10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,490 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 Kia Telluride drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2020 Kia Telluride Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #23

Jul 022024

Telluride

  • 68,213 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled down from the driveway of his home while his son was in the backseat. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle and was knocked down by the door and the vehicle ran over the contact's foot. The vehicle was stopped by the contact when he engaged the brake pedal, but the vehicle crashed into his neighbor's vehicle. The crash was minor. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact was taken to the local hospital. The contact stated he suffered a contusion in his foot and was diagnosed with a crushed injury by the local hospital and he also stated his son was traumatized from the incident. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure The failure mileage was approximately 68,213. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Placentia,, CA, USA

problem #22

Mar 052024

Telluride

  • miles
My 2020 Telly has a random vibration. When it appears it can be felt throughout the vehicle. Just as quickly as it appears it disappears. Mostly felt with acceleration/when changing gears (right after). Also there have been a handful of times I've attempted to go from a stopped position or pulling into traffic and the car just sits there. It does not rev or increase rpm's, it does nothing. Then after about 2 seconds it will just calmly go as if I had just pressed on the gas. This is very scary when it happens while pulling into traffic or attempting to cross over traffic... Because when it does start to go you are now 2 seconds behind where you should be and I was almost hit. Had a similar issue with my Tucson and Hyundai fixed it ASAP.. it was the transmission clutch. Also having an issue with my CV axle/joint/boot. It's leaking but it is not broken or cracked etc. It's just leaking and spitting greas/fluid all over the wheel etc. Trying to find a part for it that is not at the dealer is not easy but the dealer wants 400 just for the boot (not installed). This is ridiculous and price gouging. Check the Kia forum and you will see many people with these same complaints/concerns that need to be addressed BEFORE someone gets hurt. Having your vehicle not go while pulling into traffic is SERIOUS.. fix it Kia! I have 2 shops that have confirmed there's an issue, felt vibration, picture of leak, instead what's up with the transmission AWD but is believed to be driveshaft/transfer case related. 64,440 miles currently. Issues started at 62,261.. also I contacted crown Kia(st. Pete FL) regarding windshield replacement because I have a crack that is growing after repair. I have the letter (customer and dealer regarding cheap glass "Goodwill repair" and they knew nothing about it. I produced the letter and have heard nothing from them. Dealerships hate doing anything that won't bring a dollar. KIA FIX MY ABILITY TO SAFELY GO IN TRAFFIC PLEASE. SAVE LIVES PLEASE NOW THANK YOU

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #21

Apr 052024

Telluride

  • 64,826 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started jerking. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle displayed a message "Consider Taking a Break". The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission and both front and rear axles, oil pan gasket, brakes, drive train, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,826.

- Carbondale, PA, USA

problem #20

Apr 042024

Telluride

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Valve cover gasket leak, coolant hose leaks, passenger side axel boot slinging grease, parasitic draw

- Port St Lucie, FL, USA

problem #19

Feb 082024

Telluride

  • miles
Passenger front CV axle boot leaking grease causing damage estimated $1000. Seems to be a huge issue for a lot of Kia owners (as parts seem to be on back order now). No rough terrain driving. So if this is an issue driving on Minnesota roads, bad parts by Kia. I lived on a farm where you drove on uneven terrain all the time-?? never had a vehicle (Ford, Buick) never had this issue

- Prior Lake, MN, USA

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problem #18

Dec 082023

Telluride

  • miles
1st winter of owning vehicle. The engine started to Rev with high rmps about 8000, and no power / speed incrase would happen. This was looked at by dealer within first year. This then happened again, dealer looked at it. Third time, the dealer had a code to look at, and the transmission was upgraded with software. We are now a 4th time at the dealer, and the observed reving is happening again, and shifting is not smooth.

- Greenville, WI, USA

problem #17

Aug 012023

Telluride

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This started in July/August. I went in to get into my car and noticed that although my car was making the sound of unlocking, it wasn-??t unlocking. Neither the key fob or pressing the button on the door handle would unlock my car. I manually used the key to get in. Once I got in, I had a rear collision warning on my dash and was unable to shift from park. I overrode the shift mechanism and took it to a mechanic. They hooked it up to a reader and was tracking down the error when all of sudden the error code disappeared, and they were unable to progress. I left there and drove to work without issues. Two days later (Saturday) it happened again. I disconnected the negative battery cable and waited a few minutes before I hooked it back up. It was fine for about a month and then it started happening again. This time I tried the battery cable again and it worked for a while, but it started to happen more regularly. I took it to a Kia dealer but they were unable to replicate it. They said if it happens again record it and send a the video. Two days later it happened, and I sent them a video. I took my car back to the dealer and it has been there 11/9. In between visits, it happened, and I overrode the shift mechanism and I noticed my dash lights were almost out as well as the other issues. I believe I know what the issue is. I noticed this only happens when it-??s cool in the early morning and then, when the sun comes up, there is an abundance of moisture on the inside windshield. I believe that heavy moisture is shorting out the electronics in my dash. I-??ve never had an issue when it rains or midday. It-??s probably why this has been so noticeable in the fall early winter. We have lots of mornings in the 30-??s and they quickly warm up when the sun comes out. I have read some online forums that talk about the condensation issue with the Kia Telluride. I haven-??t found any that talks about the electronic issue however.

