Putting it in Park and walking away is the most automatic thing you do with a car. That's why this recall matters. If the front axle connection has worn, Park alone may not hold the SUV, especially on a slope. The fix is free, and the temporary workaround takes one second.
What's actually wrong
On a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive SUV like the Telluride, the right front driveshaft (axle) connects to the transmission through an intermediate shaft. Those parts lock together with splines, basically matching teeth. Kia found that on some Tellurides they weren't pushed fully together at the factory. Partly engaged splines wear down over time.
Here's why that matters in Park: the parking pawl locks the transmission, and the transmission holds the wheels through those shafts. If the splines are worn enough to slip, the transmission is locked but the wheel isn't. The SUV can roll.
| Detail | What the recall says |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2020-2024 Kia Telluride |
| Vehicles | 427,407 |
| NHTSA / Kia numbers | 24V-214 / SC303 |
| Risk | Rolling away while in Park, raising the risk of a crash or injury |
| Free fix | Electronic parking brake software update, plus new intermediate shaft if damaged |
| Owner letters | Expected to mail May 15, 2024 |
Kia's software update makes the electronic parking brake a backup for Park, so the SUV is held by the rear brakes even if the front driveline slips. Damaged shafts get replaced. SlashGear reported no injuries, crashes or deaths tied to the problem.
Signs your driveline might be worn
- A clunk or knock from the front when shifting into Park, Drive or Reverse
- The SUV settles or moves slightly after you shift into Park
- Clicking from the front when turning (more often a worn CV joint, but get it checked)
- A grinding or shudder from the front on acceleration
Other Telluride driveline and suspension noises
Not every noise is the recall. SlashGear's roundup of Telluride complaints mentions two others on 2020-2021 models. Highway vibration on AWD Tellurides was addressed by a Kia service bulletin, with fixes ranging from rebalancing the tires to replacing the propeller shaft and AWD coupling. And noisy self-leveling rear shocks have a bulletin calling for a new upper insulator. If your Telluride vibrates at highway speed, ask the dealer about those bulletins by name.
How to check your Telluride
- Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on Kia's owner site. All recall work is free at any Kia dealer.
- Bought it used? Recall letters go to whoever's registered. Your VIN check is the only sure answer.
- Ask while you're there about the other Telluride recalls from 2024, including power seats and, on some 2020 models, high beams.
What it might cost you
| Situation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Recall software update and inspection | $0 |
| Damaged intermediate shaft replaced under recall | $0 |
| AWD vibration fix under the 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty | Usually $0, confirm with the dealer |
| Driveline repair outside recall and warranty | Get a written quote |
Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for original owners and Certified Pre-Owned buyers covers axle, differential and propeller shaft components, which helps if something in the driveline fails later.
What to ask the dealer
- "Has SC303 been done on my VIN, and did you find spline wear?"
- "Did you replace the intermediate shaft, or only update the software?"
- "Are any other recalls or service bulletins open on this VIN?"
- "Can you put the work order notes in writing?"
Is it worth fixing?
It's free and it's a safety issue, so book it now. In the meantime, the parking brake habit costs you nothing. Dealing with a cracked windshield too? See our Telluride windshield cost guide or the Kia Telluride repair page.
Info checked October 14, 2026.
