2021 Kia Telluride power train problems
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Kia Telluride — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“AWD coupler assembly failed twice and company will not repair. Rear shocks thumping and noisy, company repaired twice but still inop.”
filed Jun 26, 2026
“I own a 2021 Kia Telluride with approximately 111,000 miles. I initially brought the vehicle to a Kia dealership for an oil consumption issue and engine noise. The dealership diagnosed and repaired a timing chain and tensioner issue, stating the vehicle was “working properly” upon return. After…”
filed May 25, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result…Campaign 24V214000 · Mar 20, 2024
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING NOISE/VIBRATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT) - CLOSED & SUPERSEDED BY CHA129 - This bulletin is now closed and superseded by CHA129. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the…
TSB_CHA128_CLSD · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 23, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AWD COUPLER NOISE/VIBRATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the 4-Wheel Drive ‘4WD’ system software on some 2020-2025MY Telluride (ON) vehicles produced from…
TSB_CHA129 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 23, 2026
Power Train problems in other Telluride years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Telluride | 7 | 8% |
| 2024 Telluride | 13 | 6% |
| 2023 Telluride | 23 | 12% |
| 2022 Telluride | 23 | 7% |
| 2020 Telluride | 70 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia Telluride
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.