How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Kia Telluride?

NHTSA lists 28 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Telluride, which is 8% of the 365 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission or driveline recall for the 2021 Kia Telluride?

Yes. Recall 24V214000 covers 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles where the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not fully engage, which can let the vehicle roll away while in PARK.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2021 Telluride?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 15 for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Telluride.

Do the transmission complaints involve crashes or fires?

No. NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Telluride.

2021 Kia Telluride Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 28 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Kia Telluride, 8% of its 365 total complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 15. A related recall (24V214000) covers a driveshaft engagement issue that can let the vehicle roll away while in PARK.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 28; 8% of 365
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 15 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a high-speed vibration felt in the steering wheel, seats, and gas pedal between roughly 55-80mph, often tied to an unbalanced or defective driveshaft.
Some describe hesitation or jerking when accelerating from a stop or entering a highway at low speeds, with RPMs surging before the vehicle lurches forward.
Others report unpredictable lurching while driving that made the vehicle hard to control, requiring extended dealership diagnostics.
One owner reported shifting problems at low speeds and when cold that worsened over tens of thousands of miles, eventually requiring a full transmission replacement.
A separate cluster describes an AWD coupler binding, slipping, or clunking at lower speeds while turning or starting from a stop.

When 2021 Kia Telluride transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 22, 2020, latest Sep 21, 2026.

28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Dec 2020 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 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.

202070 (9%)
202128 (8%)
202226 (8%)
202324 (12%)
202414 (6%)
20258 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Kia Telluride?: NHTSA lists 28 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Telluride, which is 8% of the 365 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission or driveline recall for the 2021 Kia Telluride?: Yes. Recall 24V214000 covers 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles where the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not fully engage, which can let the vehicle roll away while in PARK.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2021 Telluride?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 15 for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Telluride.
Do the transmission complaints involve crashes or fires?: No. NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Telluride.