NHTSA Complaint #11613449 — 2021 KIA TELLURIDE

There is an ongoing problem with the AWD coupler on every model year of this vehicle and other KIA/Hyundai AWD vehicles. The problem occurs at lower speeds (35mph or less) while turning, and/or when starting from a stop turning either left or right. The vehicle produces a binding or slipping feel in the rear wheels along with a clunking noise from the rear of the vehicle. This is dangerous because the vehicle loses traction/power when its needed most during slit second decisions. Many of these couplers are failing early in the life of the vehicle. Mine is at 27K miles, however I believe the problem started long ago, closer to 15K miles. Kia knows about this issue but has failed to come up with a reliable solution. This is four model years now with the same issue. Kia has released TSB after TSB on this, and even recalled it early in the life of their debut model, the 2020. However, there are still reports of replacement parts failing again around the same amount of milage. It would be great if a wider recall can be issued to address this ongoing problem that seems to affect every model year so hopefully Kia can find a more reliable, quality part to replace the consistently failing part.