2020 Kia Telluride: complete transmission failure

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 Many customers, including myself, were unaware of the clutch damage that took place as a result of outdated TCU firmware and drove our vehicles with constant micro-slip events, which prematurely wears out the torque converter clutch.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 Jun 30, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 100,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and the battery warning light was flickering and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a parking lot off the highway where the vehicle remained. The contact replaced the battery; however, approximately one hour later while driving 50-55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost power and shut off. The vehicle was coasted onto the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with alternator failure. The alternator was replaced. The contact was notified of a possible transmission failure; however, there was no fault codes retrieved. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the head gasket was damaged, and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Transmission · CO

My transmission failed at 95k miles and was available for inspection at a fee. My safety was at risk since my car was jerking on the highway and I had to quickly pull over while the car slowed down in a fast and high trafficked area. The problem has been an ongoing issue especially in 2020 models from social media and the dealership. The vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership. The engine light did not come on until the car showed immediate signs of issues.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · OK

Vehicle began shifting really hard and the rpm meter started going way up and down really fast. The check engine light also came on. It caused difficulties with control of the vehicle. Vehicle was parked and taken to a mechanic so said the issue was the torque converter and that it needs a new transmission.

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Our vehicle is 4 years old and has been experiencing excessive oil consumption (a quart every ~600 miles) and extreme shaking at speeds between 20-50mph. After months of trying to diagnose the issue we have been quoted a total engine and transmission replacement. After calling dealerships across the East coast for second opinions, this is a common diagnosis for our vehicle year and model and even within our small local dealership they are seeing other 2019 and 2020 Kia models experiencing failed piston rings. Kia declined our request for corporate intervention to address the issue.