2020 Telluride AWD rear end jerking thumping and vibrating

[PittPa]

I can't believe this won't be affecting ALL Telluride's at some point.

 

[Penetronn]

Update - finally got to a reputable Kia dealership today for an analysis. The podunk Kia dealer nearest to my house told me a year ago (probably noted in this same thread) they couldn't identify any issue. Well, the bucking has gotten significantly worse. I need to get it fixed as it's causing issues with quick acceleration now turning into traffic. I'll edit this post when I've got news.

Update 2: The AWD Viscous Coupler has failed. It will be replaced under warranty since I've only got 22,000 miles on my '22. Waiting to see if the techs determine I can drive it home tonight!

 

[reverend_sean]

@PittPa Send me a DM when you get a minute (I am too new and can't initiate them yet). I'd like to know which dealership you are using as our combined voice might have more leverage than without it. Hopefully, we won't need it, but I have a feeling "we can't find anything wrong" will be the initial analysis.

 

[Norbert]

Not a mechanic but my Hyundai Santa Fe and had same prob. Was the viscous coupler . My 22 Telly doin it so I’m taking it in.there’s clutched in it that wear out

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[Norbert]

Also found out they’re only warranted to 60 k

 

[Telljeff]

Mine did the same thing, ended up being the rear coupler at the differentia. Fixed under warranty.

 

[PittPa]

I'm scheduled to have my 2020 checked at the end of the month but currently traveling. Does anyone have any information on the progression of this issue. Some thumping when turning and acceleration I can deal with but broken down on the highway not so much.

Cars been in the shop for 2 weeks. Mentioned the issue and they are replacing a leaking cv axle up front. Replaced that and when I told them again I really think it's the transmission, they test drove it again and ordered a 4wd coupler. Said I could drive it in front wheel only but I told them to keep it. All under warranty and no battles from my side. I'm glad this is covered but this is not a good sign for a car with 50k miles!!

 

[reverend_sean]

Cars been in the shop for 2 weeks. Mentioned the issue and they are replacing a leaking cv axle up front. Replaced that and when I told them again I really think it's the transmission, they test drove it again and ordered a 4wd coupler. Said I could drive it in front wheel only but I told them to keep it. All under warranty and no battles from my side. I'm glad this is covered but this is not a good sign for a car with 50k miles!!

Nice! What Pgh area dealer are you using? If you don't want to post publicly, feel free to PM me.

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[reverend_sean]

I dropped mine off at our local dealership today. I told the service person I wanted to take them for a ride so they could see/hear the issue. The Service Lead sitting right next to them said "Yeah, I diagnosed one with similar symptoms last week...why don't you and I go for a ride." They instantly got the vehicle to make the sounds. And then he said if he locked it in 4WD it would be even worse. Sure enough, it was. We did a few 90-degree turns going up a hill on their lot. They took it in and had a tech look at it and are replacing the coupler and rear diff. I asked if there was an upgraded part that is being distributed by Kia and he said yes. Unfortunately, the diff is on backorder so I don't know how long we will be Telly-less.

Also to note I asked if this would be covered under the 100k powertrain warranty, he didn't even flinch and said absolutely and then rattled off all that was covered.

Hope this helps some others!

 

[PittPa]

My car isn't done due to factors I'm not ready to discuss. Thank goodness I have other cars to drive in the meantime. I'm looking to sell this vehicle as soon as I find a suitable replacement.

 

[tpgh]

They replaced the viscous coupler without issue but won’t provide any relief for the tires. They’re basically shot at 20k and told me to take my complaint to Michelin… I’m not going away that easy but this is where it’s apparent between the luxury brands and Kia. The service just isn’t there.

 

[PittPa]

Yep, I think Kia bit off more than they can chew by entering this price point and this car and not having the dealerships and service to provide the entire package. All's good with a new car until issues arise and then the warts are visible. The dealership hasn't been the real problem, it's what they have to work with. That's why I can't see this car having any long term reliability.

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[atk004]

Hi All, same issue with my vehicle. I noticed it going uphill a month ago while doing a slow right angle turn from a stop sign and I feel and hear a thump in the rear. Nothing on higher speeds or highways or anything like that, just slow speed. It definitely wasn't there before, I just hit 20K miles. Went to dealer #1 which was a joke (as I suspected), just a waste of my time. I'm going to another where I purchased the vehicle, they have always been good with me. I'm going to print out the invoice which was posted earlier around the coupling etc being changed, see how that goes. Thanks again for all the posts! I'll post my results when I'm done.

