NHTSA complaint #11707795

Owner complaint summary

Summary of Defect and Repair History My 2024 Kia Telluride EX AWD has experienced repeated and ongoing transmission failures. The failures include the vehicle becoming stuck in 5th gear, unsafe acceleration characteristics, and loss of normal drivability. Two transmissions have been replaced, and the same defect continues to occur. The vehicle remains at the dealership today with the defect unresolved. Repair Attempts and Days Out of Service 1 Transmission replacement 30 days Returned but defect recurred. A warning lamp (check engine) did illumiinate after the first transmission failure, however did not for the second nor third failure. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. 2 Transmission replacement 47 days. Returned but defect recurred. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. 3 Current repair attempt 24+ Not repaired. The vehicle has incurred three repair attempts and 101+ days out of service for the same defect. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. Substantial Impairment: Use, Value, and Safety 1. Impairment of Use  The vehicle has been in the dealership’s possession for more than three months in 2025, making it unavailable for normal use  Driving attempts prior to service demonstrated lack of shifting, hesitation, clunking, and unsafe behavior  The defect continues to occur despite repeated major repairs 2. Impairment of Value  A newer model vehicle requiring two full transmission replacement in one year and still malfunctioning has demonstrably reduced value  Transmission replacement history is discoverable and materially reduces market value 3. Impairment of Safety  Transmission failure compromises safe acceleration, speed regulation, and predictable power delivery  The failures occurred at low mileage, indicating a systemic nonconformity rather than normal wear, presenting an ongoing risk As a engineer with 20+ years of experience, I do believe the root cause is a wiring issue (e.g. shorted wiring harness), not a transmission failure.