Kia Telluride transmission failure 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 Many customers, including myself, were unaware of the clutch damage that took place as a result of outdated TCU firmware and drove our vehicles with constant micro-slip events, which prematurely wears out the torque converter clutch.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 Sep 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

I purchased my 2021 Kia Telluride S new, with only 22 miles from the test drive. XXX (approx. 53,000 miles, vehicle age 18 months): The transmission failed while I was traveling approx. 75-80 mph on a major highway in [XXX]. Upon failure, the vehicle suddenly lurched as if the brakes had locked or the parking brake had been applied, nearly causing us to strike our heads on the dashboard and creating a hazardous situation for other traffic. After the failure, the vehicle would only operate in approx. first through third gears and reverse, and would not exceed 25 mph. We were forced to limp the vehicle off a busy six-lane highway. XXX: Due to parts delays, the vehicle was not returned until November 2022 after the transmission work. XXX (approx. four months later): The vehicle developed engine knock and excessive oil consumption. Advised this may have been related to oil degradation while the vehicle sat waiting for parts. Since then, I had to regularly check and add oil between oil changes. Despite low oil levels, no oil pressure warning light ever appeared. XXX (exact date unknown): While opening the sunroof at a stop, a loud crack occurred and pieces of the sunroof track, plastic and metal, fell onto me and my passenger. The glass is intact but became partially stuck open without the track to guide it. XXX: The engine knock worsened and became a squeal while driving approx. 60 mph. The vehicle lost power, requiring me to turn on hazards and coast off to avoid accident. Dealership mechanic advised that the engine had thrown a rod and blown the oil filter housing gasket. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Kia has denied coverage despite the failure of a component linked to excessive oil loss and a recently extended 180,000-mile warranty, even after the engine threw a rod following a sudden loss of oil pressure. The failed transmission has likely already been disposed of. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · CO

After receiving a Kia‑issued transmission control module (TCM) software update, my 2021 Kia Telluride experienced a severe and dangerous transmission malfunction while descending a high mountain pass in Colorado. When I attempted to downshift for engine braking, 3rd gear completely disengaged, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably downhill. None of the lower gears would engage or hold as they had prior to the software update. This forced me to slam on the brakes and ride them continuously down the mountain, creating a serious loss‑of‑control hazard and risk of brake failure. Downshifting is essential for safe descent on steep grades, and the vehicle’s inability to do so created an extremely dangerous situation. The issue was duplicated by the Kia dealership technicians, and Kia field engineers have confirmed awareness of the problem. Despite this, Kia Corporate refuses to authorize transmission replacement or reversal of the software update, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition. This is a critical safety defect involving gear disengagement, loss of engine braking, unintended acceleration, and brake‑dependent descent control. The vehicle is unsafe to operate on mountain roads, and Kia has declined to perform the necessary repairs.

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 Apr 23, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · AZ

I lease a 2025 Kia Telluride. This vehicle has experienced three serious safety failures around the one year mark, all with young children in the car. Incident 1: accelerator failure and inability to shift gears approaching a freeway on-ramp — transmission was replaced. Incident 2: complete loss of steering control, brakes would not fully engage, and vehicle moved without accelerator input — dealership found nothing wrong and returned the vehicle with no explanation. Incident 3: accelerator failure and failure to shift in active traffic — another vehicle nearly rear-ended us — dealership said there was a belt loose that can cause issues sometimes. Kia Financial Services, as legal owner, has refused early lease termination despite these documented safety failures. The root cause of a loss-of-steering and brake-failure event has never been identified.

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 25, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I purchased this vehicle new in September 2025. At approximately 3,903 miles, the vehicle exhibited a failure of the transmission system affecting its ability to remain stationary when placed in park. When the vehicle was placed in “Park” on an incline, the park mechanism failed to hold the vehicle, and the vehicle rolled despite being in park. This condition presents a clear risk of unintended vehicle movement. The issue was verified by the dealership during a test drive. Diagnostic inspection confirmed that the gear selector and transmission position indicators were functioning correctly; however, the vehicle continued to roll freely in park. The parking pawl was audibly engaging but failed to mechanically secure the vehicle. No diagnostic trouble codes were present, and no evidence of external damage, improper use, or installation issues was identified. The failure appears to be internal to the transmission system. This defect occurred at very low mileage and involves a core safety function intended to prevent unintended vehicle movement. Based on these facts, this issue is being reported as a potential safety-related defect. The dealer had the vehicle for over 30 days and installed a completely new transmission.

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 Dec 30, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IA

I purchased the 2021 Telluride (former owner of a Sportage, Rio and Sorento). I have our local mechanic handle maintenance and service. After paying $1,400 for a tune up to address misfiring, we quickly concluded the transmission was shot and my engine was burning theough every drop of oil before it was due for a change. I went to Kia of Des Moines, since it is covered under a 200k/20-year warranty. They replaced the transmission under warranty, I shared my mechanic details for records, and they told me they were going to do an oil consumption test. They sent me on my way, asking for me to return after 1,000 miles. I did (and then my car began shaking, but we thought it was due to snow conditions) and they quickly said, "Yes, it is an issue!" My Telluride burned through almost 2.5 quarts of oil in 1,000 miles. I left on 12/15, being told they would have direction from Kia corporate on next steps and acknowledged I need a vehicle loaner during repairs (single disabled mother, who has to travel safely). I did not hear back, chasing for updates. Yesterday, Steven text me saying I would need to authorize $1,600 engine tear down fee in order to confirm issue. I asked for Denny, the manager to contact me. I also called Kia Care, who said it is up to dealer. I am seeing so many issues with Tellurides burning oil. And, I do not have $1,600 to make my vehicle safe - that amount would make me sacrifice my home or another necessity. Google said to fight it and to submit a form to you also. I have to fight this because I have no other choice than to sell an organ. I will stock up on oil to keep filling it so my engine doesn't blow up, but have incredible fear of being stranded and not being able to get my vehicle towed or us home safely. If there is anything you can assist with, I appreciate it. I just found out my parent's 2023 telluride is burning too much oil too - they haven't got the $1,600 sticker, but I know that amount will wreck them also.

Filed Dec 30, 2025 · Transmission · IA

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 unresolved. Repair Attempts and Days Out of Service 1 Transmission replacement 30 days Returned but defect recurred. A warning lamp (check engine) did illumiinate after the first transmission failure, however did not for the second nor third failure. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. 2 Transmission replacement 47 days. Returned but defect recurred. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. 3 Current repair attempt 24+ Not repaired. The vehicle has incurred three repair attempts and 101+ days out of service for the same defect. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. Substantial Impairment: Use, Value, and Safety 1. Impairment of Use  The vehicle has been in the dealership’s possession for more than three months in 2025, making it unavailable for normal use  Driving attempts prior to service demonstrated lack of shifting, hesitation, clunking, and unsafe behavior  The defect continues to occur despite repeated major repairs 2. Impairment of Value  A newer model vehicle requiring two full transmission replacement in one year and still malfunctioning has demonstrably reduced value  Transmission replacement history is discoverable and materially reduces market value 3. Impairment of Safety  Transmission failure compromises safe acceleration, speed regulation, and predictable power delivery  The failures occurred at low mileage, indicating a systemic nonconformity rather than normal wear, presenting an ongoing risk As a engineer with 20+ years of experience, I do believe the root cause is a wiring issue (e.g. shorted wiring harness), not a transmission failure.