- Byron Center, MI, USA

problem #16

Jan 102023

Telluride

  • miles
Believed to be front power transfer unit was looked at by another dealer not Kia. Found ptu leaking fluid and howling during testing. Not sure if in future the unit will lock up causing unsafe vehicle condition.. has had brand new Michelin tires installed at the request of Kia dealer. Vehicle still has a vibration at 67-72mph dealer followed tra099 tsb, didn't fix issue/didn't want to spend the time diagnosing because its under warranty and they don't get paid for their time. Has been to dealer for concern was told normal operation. Not normal at all the whole vehicle groans and shakes.

- Mashpee, MA, USA

problem #15

Sep 302022

Telluride

  • miles
Severe vibration at highway speeds between 60-80 mph on intermittent basis. Low frequency vibration at speeds 40-50 mph on intermittent basis. 10/11/2022 Reviewed by service at Wasatch Front Kia, no issues found. Problem continues. 12/16/2022 Reviewed by Costco Tire Center, Draper, UT. Screw/nail found in tire. Tire repaired. Wheel/tire balance performed. Problem reduced but not eliminated. 01/04/2023 Vibration occurred at similar intensity as to prior to 12/16 service.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

problem #14

Jan 262022

Telluride

  • miles
I reported a suspected defect on my vehicle 1/26/22. With 44,000 miles, the car began stalling and having difficulty accelerating from a stop at busy intersections. Germain Kia Dealership on Georgesville Rd in Columbus, OH where I purchased the vehicle new has refused to adequately investigate this issue, and has refused to make any repair for the open recall on this vehicle involving taillights and the trailer hitch. Dealership stated it would only make repairs if I bought a $15,000 new engine from them, and they stated that Kia would not honor my manufacturer's warranty, nor would Kia honor my extended warranty sold to me for $2,000 at time of purchase. Dealership was acting as an agent of Kia when taking this action. I filed a complaint to Kia headquarters, but this scheme to defraud was endorsed by Kia through a lack of action. I was assigned case number 14636950 by Kia, but the automaker took no action. My recall item was not repaired, and the suspected defect that involves stalling on my two-year old engine was not addressed at all. My records show 5 oil changes since buying this car, but Kia's Columbus, OH dealership says only oil changes done by their own dealership count. None of my oil changes done by other ASE certified repair facilities will be recognized. Dealership says Kia will not honor any warranty due to lack of maintenance. I can prove vehicle was maintained properly. When I escalated this matter to the dealership sales manager, service manager, and general manager, they took no action. I was denied repair on the recall item, as dealership and Kia tried to trick me into buying a new engine, they breached my warranty and my extended warranty, and they did not investigate the new potential defect involving power train. Please do not allow Kia and its dealers to defraud other customers and keep unsafe cars on the road in this fashion.

- London, OH, USA

problem #13

Oct 162021

Telluride

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Started car in 70 degree weather, heard a ticking noise coming from the hood, put car in reverse then drive, engine light came on (solid, not flashing), took it to get a diagnostic test and results state -??Torque converter malfunction-??. The car is now shifting hard through gears and shaking while driving.

- Carthage , NC, USA

problem #12

Sep 252019

Telluride

  • 7,976 miles
My 2020 Kia Telluride has had electrical problems since 3 months after purchasing it in June of 2019. It started out small with my backup camera glitching/not being visible, the interior lights flickering, and my heat not working properly. Then, it quickly escalated to multiple emergency lights engaging in my dashboard while driving or stopped. I called the dealership and was told if the codes aren't active they can't service the vehicle, so when it happened again I brought it to them directly. At this time my vehicle wouldn't go in reverse and the steering wheel locked. The diagnostic report stated the car lost communication with fuel pump control module, instrument panel cluster (lpc), control module (ccan),and HVAC control module. This happened on two occasions compromising my family's safety. On the 3rd occasion, the following happened: The steering wheel locked, shifter wouldn't work, no lights next to shift, wouldn't go in reverse, no backup camera. On the 4th occasion, the following occurred: Warning lights/emergency lights on dash, steering locked, no lights near shifter, steering tight, RPM indicator went to zero, speed went to zero, warning lights switched on an off to different ones. The dealer replaced the floor harness, dash harness, and engine harness. Even after these "fixes" it continued. On the 5th occasion, the emergency lights came on and my vehicle shut off while driving and I lost my brakes! the following occurred before the shut down: Forward collision warning light, emergency light, RPM indicator up and down, ABS warning light, degree/temp light flickering on and off, plus a few more warning lights. This time my car had to be towed. Kia will not take the car back and denied my claim after supplying over 70 pages of documentation. My car has been in the shop for a total of 84 days since October 19, 2020.

