2023 Kia Telluride transmission problems

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · LA

My car just started making a knocking sound when I turn. Brought it in for diagnoses and was told it's the AWD Coupler, WHICH is a part of the powertrain component, but it's not covered under my 100,000 powertrain warranty, and is only covered up to 60,000 miles. This is a known issue according to Facebook, blogs, and reddit and many Kia users have had the same problem on their cars. It should be a recall and fixed if it's happening so frequently.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Transmission · CA

On XXX, at approximately 7:40 a.m., my 2023 Kia Telluride, VIN [XXX], experienced a sudden mechanical failure while traveling approximately 65+ mph southbound on [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly locked up, causing the driver to lose control, skid, and swerve toward the side of the freeway. The rear wheels appeared to be locked. Fortunately, no collision occurred and no one was injured. The vehicle was towed for inspection. A technician at Colton Tire advised that the axle appeared to be bent. The vehicle was then transported by flatbed to Allstar Kia in [XXX] for diagnosis. The Kia dealership initially suggested the vehicle must have been involved in an accident because of a minor exterior scrape on the driver's-side rear passenger door. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident or collision. The scrape occurred while slowly maneuvering into a home garage at approximately 1–2 mph and did not involve impact to the wheel, axle, suspension, drivetrain, or differential. The dealership later advised that the technician believed an alleged “accident” caused the differential to slowly leak over time, ultimately causing the axle to bend “pretty badly.” I dispute this conclusion and have requested the complete diagnostic findings and physical evidence in writing. I am reporting this incident because the vehicle suddenly experienced a serious mechanical failure and loss-of-control event at freeway speed. I am also requesting investigation of whether the intermediate shaft, right-front driveshaft, axle, differential, or related drivetrain components could have been affected by the federal safety agency Safety Recall 24V‑214 / Kia Safety Recall SC303, or another mechanical defect. I understand the recall has not been established as the cause of this specific incident. I am asking that the actual cause of the sudden vehicle lockup be investigated because the failure occurred at approximately 65+ mph and could have resulted in a serious crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Transmission · OK

A P0741 warning light comes on and off leading driver to believe the problem is intermittent when in fact it is a torque converter failed. The intermittent nature of the warning light could lead drivers to believe the problem is not a safety issue, particularly on a SUV with only 105,000 miles. However, when a converter fails it is definitely a safety issue.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TN

On June 15, 2026, my check engine light came on. On June 17, 2026, I took it to Auto Zone, they checked the code for the check engine light, and it indicated P0016 and P0017–crankshaft issues. On June 19, 2026, while driving down the highway, my vehicle failed to accelerate. I exited the highway, and my vehicle completely decelerated and ultimately shut down. I was unable to get my engine running and had to get it towed to the dealer. It has been at the dealer for 3 weeks now. The dealer said my engine will likely need to be replaced. It is a 2023 Kia Telluride with less than 66,000 miles on it.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · CA

Ever since purchasing this 2023 Kia telluride I have felt a skipping or thumping feeling when making a turn from a stop sign or a light, at a slower speed, then accelerating.. I have read many many forums stating this happens in A LOT of these models of vehicles. It is called a failing AWD coupler! I have mentioned it to the dealer but they could not replicate at the shop so I moved on. Now issue after issue is arising with this vehicle.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 91,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, it unexpectedly lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the muffler. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the ECM software had failed and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Transmission · CA

My 2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro is experiencing multiple powertrain and safety defects beginning at approximately 48,000 miles. The vehicle is well maintained per the manufacturer schedule. ISSUE 1 - TRANSMISSION SHUDDER: The vehicle has a pronounced shudder and stuttering through the drivetrain during normal driving, especially under acceleration and load. This began at approximately 48,000 miles and has progressively worsened. Symptoms are consistent with torque converter clutch failure documented under Kia TSB 089 (DTC P0741) and Service Action SA490. ISSUE 2 - INTERMITTENT LIMP MODE (SAFETY HAZARD): On multiple occasions the vehicle enters limp mode without any warning while being driven on public roads. When this occurs the accelerator becomes unresponsive beyond approximately 30 mph. The vehicle cannot accelerate regardless of throttle input. The only way to restore normal operation is to pull over, shut the engine off, and restart. This creates an extremely dangerous condition on highways, during merging, and in heavy traffic. My wife is the primary driver and no longer feels safe operating the vehicle. ISSUE 3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL BLACKOUT: The instrument cluster intermittently goes completely dark while driving, leaving the driver with no access to speed, fuel level, warning indicators, or turn signals. This vehicle also has multiple open safety recalls including SC296 (engine valve springs/fire risk), SC303 (intermediate shaft/loss of drive), SC316 (power seat motor/fire risk), and SC347 (door trim delamination). A recent emissions recall was also received. Problems first reported at approximately 48,000 miles. Current mileage is 86,793. A case is being opened with Kia Consumer Assistance and warranty service has been requested at the purchasing dealer. The vehicle is within the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Transmission · IL

The AWD couplers continue to fail. We are waiting for the dealer to get parts in so they can be replaced again. The tech stated KIA continues to install defective parts.

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Transmission · OK

In July of 2024 (when the vehicle was a year old) our 2023 KIA Telluride was diagnosed with a faulty 4WD Coupler. We were told to go home with it (320 mile round trip) and return to have it repaired in August. We dropped it off on Aug 5th. On Aug 14th we were told that the new coupler was either faulty from the factory or failed immediately on their test drive. Again we were told to go home with the faulty 4WD Coupler and return in September to replace it again. We traveled back to KIA service Sep 10th and had another new coupler installed. The 4WD Coupler failed again in the early Summer of 2025. On July 9th we dropped the vehicle off for repair. On the 24th we traveled back to pick it up after they had installed the fourth 4WD Coupler this vehicle has had. I have negotiated with KIA Customer Care for a couple months now asking for a replacement vehicle since they are unable to find the underlying cause of these drivetrain failures. They have offered me a $2,199.99 compensation check if I would sign an agreement releasing them from any liability concerning this issue, as well as any other issue that might ever arise with this vehicle. I would also be forbidden to publicize this problem or reveal the settlement details. I am disinclined to accept it. The 4WD coupler is an important component in this vehicle's drivetrain. It is important in safe handling and control. KIA service has sent us on the long round trip home and back again knowing we were driving with a faulty drivetrain component. Judging for some online posts, this problem does not appear to be uncommon. It is reasonable to expect this issue to continue. KIA's plan seems to be to just get me past my warranty period (only about 8,000 more miles) and then any repair costs will be mine. The current and future safety issues obviously are of no concern to them. I currently have no good options. I don't like the idea of selling a vehicle with known safety issues. The repair history will show it to be a "Limon"

Filed Nov 11, 2024 · Transmission · IL

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.