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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2020 Kia Telluride Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
70about this part
Share
9%of 777 total for the year
Median mileage
6,438miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Kia Telluride, 9% of the 777 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,438 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While on a 1300 mile trip to branson mo, I was entering an interstate on ramp with my vehicle when the transmission slipped. My rpms revved up and no power on drivetrain. I coasted to should of interstate and put it in park, then shifted back to drive and still no go. I shut the vehicle off and turned it back on and it then worked. Almost like the computer-controlled awd failed and needed a reboot. This could have caused a serious accident and I am very concerned as this is a new vehicle that had 2200 miles on it when it happened.”

NHTSA complaint #11301205, filed 2020-01, 2,200 miles

“My 2020 Kia Telluride has had electrical problems since 3 months after purchasing it in june of 2019. It started out small with my backup camera glitching/not being visible, the interior lights flickering, and my heat not working properly. Then, it quickly escalated to multiple emergency lights engaging in my dashboard while driving or stopped. I called the dealership and was told if the codes aren't active they can't service the vehicle, so when it happened again I brought it to them directly. At this time my vehicle wouldn't go in reverse and the steering wheel locked. …”

NHTSA complaint #11399797, filed 2021-03, 7,976 miles

“Purchased a brand-new 2020 Kia Telluride lx, all- wheel drive. On the test drive, I could not go above 50mph, due to the traffic in the area. The following day, the had it on an interstate. I noticed between around 63 and 74mph, a hum and vibration. I called the dealer immediately and advised them of the issue. Prior to taking the truck in for the issue, I researched the matter. I learned this is a common problem with the all-wheel drive Telluride, no matter the trim level. The hyundai pallisade awd is experiencing the same issue. Both trucks share the same drivetrain. …”

NHTSA complaint #11251891, filed 2019-08, 80 miles

“Vibration being felt in the steering wheel, gas pedal and in seat from the power train from highway speeds raging from 60mph to 80mph with a with a humming noise being heard from the interior at the same speeds. It has been getting progressively worse. We bought the vehicle in june of 2019 and it now has about 13000 miles on.”

NHTSA complaint #11309545, filed 2020-02, 9,500 miles

“Experiencing vibration/pulsations while driving. Most noticeable starting around 65 MPH up to 73 MPH but seen to diminish or go away about 75 MPH. Vibration can be felt on the gas pedal, seat and floor board. Also, there is an audible hum similar to a out of balance wheel or wheels. Possibly drive shaft, transfer case related, with the awd.”

NHTSA complaint #11246609, filed 2019-08, 50 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2027621%
202597%
2024157%
20232512%
2022268%
2021287%
2020709%

Other parts of the 2020 Kia Telluride

Exterior lighting
185 complaintsEngine
153 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
152 complaintsOther or unknown
150 complaintsElectrical system
61 complaintsBody and structure
56 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Telluride

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology