2020 Kia Telluride Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 70 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Kia Telluride, 9% of its 761 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 6,438 miles. A related recall (24V214000) covers a driveshaft engagement issue that can cause rollaway while in PARK.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 70
- 9% of 761
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 6,438 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report a vibration and humming noise felt through the steering wheel, gas pedal, and seat, most noticeable between roughly 65 and 75 mph.
- Some drivers describe the transmission slipping or dropping into neutral unexpectedly, sometimes requiring a shutdown and restart to regain power.
- One owner reported a torque converter malfunction with hard shifting and shaking after the check engine light came on.
- A driveshaft or transfer case seal was reported leaking from outside the passenger axle area shortly after purchase.
- One complaint described the vehicle failing to accelerate at freeway speed while engine RPM climbed, suggesting the transmission was slipping under load.
- An owner tied to recall 24V214000 reported the vehicle rolled while parked before the recall part was available.
When 2020 Kia Telluride transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 27, 2019, latest Jun 30, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Kia Telluride
- NHTSA 24V214000Mar 20, 2024Transmission & Powertrain427,407 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Telluride model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2020 Kia Telluride have?
- NHTSA lists 70 complaints in the Transmission & Powertrain area for the 2020 Telluride, which is 9% of the 761 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission or driveshaft recall on the 2020 Kia Telluride?
- Yes. Recall 24V214000, reported March 20, 2024, covers 2020-2024 Telluride models where the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not fully engage, allowing the vehicle to roll away while in PARK.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2020 Telluride?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 6,438 miles at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- What is the most common transmission complaint on the 2020 Kia Telluride?
- Owners most often describe a vibration and humming noise at highway speeds between about 65 and 75 mph, along with occasional reports of the transmission slipping or dropping to neutral.
- Did the transmission recall cause any crashes or injuries?
- Across the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Telluride, NHTSA data shows 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries reported.