TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AWD COUPLER NOISE/VIBRATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the 4-Wheel Drive ‘4WD’ system software on some 2020-2025MY Telluride (ON) vehicles produced from January 08, 2019 through December 17, 2025. The affected vehicles may exhibit a noise and/or a vibration, shudder, jerking, binding, or chattering sensation while turning at low speeds (10MPH – 15MPH). This concern may be caused by decreased oil friction within AWD coupling due to continuous vehicle operation in harsh conditions (high/low ambient temperatures, extended duration / distance driving).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Kia Telluride powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Kia Telluride have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Telluride | 63 |
| 2021 Telluride | 24 |
| 2022 Telluride (this page) | 19 |
| 2023 Telluride | 20 |
| 2024 Telluride | 12 |
| 2025 Telluride | 6 |
2crashes
1injury
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING NOISE/VIBRATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT) - CLOSED & SUPERSEDED BY CHA129 - This bulletin is now closed and superseded by CHA129. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the 4-Wheel Drive ‘4WD’ system software on certain 2020-2022MY Telluride (ON) vehicles produced from January 09, 2019 through September 01, 2022. The affected vehicles may exhibit a noise and/or a vibration, shudder, jerking, binding, or chattering while turning at low speeds (10MPH – 15MPH) located from the 4WD coupling caused by a decrease in the oil friction of the 4WD coupling due to continuous vehicle operation in harsh conditions (high/low ambient temperatures, long time/distance
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING NOISE/VIBRATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the 4-Wheel Drive “4WD” system software on certain 2020-2022MY Telluride (ON) vehicles produced from January 9, 2019, through September 1, 2022. The affected vehicles may exhibit a noise, vibration, shudder, and/or chattering from the 4WD coupling assembly while turning at low speeds (10-15 mph) due to continuous vehicle operation in harsh conditions (e.g., very high or low ambient temperatures).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: RIGHT FRONT DRIVESHAFT INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (SC303Z) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the right front driveshaft on certain 2020-2024MY Telluride (ON) vehicles manufactured from January 9, 2019 through October 19, 2023 that previously had the campaign SC303 completed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2022 Kia Telluride report multiple serious powertrain failures across a wide mileage range. The most alarming issue is unintended vehicle rollback while parked—documented in four separate complaints where vehicles rolled backward on level ground with transmission in park and engine off. One incident injured an occupant badly enough to require hospitalization. Kia recall 24V214000 (Power Train) was completed on at least one vehicle but failed to resolve the rollback.
Engine problems are severe: one borescope inspection at 59,000 miles revealed internal mechanical failure including coolant intrusion into cylinders, cylinder wall scoring, excessive oil buildup, and cracked or failed piston rings. Another owner reported engine over-revving to 6,000 rpm at stops, escalating from intermittent to nine occurrences in one day, with the dealer unable to diagnose the intermittent fault.
A rear differential failed catastrophically at 70 mph one week after warranty service, creating an abrupt stop on the highway with children in the vehicle. Driveline vibration and shimmy starting from delivery and persisting after driveshaft and differential replacement has left multiple owners with unresolved issues. One transmission failed at 4,177 miles with no ETA for replacement parts. Dealerships have struggled to diagnose or resolve these failures despite multiple service attempts.
Same Kia Telluride powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Internal engine damage / coolant intrusion
Borescope inspection revealed multiple signs of severe internal mechanical failure at 59k miles: excessive oil buildup above oil control ring, heavy cylinder wall polishing indicating loss of lubrication, thick carbon deposits with flaking and scoring, evidence of coolant intrusion (orange discoloration, moisture, steam-cleaned combustion surfaces), and vertical scoring marks through the honing pattern. Evidence points to possible head-gasket failure, casting defect, or cracked scraper ring. Coolant washing away cylinder bore oil leads to rusted pistons and accelerated scoring. Damage is extensive enough that cylinder reconditioning would enlarge bores beyond safe operating limits.
When: 59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil burning; Blow-by; Excessive oil buildup; Cylinder wall scoring; Coolant intrusion into combustion chamber; Loss of lubrication
Repairs/costs cited: Engine is no longer safe or reliable; cylinder walls compromised to the point where reconditioning would cause piston flutter and long-term failure. Dealership and KIA Consumer Affairs notified but no replacement or resolution after 3 months; vehicle held 8 weeks.
Unintended vehicle rollback while parked
Multiple complaints (narratives #2, #3, #5, #10) document vehicles rolling backward while parked on level ground with transmission in park and engine off. In narrative #2, vehicle rolled back into another parked vehicle and a palm tree while driver's side door was open; recall 24V214000 (Power Train) had been completed but remedy failed. In narrative #3, vehicle rolled back 1–2 feet in garage with no one inside or touching it. In narrative #5, vehicle rolled backward while parked, causing rear door to strike occupant who was knocked to the ground and hospitalized with multiple injuries. In narrative #10, parked vehicle rolled backward and struck residence. Owners reference awareness of similar EV6 recall.
When: 36,000 to 37,600 miles; one instance undocumented
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while parked in park; Occurs on level ground; No occupant input or driver interaction; Vehicle remains in park position
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #2 references prior completion of recall 24V214000 (Power Train) that failed to resolve the issue. Multiple cases filed with manufacturer and referred to dealers; no repairs completed in documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 24V214000 (Power Train) referenced in narratives #2 and #5; remedy did not resolve rollback failures. Manufacturer denied assistance in narrative #2 despite incident recording provided.
Engine over-revving / uncontrolled idle surge
Engine races to approximately 6000 rpm when vehicle is at a stop with foot on brake, starting intermittently 4–5 months before complaint (2–3 times per month) and escalating in frequency and severity. By October 2023, problem manifested 9 times in one day. Engine would sometimes return to normal rpm in seconds; other times required shifting to neutral and back to drive, or turning engine off and restarting. One restart caused immediate surge back to 6000 rpm requiring shutdown again. Dealer unable to diagnose because problem is intermittent and not reproducible on demand.
