• Hint: Use a descriptive title for your new message
    If you're looking for help and want to draw people in who can assist you, use a descriptive subject title when posting your message. In other words, "I need help with my SUV" could be about anything and can easily be overlooked by people who can help. However, "I need help with my transmission" will draw interest from people who can help with a transmission specific issue. Be as descriptive as you can. Please also post in the appropriate forum. The "Lounge" is for introducing yourself. If you need help with your leather interior, please post in the Interior section - and so on... This message can be closed by clicking the X in the top right corner.
  • Car enthusiast? Join us on Cars Connected! iOS | Android | Desktop

2020 Telluride AWD rear end jerking thumping and vibrating

Don’t forget to preface reports with trim and options. An EX AWD has a second row bench and 18”’ wheels. That may have different driving characteristics from an SX AWD with captains chairs and 20” wheels.
 
I thought you wanted them to check the driveshaft and coupler, hard to find your post were I thought you mentioned it since you have so many on this topic. You should be able to tell if it is a tire issue or not.
Of course that's what I want them to check based on my feeling of the issue...feel it worse going uphill...decelerating, etc...it's classic Driveshaft but why not FULLY diagnose the tires as well?

And no - road force wheel balancing tires isn't fully diagnosing a set of tires...they should rotate those suckers around and test drive, look for out of round wheel rims (which isn't that easy).

If I had a lift and Kia's approval to remove the Driveshaft I could diagnose this in no time...but that is the issue - can't do that without Kia pointing the finger back at me.
 
Last edited:
Of course that's what I want them to check based on my feeling of the issue...feel it worse going uphill...decelerating, etc...it's classic Driveshaft but why not FULLY diagnose the tires as well?

And no - road force wheel balancing tires isn't fully diagnosing a set of tires...they should rotate those suckers around and test drive, look for out of round wheel rims (which isn't that easy).

If I had a lift and Kia's approval to remove the Driveshaft I could diagnose this in no time...but that is the issue - can't do that without Kia pointing the finger back at me.
What tires do you have on your car?
 
This thread literally made me put my purchase on hold. Now I won't buy one unless it's on lot and I'm able able test drive and I mean highway drive it. Which I don't see happening anytime soon, since they are barely ever in stock where I am in ottawa Canada. I'm also now waiting for the new 2022 mdx and will see how that compares. Obviously it won't have the same great features at an affordable price but it's still covid I doubt acura will not bargain after a couple months....the base mdx will start at $64 k here.... :0
 
This thread literally made me put my purchase on hold. Now I won't buy one unless it's on lot and I'm able able test drive and I mean highway drive it. Which I don't see happening anytime soon, since they are barely ever in stock where I am in ottawa Canada. I'm also now waiting for the new 2022 mdx and will see how that compares. Obviously it won't have the same great features at an affordable price but it's still covid I doubt acura will not bargain after a couple months....the base mdx will start at $64 k here.... :0
You can test drive cars that you order as well before buying. Order, wait for arrival, once it arrives test drive as you would one on the lot, and if you don’t like it do not buy.

If you get a refundable deposit agreement in writing, you could lose zero dollars from backing out of your order. Meanwhile, the dealer will make increased profits selling your order with markup. A win for everybody in either scenario.
 
This thread literally made me put my purchase on hold. Now I won't buy one unless it's on lot and I'm able able test drive and I mean highway drive it. Which I don't see happening anytime soon, since they are barely ever in stock where I am in ottawa Canada. I'm also now waiting for the new 2022 mdx and will see how that compares. Obviously it won't have the same great features at an affordable price but it's still covid I doubt acura will not bargain after a couple months....the base mdx will start at $64 k here.... :0
I would say two things: Like Tellthemride said, you can order the car with a refundable deposit and then test drive it when it comes in. Second, very few Tellys have this issue. Just a handful here. If you visit any car forum, you'll see issues like this posted and discussed - windscreen problems, noise problems, rattling, AC, suspension, fuel pump, cruise control, etc etc. I owned Hondas for over 20 years and had all kinds of mysterious things that needed fixing.

You have to feel comfortable with the car you buy and drive. Confidence matters. But guaranteed, when the 2022 MDX drops (or any other car), new owners will be talking about issues on forums like this.
 
