Kia Telluride slipping problems

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 Many customers, including myself, were unaware of the clutch damage that took place as a result of outdated TCU firmware and drove our vehicles with constant micro-slip events, which prematurely wears out the torque converter clutch.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 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 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 Sep 17, 2025 · TN

Transmission blew resulting in not being able to switch gears. Was out of my car for 34 days. Got it inspected multiple times. Finally got a new Transmission but now gears "slip" when changing and seems like it'll break down again. Also, can not use the circulation button as it brings a strong vinegar smell into the car and can no longer use the heating/cooling seats as it does not work.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Transmission · AL

Vehicle transmission has been slipping and Sutter since around 30k miles. Dealer has test vehicle and agrees but will not repair due to no codes in PCM or ECM. Vehicle stalled almost causing another vehicle to clip rear of vehicle. Issue is getting worst.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Engine · TX

vehicle oil change recommendation is 7500 miles. my car has burned through oil through past 4 oil changes to a very low level (almost empty) at less than 5000 miles. there was never any low oil alert sensor warning. as a result the transmission began jumping and gear slipping upon acceleration to the point of mechanics saying it needs a new transmission. On one occasion my vehicle actually froze/ ceased up in middle of rush hour traffic. I pressed the gas pedal and it had zero acceleration. the car completely shut off. Kia blamed me for having oil changes done outside of Kia service center as reason for the problem.