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 ↗2023 Kia Telluride powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Kia Telluride have filed 20 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
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Telluride | 63 |
| 2021 Telluride | 24 |
| 2022 Telluride | 19 |
| 2023 Telluride (this page) | 20 |
| 2024 Telluride | 12 |
| 2025 Telluride | 6 |
1crash
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Kia Telluride in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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: 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 ↗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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cluster of serious powertrain failures in the 2023 Telluride. The most dramatic: 4WD couplers fail repeatedly, sometimes four times in a single year of ownership and as early as 12,000 miles. One owner documented two failed replacement couplers fresh from the dealership and Kia's service techs stating the parts themselves are defective. Another vehicle lost a driveshaft bolt entirely—missing from the factory with two others loose at 12,000 miles.
The Snow mode acceleration issue is widespread and dangerous. Dozens of owners describe a complete loss of power when shifting into Snow mode, particularly during left turns from stops. The accelerator pedal stops working; RPMs don't respond; the vehicle feels locked in neutral. Drivers coast through intersections unable to accelerate. Restarting the engine or switching drive modes restores power, but no warning light activates and dealers cannot reproduce the problem. Some owners have video evidence.
Transmission problems include pronounced shudder under load and slipping, consistent with torque converter clutch failure. One owner cited Kia TSB 089 and DTC P0741. A vehicle required ECM software reprogramming after slipping; the fault recurred immediately.
One owner's 2023 entered limp mode unpredictably on the highway, leaving the accelerator unresponsive above 30 mph—a highway merging hazard. Another vehicle's instrument cluster went dark while driving, hiding speed and warning lights. A brand-new vehicle shifted harshly from 1st to 2nd gear at 500 miles across all drive modes.
Same Kia Telluride powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
4WD/AWD Coupler Failure
The 4WD coupler fails repeatedly, requiring multiple replacements. One owner documented four coupler replacements within a year; another reports ongoing coupler failures with the dealer stating Kia continues installing defective parts. Owners report this as a critical drivetrain safety component affecting vehicle control and handling.
When: Year 1-2 of ownership; 12,000–91,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Premature coupler failure requiring replacement; Repeated failure of replacement couplers; Underlying cause not identified by dealership; Vibrations when approaching 40 mph or greater (one case with missing driveshaft bolt)
Codes mentioned: Unknown—dealers unable to determine root cause
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple coupler replacements (one owner: four couplers in 12 months); one case involved missing driveshaft bolt with two others loose; loud rear differential sounds and wheel slippage reported in one vehicle despite differential replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia offered $2,199.99 settlement with liability release and non-disclosure agreement; no recalls or TSBs explicitly mentioned for coupler itself
Acceleration Loss in Snow Mode
Vehicles equipped with Snow mode experience total or severe loss of acceleration when in that mode, particularly at stops and during turns. Accelerator input has no effect—the vehicle feels as if it is in neutral. Symptoms resolve by switching to a different drive mode or restarting. Multiple owners report this occurring within the first 600 miles and continuing to recur.
When: Within first 600 miles through 86,793 miles; mostly reported in winter but not exclusively tied to actual snow/ice conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration response in Snow mode; Accelerator pedal unresponsive or severely limited; Vehicle continues to roll or move slowly without power; Problem resolves by switching drive mode or restarting engine; Occurs especially during left turns from stops (multiple reports); No warning lights or messages; no diagnostic trouble codes present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to reproduce issue; no repairs completed; one case mentions clunking noise and jerking before mode switch; another notes RPMs reached 3,000 with no acceleration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins mentioned; dealers report inability to reproduce and state vehicle operates as intended
Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Clutch Failure
Vehicle exhibits pronounced shudder, stuttering, and slipping through the drivetrain, especially under acceleration and load. One owner explicitly cites Kia TSB 089 and DTC P0741 (torque converter clutch failure) and Service Action SA490. Symptoms begin around 48,000 miles and worsen progressively.
When: Beginning approximately 48,000 miles; progression to 86,793 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Pronounced shudder and stuttering in drivetrain during normal driving; Symptoms worse under acceleration and load; Progressive worsening over time; Transmission slipping (one report at 91,000 miles)
Codes mentioned: P0741 (torque converter clutch failure)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required ECM software reprogramming after transmission slipping diagnosis; failure recurred and was not repaired on second dealer visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia TSB 089; Service Action SA490 cited by owner; vehicle within 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Intermittent Limp Mode
Vehicle enters limp mode unpredictably during highway driving without warning. When limp mode is active, the accelerator becomes unresponsive beyond approximately 30 mph, creating an extreme safety hazard during merging and in traffic. Power is restored only by pulling over, shutting off the engine, and restarting.
When: Multiple occasions reported; began at approximately 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected limp mode activation during highway driving; No warning before mode engagement; Accelerator unresponsive beyond 30 mph; Vehicle cannot accelerate regardless of throttle input; Requires engine restart to restore normal operation
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; case being opened with Kia Consumer Assistance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty service requested; case open with Kia Consumer Assistance; vehicle within 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Rough Gear Shift (1st to 2nd Transition)
Transmission shifts harshly from 1st to 2nd gear during low-speed acceleration (5–15 mph). Issue persists across all drive mode settings (Comfort, Smart, Sport, Eco) and is present from very low mileage. One owner also reports poor fuel economy.
When: At 500 miles (brand-new vehicle); issue present immediately
Symptoms owners cite: Jerky, rough gear shift from 1st to 2nd gear; Occurs at low speeds (5–15 mph); Persists across all drive modes; Poor fuel economy reported; Present from delivery
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner expected issue to resolve with break-in mileage but did not
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned
Instrument Cluster Blackout
The instrument cluster goes completely dark intermittently while driving, rendering the speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, and turn-signal indicators invisible to the driver.
When: Multiple occasions; began approximately 48,000 miles; current mileage 86,793 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster goes completely dark; No visibility of speed, fuel level, warnings, or turn signals
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case open with Kia Consumer Assistance
Unexpected Vehicle Roll While Parked
Vehicle began rolling backward while in park without driver input, resulting in a crash.
When: No mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolled backward while in park
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
When put into Snow Mode the car won't accelerate from a stop at normal speeds. It feels like the car is stuck in neutral and I'm just coasting. It won't accelerate normally until I switch it into another driving mode like Eco. This has caused a few close calls when turning out of driveways or onto busy streets.
Vehicle began to shake when approaching 40mph or greater. Mechanic at dealership stated bolt from driveshaft to rear coupler was missing with two other bolts loose. Missing bolt threads were rusted as if bolt was never installed from factory as vehicle only has 12,000 miles. No warning messages displayed, only symptom was vibrations when approaching 40mph or greater.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Kia Telluride?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 20 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 46,000 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/2023/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.