Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2023 Kia Telluride owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving the vehicle in Snow Mode and attempting to accelerate while making a left turn, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stopped and restarted the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
The vehicle started displaying every single warning light stating the engine was shutting down and to pull over immediately. Power steering went out along with power brakes and the infotainment before vehicle could be pulled over safely. All occurred within 10 seconds. I was barely able to pull onto a side street without getting hit. Vehicle completely shut off as if battery was removed. I jump started vehicle but upon removing the jump starter after engine was running the vehicle shuddered and shut off again. The vehicle was towed to KIA service and they diagnosed the issue to be a faulty battery. Battery was replaced under warranty and picked up. The next day, the issue occurred and the vehicle shut off. Luckily I was able to get to a safe place before loosing all power. Shortly before the second issue the vehicle displayed a notification stating an engine control fault was detected. …
Telluride was in snow mode with 4 wheel lock activated due to snow covered roads. I was at a stop light, when light turned green I removed my foot from the break. My vehicle began to roll forward slightly as it always does. I gently pressed the gas to continue forward but vehicle did not gain speed, it continued to slowly roll as if my foot was not pressing the gas. I removed my foot from the gas and again pressed the gas gently, my vehicle was not advancing. I deactivated the 4 wheel lock feature but remained in snow mode, gently pressed the gas and my vehicle advanced as normal. The same incident happened with my husband the day prior. Several complete stops were made prior to the incident while in snow mode with 4 wheel lock activated and no issues occurred. After research and reading other incidents like mine it appears this is a common issue. …
On 4 separate occasions my 2023 Kia Telluride has failed to accelerate from a stop. First occurrence was [redacted] while turning left at a light. RPMs went at high as 3,000 while car slowly idled about 5-8mph through the intersection and would not accelerate. Same thing occurred 2 days later after trying to accelerate from a stop sign. Most recent occurrence was [redacted]. 3/4 occurrences vehicle was in "Snow" mode. Brand new winter tires were placed 12/18/23. Most recent occurrence vehicle was not in thick snow but in "Snow" mode. No warning lights or messages ever came on with any of the 4 occurrences. After repeated attempts of stepping on and off the gas peddle vehicle eventually accelerates. Acceleration delays have lasted as long as 90 seconds. …
Purchase brand new 2023 Telluride EX X line. Currently have 500 miles on the dash and it still shifts very rough from 1 to 2 gear while going at low speeds around 5-15 mph. I have tried changing the drive settings from comfort, smart, sport, eco and it still has jerky gear shift in every setting. Also getting very low gas mileage. I thought it jusy needed few miles to break in but problem is still there. Also does not even give you warning sounds of when getting to close to car infront when parking like it does in the rear. Not what I expected from a BRAND NEW CAR that cost around $55,0000. Wish I would have just sticked to the Acura or Lexus.
On about 5 occasions, when I have set the drive mode to "Snow Mode", after a stop, the accelerator pedal has no effect. I can push down the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and nothing happens. There is no indication that the engine is revving and the vehicle does not accelerate. This leave me stranded in the middle of the road at a stop until I change to a different mode other that snow mode. Then I can accelerate again. This has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. The dealer asked that I video record it happening, which I have not done yet. There were no warning lights or messages when this happens.
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.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train) however, the contact believed that the recall repair did not address a fundamental issue with the transmission and that the transmission should have been the focus of the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had not performed a reasonable recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
This has happened twice in the same day. We have less than 200 miles in the car. Wile accelerating uphill, the rpm's drop and the acceleration dies and we have had to turn on hazards as it slows down while we pull over to the side of the road. Then it will turn back on and jerk forward and continue to accelerate. The car was in snow driving mode. Works fine but this happened twice. We are taking it to the dealership tomorrow but this stopped traffics behind us and was a huge safe concern as you need to be able to accelerate uphills.
Related recalls
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed.
Transmission complaints in other Telluride years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2023 Kia Telluride?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2023 Kia Telluride, 11% of the model year's 209 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2023 Kia Telluride transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 24V-214 (driveshaft, Mar 20, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2023 Kia Telluride transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.