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 ↗2024 Kia Telluride powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2024 Kia Telluride have filed 12 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
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Telluride | 63 |
| 2021 Telluride | 24 |
| 2022 Telluride | 19 |
| 2023 Telluride | 20 |
| 2024 Telluride (this page) | 12 |
| 2025 Telluride | 6 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 12 powertrain complaints filed for the 2024 Kia Telluride, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
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 of 2024 Kia Tellurides report a range of powertrain and related defects. Transmission failures are the most severe: one owner had two full transmission replacements for the same stuck-in-5th-gear problem, with the defect recurring after both repairs and 101+ days in the shop. Another owner's vehicle seized at just 684 miles, requiring engine replacement. Engine seizure has occurred in multiple vehicles at very low mileage, sometimes accompanied by wheel lock-up and sudden shutdown while driving. A separate concern involves the vehicle rolling away while parked in Park—two owners report this, with one vehicle sitting at the dealer for 3 weeks without a fix and parts unavailable for the related recall (24V214000). Transmission slipping and high-RPM gear engagement are reported, along with acceleration failures specifically in Snow Mode that resolve only after restart or mode change. One owner reports the AWD system disengaging when the vehicle spins in snow, leaving the car immobile. Coolant leaks recur despite multiple service visits. Another vehicle displays simultaneous warnings across multiple safety systems (lane assist, blind spot, forward collision, parking collision) alongside engine light and transmission issues, suggesting electrical or control module problems. Rear end noise has persisted through multiple component replacements (differential, shocks, cross member) without resolution. Most dealers have been unable to replicate or diagnose several of these failures.
Same Kia Telluride powertrain reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission stuck in gear / loss of shifting
Vehicle becomes stuck in 5th gear or fails to shift properly, often accompanied by loss of acceleration capability. Multiple owners report needing transmission replacement; in one case, two replacements failed to resolve the issue.
When: Low mileage; one owner at 684 miles, another at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in 5th gear; Failure to accelerate as intended; Hesitation and clunking during shifting; Unsafe acceleration characteristics; Loss of shifting at stops
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (inconsistent illumination)
Repairs/costs cited: Two full transmission replacements in one vehicle did not resolve the defect; dealership confirmed failure but could not permanently fix it. Another owner required transmission replacement at 684 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealership performed two transmission replacements on one vehicle; defect recurred both times. No recall issued for this specific failure mode.
Vehicle rolling out of Park
Vehicle rolls away while parked on an incline with transmission in Park and engine idling, or while parked on flat ground. Two separate owners report this hazard.
When: At idle while parked; one case at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls away while in Park; Vehicle begins rolling backwards while parked; No warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 24V214000 (Power Train)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle at dealer for 3 weeks with no resolution after testing. Another vehicle at dealer for 2.5 months; parts unavailable for recall repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V214000 (Power Train) and 24V407000 (Seats) issued; however, parts were unavailable and repairs exceeded reasonable timeframe.
Engine seizure / sudden shutdown
Engine seizes or shuts down suddenly while driving, causing loss of power and wheel lock-up. Occurs at very low mileage in one case.
When: At 684 miles in one case; unknown mileage in others
Symptoms owners cite: Engine noise followed by engine line warning on display; Engine seizes; Vehicle shuts off suddenly while driving; Wheel lock-up; Loss of power on highway
Codes mentioned: Engine line warning on display
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in at least one case at 684 miles. Another owner reports engine replacement performed after 65 miles on replacement engine but fuel pump also required replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V077 recall for faulty valve springs issued. One owner's engine was cleared as 'ok' in April 2024 despite the recall, then flagged for replacement in August 2025 after multiple dealer visits. Kia allowed continued driving for 30,000 additional miles before replacing engine.
Transmission slipping and improper gear engagement
Transmission slips after warm-up and fails to shift smoothly, with vehicle revving to high RPM before engaging gear, then jolting during shift.
When: After transmission warm-up during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping; High RPM before gear change; Jolting during gear changes; Check engine light illuminated; Burning rubber smell
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not yet repaired; owner has taken vehicle to dealership multiple times for transmission and related issues.
Acceleration failure in Snow Mode
Vehicle fails to accelerate properly when in Snow Mode at low to moderate speeds, requiring restart or mode change to regain normal operation.
When: One case at 1,748 miles; another at approximately 3,898 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to accelerate at 40 MPH in Snow Mode; Vehicle unable to drive for 30 minutes until restarted; Vehicle stops while in Snow Mode making left turn with accelerator depressed; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose failures. Vehicles not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case but made no response. In another case, manufacturer referred owner back to local dealer.
AWD system disengagement in snow
AWD system disengages when vehicle begins to slip in snow, rendering the vehicle immobile and unable to regain traction.
When: During snow driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: AWD kicks out when vehicle spins in snow; Vehicle cannot move after AWD disengages
Coolant leak
Vehicle leaks coolant steadily and repeatedly, requiring multiple dealership service visits without permanent resolution.
When: Unknown timing
Symptoms owners cite: Steady coolant fluid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has taken vehicle to dealership three times for coolant repair; issue remains unresolved.
Multiple sensor and safety system faults
Multiple dashboard warning messages related to safety systems activate simultaneously, along with engine light and transmission shifting issues, suggesting broader electrical or control module problems.
When: Unknown timing
Symptoms owners cite: Check lane change assist warning; Check blind spot safety system warning; Check forward safety system warning; Check parking collision avoidance assist system warning; Check lane safety system warning; Check engine light; Improper shifting; Burning rubber smell; Speedometer reading 0 MPH while driving 25 MPH; Vehicle jolting
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Multiple safety system warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not yet drivable due to multiple failures.
Unresolved rear end noise and component failures
Persistent noise from rear end starting in April 2025, attributed to multiple causes (spare tire, rear differential, shocks, rear cross member) with repeated repairs failing to resolve the issue.
When: April 2025 onwards
Symptoms owners cite: Noise in rear end; Noise felt while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Spare tire tightened, rear differential replaced, shocks changed, rear cross member replaced—none resolved the issue. Multiple dealership visits and field engineer involvement. Vehicle at dealership since August 29, 2025.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia flagged vehicle under recall 24V077 for engine replacement after multiple visits. Engine replaced with only 65 miles on it. Fuel pump also replaced. Techline case opened and re-opened for further investigation.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Summary of Defect and Repair History My 2024 Kia Telluride EX AWD has experienced repeated and ongoing transmission failures. The failures include the vehicle becoming stuck in 5th gear, unsafe acceleration characteristics, and loss of normal drivability. Two transmissions have been replaced, and the same defect continues to occur. The vehicle remains at the dealership today with the defect…
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving with the vehicle in Snow Mode and depressing the accelerator pedal while making a left turn, the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle out of Snow Mode, the vehicle worked as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to…
We bought a 2024 Kia Telluride and had it literally 2 weeks long with about 684 miles. My husband and I were driving on a major highway and suddenly we hear a noise and engine line pops up on screen. Car proceeds to literally shut off, the wheel locked up, and we barely made it to shoulder of highway. This was huge safety issue, we had cars honking and speeding by us at 70+. We called the Kia…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2024 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 2024 Kia Telluride?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 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 12 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 2,823 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/2024/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.