooth

Low Risk
AISIN-sourced 8AT is reliable and smooth across all driving conditions.
Test all gears in multiple drive modes.
Est. cost: $200 fluid service Source: Kia drivetrain standard

AWD System

AWD coupling fluid service

Low Risk
AWD rear coupling every 30k miles. Confirm in service records.
Tight parking turn — no binding expected.
Est. cost: $150–$200 service Source: Kia AWD standard

Documentation

Service records + recall check

Low Risk
Telluride owners maintain their vehicles well.
Request service records and run nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Est. cost: n/a Source: AutoVetting editorial

What the VIN tells you

The first-gen Telluride (ON, 2020–2025) has just one engine — the 3.8L Lambda II GDI V6 (291 hp) paired with an 8-speed automatic; there is no four-cylinder, no turbo and no CVT in any Telluride, FWD or AWD. The 8th VIN digit confirms it: C = the 3.8L Lambda II V6. This V6 is unrelated to the Theta II 2.0T/2.4L engines behind Kia's KSDS bearing-wear recalls, so the Telluride carries none of that exposure. Position 10 encodes model year on Kia's scheme: P = 2023 (N = 2022, R = 2024). Confirm the decode at vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov before applying this checklist.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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