Problems · by component

2023 Kia Telluride power train problems

25 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2023 Kia Telluride cite power train, 12% of all 211 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
25
12% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My car just started making a knocking sound when I turn. Brought it in for diagnoses and was told it's the AWD Coupler, WHICH is a part of the powertrain component, but it's not covered under my 100,000 powertrain warranty, and is only covered up to 60,000 miles. This is a known issue according to Facebook, blogs, and reddit and many Kia users have had the same problem on their cars. It should be a recall and fixed if it's happening so frequently.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Power trainODI 11773982
“On XXX, at approximately 7:40 a.m., my 2023 Kia Telluride, VIN [XXX], experienced a sudden mechanical failure while traveling approximately 65+ mph southbound on [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly locked up, causing the driver to lose control, skid, and swerve toward the side of the freeway. The rear wheels appeared to be locked. Fortunately, no collision occurred and no one was injured. The vehicle was towed for inspection. A technician at Colton Tire advised that the axle appeared to be bent. The vehicle was then transported by flatbed to Allstar Kia in [XXX] for diagnosis. The Kia dealership initially suggested the vehicle must have been involved in an accident because of a minor exterior scrape on the driver's-side rear passenger door. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident or collision. The scrape occurred while slowly maneuvering into a home garage at approximately 1–2 mph and did not involve impact to the wheel, axle, suspension, drivetrain, or differential. The dealership later advised that the technician believed an alleged “accident” caused the differential to slowly leak over time, ultimately causing the axle to bend “pretty badly.” I dispute this…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2026Power trainODI 11760459
“A P0741 warning light comes on and off leading driver to believe the problem is intermittent when in fact it is a torque converter failed. The intermittent nature of the warning light could lead drivers to believe the problem is not a safety issue, particularly on a SUV with only 105,000 miles. However, when a converter fails it is definitely a safety issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026Power trainODI 11754967
“On June 15, 2026, my check engine light came on. On June 17, 2026, I took it to Auto Zone, they checked the code for the check engine light, and it indicated P0016 and P0017–crankshaft issues. On June 19, 2026, while driving down the highway, my vehicle failed to accelerate. I exited the highway, and my vehicle completely decelerated and ultimately shut down. I was unable to get my engine running and had to get it towed to the dealer. It has been at the dealer for 3 weeks now. The dealer said my engine will likely need to be replaced. It is a 2023 Kia Telluride with less than 66,000 miles on it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11749449
“Ever since purchasing this 2023 Kia telluride I have felt a skipping or thumping feeling when making a turn from a stop sign or a light, at a slower speed, then accelerating.. I have read many many forums stating this happens in A LOT of these models of vehicles. It is called a failing AWD coupler! I have mentioned it to the dealer but they could not replicate at the shop so I moved on. Now issue after issue is arising with this vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2026Suspension, Power trainODI 11740387
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 27, 2026Power train, Engine and engine coolingODI 11734129

Showing 6 of 25 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Mar 21, 2024NHTSA 24V214000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2023 Telluride problem areas