 

[G-134708]

Thanks, appreciate you keeping us updated. I had mine in for them to check it out about two months ago. I'll admit is it very slight but definitely there, they acted like nothing was happening and said to bring it back if it gets worse. I did ask about the transfer case, if they could check level or open it up for inspection and they said it was a contained unit, not serviceable. It really hasn't gotten too much worse and has been happening for about a year. At the beginning it was so faint that I thought they'd say I was crazy. I only took it in when I thought it was enough noticeable that they could troubleshoot it... not so much.

It is the rear differential . Kia is trying to figure this out, very common.

 

[atk004]

It is the rear differential . Kia is trying to figure this out, very common.

Hi, I know there are threads on this topic but is there anything from Kia that you are aware of that can be shared? thx

 

[Wee]

My car isn't done due to factors I'm not ready to discuss. Thank goodness I have other cars to drive in the meantime. I'm looking to sell this vehicle as soon as I find a suitable replacement.

we have done the same. Sold our SXP (second one we owned) earlier this year. Kia refused to acknowledge that there was an issue, I know for a fact it was the AWD coupling and components, etc.... This issue with the AWD components is fairly widespread seems to be becoming a more common issue as time goes on. Longevity wise I think many owners that have this car 5+ years down the road have a high chance of being in a world of headaches.

Only thing I've found is worth a damn (depending on what you need the car for) is the new Grand Highlander Max or Lexus TX. Everything else in the segment is pretty meh if you're looking to stay the same vehicle range.

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[jkbenzene]

So does anyone potentially have an idea if we are all just going to start running into the same issues down the road even after the AWD coupler is replaced? I guess maybe some people will get lucky with the replacement and get one installed with better tolerances.

I know that I have seen a mention somewhere (not sure if it was on another thread in this forum) that someone had their coupler replaced and apparently got info from the tech that the part had been "updated". However, I also saw a report that some dealerships were ordering replacement couplers and basically getting some that were unusable. Not sure what was going on with those.

Kind of concerned since I have '23 Telluride with only 9000 miles. I am 95% sure my vehicle is starting to exhibit signs of a failing coupler.

 

[PittPa]

So does anyone potentially have an idea if we are all just going to start running into the same issues down the road even after the AWD coupler is replaced? I guess maybe some people will get lucky with the replacement and get one installed with better tolerances.

I know that I have seen a mention somewhere (not sure if it was on another thread in this forum) that someone had their coupler replaced and apparently got info from the tech that the part had been "updated". However, I also saw a report that some dealerships were ordering replacement couplers and basically getting some that were unusable. Not sure what was going on with those.

Kind of concerned since I have '23 Telluride with only 9000 miles. I am 95% my vehicle is starting to exhibit signs of a failing coupler.

Good question. This is where you need Kia to be transparent but it's completely the opposite. No statements, no indication if the parts is better or improved, no time line how long it will last. Sad

 

[jkbenzene]

Good question. This is you need Kia to be transparent but it's completely the opposite. No statements, no indication if the parts is better or improved, no time line how long it will last. Sad

This also begs to question what is going to start happening due to excess wear on other parts of the vehicle because of issues with the coupler. Since the coupler uses a viscous fluid, most the wear is going to be internal to the part at the beginning. But the next thing to go likely will be the rear tires (and I did some reading on Michelin warranties and they will not cover excessive treadwear for original equipment tires anymore and also due to wear being caused by a defective part).

I can see this however potentially affecting a bunch of other things. I don't know the most about vehicle repair but I probably know more than the average individual. So I am thinking this could cascade into excess wear on the differentials (probably starting first at the rear), the propeller shaft, maybe the suspension in the rear due to those components having to soak up more vibration over time, and maybe even the automatic transmission. Again, I am not a car mechanic but the effects of this issue could be fairly wide ranging, depending on what factor of safety is built into each component.

 

[PittPa]

I'm with you which is why I'm currently sitting in a Mazda showroom. I've owned my Telluride for over 3 years, put 50k miles on it, got things fixed under warranty and had my fun. My warranty is up in 7k miles and it's time to move on. I don't know who would think this car is good for a reliable long run but it's not me.