We are having the same shudder/vibration at 45mph and 70mph. Brought to service 3x, first time was acknowledged by technician, wheels balanced, said that was the solution. Still experienced shudder/vibration, brought back 2 more times but techs could not duplicate problem. Bringing back again tomorrow.

2020 EX AWD with tow package
This time the technician claims my transmission fluid was over a quart low. We spoke to a service supervisor at the location we usually use and they said there’s no way to check the fluid unless it’s taken apart, it’s a sealed system. Tired of getting the run around. We traded our Telluride in last night on a 4Runner. Good luck getting the problem fixed!
______________________________
 
You can check the fluid level in a sealed transmission, just not the conventional way via a dipstick. You have to go underneath the vehicle. A lift would be the ideal way. There is a fill plug on the transmission that you take out to check it. The fluid should be at the bottom of the fill plug opening.
 
This time the technician claims my transmission fluid was over a quart low. We spoke to a service supervisor at the location we usually use and they said there’s no way to check the fluid unless it’s taken apart, it’s a sealed system. Tired of getting the run around. We traded our Telluride in last night on a 4Runner. Good luck getting the problem fixed!
Damn. Sucks to see you go but I don't blame you or @Bev for just calling it quits and trading it in.

I'm no mechanic but I can't believe this would be transmission related.
 
Last edited:
This thread literally made me put my purchase on hold. Now I won't buy one unless it's on lot and I'm able able test drive and I mean highway drive it. Which I don't see happening anytime soon, since they are barely ever in stock where I am in ottawa Canada. I'm also now waiting for the new 2022 mdx and will see how that compares. Obviously it won't have the same great features at an affordable price but it's still covid I doubt acura will not bargain after a couple months....the base mdx will start at $64 k here.... :0
 
You have to go with your gut feeling. The biggest problem is Kia making their field engineers or whatever you want to call them (worthless) do all the diagnosing of the problems. They have a routine: Road Pressure test tires. That usually results in the changing of one or two tires but is not the cause of the problem.
The second one they came up to me with was the PICO. If this guy doesn't know how to use it, it's worthless like my field tech was. You would think these guys worked for KIA and are trying to save them money.
For the reason of having to deal with that clown and him keep saying my vibration was within the normal range, I took it to a Drive Shaft Specialist. They diagnosed the problem. I took it back to the dealer and let the service manager and general manager test drive it. The general manager said he couldn't feel a vibration and the service manager agreed with him. I didn't get off the lot and the used car manager from there called and offered me a ridiculous price to buy mine. They ended up going up another couple of thousand more because they already had a buyer for my Nightfall Edition SX. So since I knew it had a problem that was diagnosed by an independent, for spite I traded it for a Toyota Highlander and my dealer got zippo for trying to take advantage of me and saying nothing was wrong. Did I lose money, not really. The $2k less I took for trade-in made up the tax I would have paid for no trade-in and Kia is settling with me for the difference.
I loved that vehicle until it got from 65 to 80 which was most of my driving and I was just put out with the process of repairs and my spineless dealer and decided it wasn't worth it.
There isn't another vehicle on the market for the price that has everything on it as the Tellie does and if they ever get the problem fixed and let dealerships be the mechanics, I may consider buying another one someday.
Good luck to you with your decision.
______________________________
 
Damn. Sucks to see you go but I don't blame you or @Bev for just calling it quits and trading it in.

I'm no mechanic but I can't believe this would be transmission related.
I wouldn't have gone down without a fight buddy. I traded mine for a Highlander but settled with Kia for the difference since I had filed a Lemon Law and formal complaint with Kia.
But I sure don't blame you for bailing. Unless you had a dealer that didn't kiss butt, they will keep dragging you around like a fish on a hook.
Good luck.
 
