2020 Kia Telluride: transmission slipping

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Transmission · NY

Kia Tellurides produced between Feb and Dec 9, 2019 had software issues related to the torque converter solenoid pressure (too low to securely mate torque converter clutch) and over-sensitivity trouble code P0741, which indicates torque converter clutch slip. Kia fixed this software issue for the remainder of 2020 production, starting Dec 10, 2019. Kia also issued TSB TRA089 in April 2020 to reflash the transmission control unit (TCU) but would only do this on vehicles with an active check engine light (CEL), rather than reflashing all affected vehicles with proper TCU firmware. Many customers, including myself, were unaware of the clutch damage that took place as a result of outdated TCU firmware and drove our vehicles with constant micro-slip events, which prematurely wears out the torque converter clutch. This is why there are so many torque converter failures on 2020 Kia Tellurides between 80~120k miles. I now have a 2020 Kia Telluride with 126k miles built on Dec 6, 2019 (3 days before the TCU firmware was fixed), and my torque converter is slipping badly. It is now a safety concern because the vehicle is unpredictable and may or may not properly engage the torque converter. The torque converter must now be replaced and fluid flushed; however, metal shavings also have negative impacts on the transmission and could require a full transmission replacement. This issue is not normal wear and tear. It is a known clutch slipping issue that Kia chose not to address until customer vehicles break down catastrophically. Now owners are on the hook for expensive torque converter and transmission repairs, while this expense could have been avoided with a TCU reflash that Kia knew about for nearly 7 years - since Dec 10, 2019. After this date, vehicles came stock with updated TCU firmware that applied sufficient clutch solenoid pressure to prevent constant microslip events and premature torque converter clutch wear out.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · NY

Transmition- I started bringing it into the dealer around 80,000 miles because it was slipping and bucking (gears). Allegedly, they could provide warrenty coverage but could duplicate the problem. It is doing it more frequently and hesitates (drastically) which can cause an accident from behind. Yes, it was reproduced but as I stated, I was told, "They couldn't do 'anything about it'". It has been inspected multiple times at Kia prior to 100K warrenty At one point, my check engine light kept coming on, then it just went off. There seems to be some major faulty component with this make, model and year. I have read many very similiar complaints, online and there seems to be chronilogical issues/problems that arise at certain miles. Everything I have read, it the exact same situation I have been having which is just geting worse by the day. However, I was blatently informed by Kia, "They would not replace the transmition unless it went." I think that is totally ridiculous, you wait until it goes and can cause an accident before you will fix/replace the part. I also read and heard from multiple mechanics that it could be the "failed torque converter" which was never mentioned from the dealer. I have also had issues with the CV axle and oil plastic housing.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Transmission · NC

The check engine light is on and reading code P07104. The vehicle has been diagnosed and it was found the torque converter is slipping and the technician recommends replacing the transmission. The anti-freeze has been low over the past 30 days and must be leaking internally. I have had to add anti-freeze twice during that time.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · KS

High oil consumption. Oil needs added frequently or it gets low and car doesn’t run correctly. Transmission slips daily at low speed first thing in the morning. When making slow turns tires tires don’t seem to remain steady/grip. The car is hoppy like there is a traction problem. Tires have been replaced and issue remains.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MD

Right at 100k miles both our engine began burning oil at an extremely high rate with no clear resolution for the issue. We are adding 1-2 quarts ever week. Simultaneously, we received transmission solenoid codes from a check engine light. The sealed factory transmission had burn looking transmission fluid and after replacement the light continue to show and now the transmission is slipping and hesitating and we are being told it needs replaced.

Filed Sep 28, 2025 · Body, Engine · IN

Windshield cracked from minor item being thrown up by car in front of me. Engine burns out no oil on dipstick with regular maintenance engine tick transmission slips axle boot ripped oil pan cracked due to it being faulty

Filed Feb 19, 2022 · Engine · TX

Transmission would engage into neutral and anytime. Engine would RPM would inceease, 5-7000rpm without pressing the accelerator. When engine was at high RPM transmission would then engage into gear causing a violent lurching. Transmissionseems to be locked into 5th gear. Transmission would also slip/disengage while trying to accelerate.

Filed Sep 11, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 4,900 miles · CA

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.

Filed Aug 24, 2020 · Transmission · 12,000 miles · SD

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.

Filed Jan 22, 2020 · Transmission · 2,200 miles · SD

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.