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2021 Kia Telluride Transmission Problems

21 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

21
Complaints
1
Recalls
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Transmission Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #24V214000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.

Fix: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.

Owner Complaints (21)

criticalPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Component/System Failure: The engine and lubrication system appear to be malfunctioning. The vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden engine shutdown while stopped at traffic lights and during low-speed operation. The dealership has identified oil leakage involving the oil pan and oil filter housing and has indicated there may be an internal oil leak within the engine.

NHTSA #: 11715428
criticalPOWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2026

The vehicle decelerated in the highway, from about 70mph to 40mhp with no warning, no check engine light, and no previous symptoms, sounds or other indicators. The vehicle was brought to the dealer who advised the high pressure fuel pump went bad as well as the solenoid and OCV harness, causing oil to be forced through the harness.

NHTSA #: 11709856
criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2025

The oil filter housing is made of plastic and it cracked causing a major oil leak. There were no warning lights on the dash. Our family had just gotten into the car to visit family for Thanksgiving.

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NHTSA #: 11703071
criticalPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

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 .

NHTSA #: 11700236
highPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

I purchased the 2021 Telluride (former owner of a Sportage, Rio and Sorento). I have our local mechanic handle maintenance and service. After paying $1,400 for a tune up to address misfiring, we quickly concluded the transmission was shot and my engine was burning theough every drop of oil before it was due for a change.

NHTSA #: 11707761
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2025

Vehicle transmission has been slipping and Sutter since around 30k miles. Dealer has test vehicle and agrees but will not repair due to no codes in PCM or ECM. Vehicle stalled almost causing another vehicle to clip rear of vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11677773
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2025

Vehicle (2021 Kia Telluride) at ~94K miles received CEL P000A for (Camshaft Position - Slow Response (Bank 1)). Personally checked the oil before taking the vehicle to the dealership and there was very little oil, below the "L" line. Vehicle is burning oil fast, which more likley than not cause the P000A CEL.

NHTSA #: 11681754
mediumPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2025

I’ve taken my vehicle to Kia a few times about my transmission sputtering and the first time they told me I needed a transmission flush, I paid $250.00 to have it done just to have it continue to happen and every time I bring it there they say they aren’t seeing or feeling anything. It’s still doing it.

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NHTSA #: 11639596
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2024

Vehicle surges when at a stop. Normally RPM run about 500, when the vehicle surges the RPM's jump without notice to 1000 or more and the car acts like a race horse wanting to get out of the gate. Heavy pressure on the brake is needed at all times when stopped at a light, for a turn, at a stop sign.

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NHTSA #: 11629753
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2024

There is an ongoing problem with the AWD coupler on every model year of this vehicle and other KIA/Hyundai AWD vehicles. The problem occurs at lower speeds (35mph or less) while turning, and/or when starting from a stop turning either left or right. The vehicle produces a binding or slipping feel in the rear wheels along with a clunking noise from the rear of the vehicle.

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NHTSA #: 11613449
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2024

Vehicle has a vibration at 60-75 miles per hour. It's a rhythmic vibration that you can feel in the gas pedal and sense in the front of the vehicles drivetrain. Kia has a TSB about this issue.

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NHTSA #: 11584834
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Aug 2023

As I was driving down the highway in the rain, my check engine light came on and I was unable to accelerate my vehicle over 30mph and the speedometer stopped working. I was turning onto the road I live on, so I was able to make it home. I then shut my car off and turned it back on about 5 minutes later, and that issue was no longer happening.

NHTSA #: 11539594
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2023

At around 40,000 miles my Telluride start to have issues shifting at low speeds and when cold. By the time I hit 50,000 miles it was happening all the time. It began sputtering almost everyone I accelerated causing it to hesitate on highways.

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NHTSA #: 11512299
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2022

We were driving the car and it began lurching unpredictably. It was difficult to maneuver safely. It is now 3 weeks past that time and my Kia has been at the dealership this entire time.

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NHTSA #: 11451474
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2021

I drove my brand new telluride off the lot with approximately 12 miles on it. About a month after having it I noticed the following: when entering a highway from about 20-25 MPH, the vehicle would not gradually accelerate allowing me to enter the highway. As I continue to press the accelerator pedal the rpms would eventually jump up and the vehicle would launch itself forward.

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NHTSA #: 11425571
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2021

While driving this vehicle at 65-70mph a high-speed low-tone oscillating vibration can be heard and felt and continues through 75mph.

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NHTSA #: 11398728
mediumPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2020

The vehicle started vibrating within a month of the purchase at speeds between 60-80. Several trips to kia with kia tech line and they deny the vehicle has an issue. They said the vibration measured with a picoscope was within the normal range.

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NHTSA #: 11383869
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2020

There is a known issue with tellurides and hyundai palisade vehicles right now with excessive vibration when speeds reach 55mph - 70mph. Kia consumer assistance and dealers are not being helpful. They road forced balanced my wheels and sent me home...I told them it's not fixed and now they want me to take it back.

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NHTSA #: 11383704
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2020

The steering wheel and seats vibrate while driving between 60-80mph. This is a known issue on tellurides and palisades that is fixed by replacing with a properly balanced driveshaft. However the dealer refuses to proceed and kia consumer affairs has been difficult to work with.

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NHTSA #: 11375843
lowPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2024

I was driving and stopped in the center lane and the SUV would not move. I was left in an unsafe position. I was there about 10-15 min and got pushed out of the road.

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NHTSA #: 11618156
lowPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2021

I drove my brand new telluride off the lot with 11 miles on it. Before I gained speeds over 50mph my vehicle would jerk as it changed gears and the RPM increased. After I stopped at stop signs or red lights and then began to accelerate again, the car would jerk, the engine would rev up and no acceleration would happen.

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NHTSA #: 11414682

Other 2021 Kia Telluride Issues