When: Intermittent starting approximately 4–5 months before October 2023 complaint; failure mileage not documented
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 6000 rpm at stop; Occurs with foot on brake; Intermittent; escalates in frequency; Sometimes requires shutdown to reset; May require shift to neutral and back to drive to return to idle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose due to intermittent nature. Owner states vehicle is unsafe to drive, though incidents so far prevented accidents because brake pressure prevented lurching forward.
Unintended acceleration while parked
Narrative #8 documents vehicle suddenly accelerating without warning while idle and in park in driveway. Vehicle jerked forward, then accelerated and crashed into garage door. Airbags did not deploy; no injuries. Occurs at 46,000 miles. Narrative #4 may be related if over-revving while at stop escalates to uncontrolled acceleration.
When: 46,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle in park and idle; Sudden jerk forward; Sudden acceleration without driver input; Collision with obstacle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired. Case filed with manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case filed. No repairs performed.
Transmission shift failure / loss of acceleration
Narrative #9 documents intermittent failure to shift gears and loss of acceleration without warning starting October 2024, with check-engine light illumination. Despite multiple repair attempts including fuel pump replacement, fuel pressure sensor replacement, and ECU replacement, root cause remains undiagnosed as of September 2025. Dealer's latest recommendation (9/30/25) is replacement of injector harnesses and front wire assembly, but no guarantee of resolution. Narrative #11 reports engine knocking sound and vehicle feeling as if it shifted into neutral at 50 mph (32,000 miles); instrument panel provided inaccurate information. Dealer unable to diagnose.
When: 32,000 to unknown mileage; narrative #9 ongoing as of September 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent failure to shift gears; Loss of acceleration without warning; Check-engine light; Engine knocking; Sensation of shifting to neutral; Inaccurate instrument panel display
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #9: fuel pump replaced, fuel pressure sensors replaced, ECU replaced, injector harnesses and front wire assembly recommended for replacement but without guarantee. Narrative #11: dealer unable to determine cause; vehicle not repaired.
Rear differential failure
Catastrophic rear differential mechanical failure at highway speed (approximately 70 mph) one week after dealer performed warranty repair for rear differential knocking noise. Vehicle experienced sudden loud bang and immediate abrupt stop. Complete mechanical failure confirmed by visual inspection with fluid and component debris underneath vehicle. Failure created severe safety risk with wife and two children in vehicle.
When: Within one week of warranty service; failure mileage not documented
Symptoms owners cite: Prior knocking noise from rear differential; Whirling/grinding sound after warranty repair; Sudden loud bang at highway speed; Abrupt stop; Fluid and debris under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Catastrophic failure occurred immediately after manufacturer-authorized warranty repair. Vehicle currently unsafe to operate.
Oil filter housing cracking / oil leak
Oil filter housing cracked, causing complete oil loss. Owner notes this is a reported common problem with 2022 Telluride and Sorrento models due to plastic housing material lacking durability compared to aluminum or steel, causing cracks under stress. Dealership confirmed it is not an uncommon problem.
When: Not specified; failure mileage not documented
Symptoms owners cite: Oil filter housing crack; Complete oil leak; Oil on pavement
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $425. Owner notes if housing had not been replaced, engine would have seized due to total oil loss.
Driveline vibration / shimmy
Narrative #12 reports vibration/humming from day 1 at 65 mph and above in AWD model. Vehicle in service 5 times with no resolution. Original dealership did not admit problem; second dealership acknowledged issue and replaced driveshaft and rear differential but vibration persists. Narrative #13 documents shimmy starting at 35–45 mph under minimal load (uphill acceleration), initially intermittent, escalating to higher speeds and all transmission modes. Tires balanced at dealership with no other problems identified. Narrative #15 reports grumbling sound from rear or transmission when turning left or right; possibly transmission case or coupler issue given AWD configuration. Dealer unable to hear or reproduce issue despite owner video evidence.
When: From delivery (narrative #12); escalating over time (narrative #13); not documented (narrative #15)
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration or humming at highway speeds (65+ mph); Shimmy at lower speeds (35–45 mph); Occurs under load and acceleration; Grumbling sound during turns; Persists across all transmission modes
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #12: driveshaft and rear differential replaced with no resolution. Narrative #13: tires balanced; no other diagnosis provided. Narrative #15: dealer claims unable to hear problem despite video evidence.
Complete transmission failure
Narrative #14 documents transmission failure on vehicle with only 4,177 miles at approximately 4 months of age. Vehicle declared unsafe to drive. Dealership has held vehicle for 20 days. Transmission on back order with no ETA for replacement.
When: 4,177 miles / approximately 4 months old
Symptoms owners cite: Complete transmission failure; Vehicle unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission on back order with no estimated time of arrival for replacement. Vehicle held at dealership.
Inadequate cabin heat at idle
Narrative #16 reports no heat while idling, creating a safety hazard in freezing climates. Dealership called it a 'design flaw.'
When: Not specified; failure mileage not documented
Symptoms owners cite: No heat output while idling; Dangerous in below-freezing conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified as design flaw; no repair provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership identified condition as design flaw.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My new AWD 2022 Kia Telluride vibration/ humming at 65 mph and above from day 1. It’s been in service 5 times and they are not able to fix the problem. The dealership we bought it from didn’t even admit there is a problem so we had to take it to another dealership which actually admitted there is a problem. They just changed the drive shaft and rear differential and the problem is still there .…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 Kia Telluride?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2022 Kia Telluride?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 19 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 44,520 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Kia/Telluride.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.