- Wallkill, NY, USA

problem #11

Oct 012020

Telluride

  • miles
Vibration/humming noise at highway speeds (most noticeable btwn. 65-75 mph). Confirmed by 2 different Kia dealerships, suspected to be an issue with drive shaft or rear differential.

- Mebane, NC, USA

problem #10

Jul 252020

Telluride

  • 4,900 miles
The vehical will not accelerate at freeway speeds and the engine RPM increases up to 6000 RPM with no or little acceleration when the gas peddle is depressed.. this also occurs at lower speeds, no or little acceleration while the engine RPM increases to 5000 RPM visible on the tachometer and heard from the engine noise. The transmission appears to be slipping or down shifting to many gears for the amount of fuel demand. The dealership witnessed this problem during a test drive and I showed them a vidio of the speedometer versus the tach reading while this problem was occurring. It has been 3 months and Kia still has no fix for this problem. It has nearly caused an accedent on one occation and a near miss headon colission while driving thru Oregon and trying to pass in a passing lane, on a vacation drive. This problem has persisted since day one of the vehical purchas and has been in for service of the problem on 3 occasions. Kia dealer says Kia has no known fix.

- Martinez, CA, USA

problem #9

Aug 212020

Telluride

  • 12,000 miles
My transmission is randomly and frequently slipping into neutral, mostly at lower speeds while shifting after a turn and increasing speed. The result is that I have no power while navigating in traffic and must shut off the vehicle and restart to regain power to the transmission. Almost like a reboot of the system. It is extremely unsafe in traffic and my family no longer wants to ride in car. I have reported the issue to Kia back in January and have had it in the shop numerous times with no resolution. Kia had me put a data reader in the vehicle to capture the data during the occurances and have no resolution. This is now happening more and more frequently, even when just going straight down the road. I have seen on a Telluride social media site that I am not the only one experiencing this issue. Kia is not handling this satisfactorally.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #8

Dec 022019

Telluride

  • 9,500 miles
Vibration being felt in the steering wheel, gas pedal and in seat from the power train from highway speeds raging from 60mph to 80mph with a with a humming noise being heard from the interior at the same speeds. It has been getting progressively worse. We bought the vehicle in June of 2019 and it now has about 13000 miles on.

- Swedesboro, NJ, USA

problem #7

Jan 172020

Telluride

  • 2,200 miles
While on a 1300 mile trip to branson mo, I was entering an interstate on ramp with my vehicle when the transmission slipped. My rpms revved up and no power on drivetrain. I coasted to should of interstate and put it in park, then shifted back to drive and still no go. I shut the vehicle off and turned it back on and it then worked. Almost like the computer-controlled AWD failed and needed a reboot. This could have caused a serious accident and I am very concerned as this is a new vehicle that had 2200 miles on it when it happened.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #6

Jun 012019

Telluride

  • 36 miles
Since new, the vehicle has exhibited a vibration starting around 65 mph up to around 75 mph. It is mild in severity but annoying especially when frequently driving at highway speeds. The dealership noted it but has not been able to find a solution.

- Lancaster, PA, USA

problem #5

May 162019

Telluride

  • 1,346 miles
Passenger side axle deal leaking from transfer case. Leaking from outside seal. Inner seal spring was off and needed to be reinstalled.

- Coatesville, PA, USA

problem #4

Aug 282019

Telluride

  • 1,000 miles
Shortly after purchasing this AWD vehicle, there is a distinct vibration at highway speeds. The vibration starts at 67 mph and is there until speeds exceed 75 mph, where things start to smooth out once again. There is also an odd noise inside the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling in this speed range. Vibration is felt in the steering wheel, gas pedal, and bottom of seats. Rear seat occupants also feel this vibration. Local dealer has road force balanced the tires, but has made no improvement. There definitely is a serious drivetrain issue causing this vibration. Very disappointed with the Telluride as a result of this, but honestly, disappointed in the Telluride altogether.

- Aurora, OH, USA

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