Just got back from a test run... your fix did not help my vibration. I could feel vibration in the area you described, but pressing on it did nothing to calm or quiet my vibration. Good to try, though.
This time the technician claims my transmission fluid was over a quart low. We spoke to a service supervisor at the location we usually use and they said there’s no way to check the fluid unless it’s taken apart, it’s a sealed system. Tired of getting the run around. We traded our Telluride in last night on a 4Runner. Good luck getting the problem fixed!
Hey all, I bought a 2020 S model in Nov. 2019 AWD and mine vibrated terribly when pulling my trailer, about 1000 lbs loaded. Each time i pulled it, it kept getting worse until I could no longer pull the trailer, Telluride was actually shaking. I thought it was a trailer issue. Even without the trailer, it vibrated something terrible. I traded it last week for a SX model AWD. No issues with that one though, it’s as smooth as can be, so far.
 
Hook a trailer to it and watch how bad it vibrates. The whole vehicle will shake, terribly, trust me. No one could doubt that there is a problem then. Put that tail end under some weight and pull, watch what happens. Take that to KIA.
______________________________
 
Well, I'm a little sad because Telly was my first choice to replace my Q7, but after 2 days the reading of this thread (all 52 pages) pushed me to my 2nd choice , VW Atlas Cross Sport (love them big, don't need 7-8 places). That and the fact that I can't predict how this car will behave with the time, in 3-4-5 years. I hope you all enjoy your trucks and be care free, and those in trouble to find the needed help as soon as possible.
I called today a VW dealership to dip a toe in the water and after 1 hour on the phone and couple e-mails I got credit approved by VW finance instant, (online application ), got 1% interest shaved off, winter tires aded for no cost + the 4 all seasons, first 3 months of the lease payed by VW and about 3000 off the MSRP. Tomorrow at 11h00 I'll go sign the papers and pick up the Cross Sport. The best buying experience ever, and even if I love the VW's square brick look, (the interior depresses me ...)I still have a pinch of regret because I didn't get my black on black Night Sky (our Canadian version of Nightfall) Wish you all the best, enjoy your rides!
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2021-01-05 at 12.06.26 AM.webp
    Screen Shot 2021-01-05 at 12.06.26 AM.webp
    19.4 KB · Views: 5
  • Like
Reactions: Bev
You let one thread make a major car buying decision. Good luck; have you checked out the VW forums?
 
If you got a good deal on an Atlas best of luck to you. But one issue on some models of a few trims that “might” happen which appears to have a published fx in the Palisade does not define the Telluride. If you are serious about research you should check into recent VWs and their track record. You may be trading one possible problem with AWD that has a resolution down the road for a larger possibility of engine, transmission and electrical down the road with expensive VW repair costs. VW also lowered the warranty coverage of the Atlas recently, they must assume everyone forgot about dieselgate. In Canada you now get 4yr / 80,000km (50,000mi). You might want to add in the extra warranty you might need it.
 
Last edited:
Well, I'm a little sad because Telly was my first choice to replace my Q7, but after 2 days the reading of this thread (all 52 pages) pushed me to my 2nd choice , VW Atlas Cross Sport (love them big, don't need 7-8 places). That and the fact that I can't predict how this car will behave with the time, in 3-4-5 years. I hope you all enjoy your trucks and be care free, and those in trouble to find the needed help as soon as possible.
I called today a VW dealership to dip a toe in the water and after 1 hour on the phone and couple e-mails I got credit approved by VW finance instant, (online application ), got 1% interest shaved off, winter tires aded for no cost + the 4 all seasons, first 3 months of the lease payed by VW and about 3000 off the MSRP. Tomorrow at 11h00 I'll go sign the papers and pick up the Cross Sport. The best buying experience ever, and even if I love the VW's square brick look, (the interior depresses me ...)I still have a pinch of regret because I didn't get my black on black Night Sky (our Canadian version of Nightfall) Wish you all the best, enjoy your rides!
Did you join any VW Atlas forums? As with here, there are all kinds of problems posted with that vehicle. For example: Volkswagen Atlas Complaints, Issues And Problems

I'm not bashing Volkswagen. I bought my son a GTI and he loves it, and no problems at all (so far!). It's a great car and we're hoping it stays problem-free, but like anything, it's a bit of a gamble. All car manufacturers have problems. Very few owners here have a vibration issue or any other issue. But it's a car forum where people come to share their joys and sorrows.

I hope you love your Atlas - like we love the GTI. It's important to get what you want. Best of luck!
 




Back
Top