2021 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Transmission fails or needs replacement
- 31owner reports
- 62,500median miles
- $7,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
138 of the 248 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 31 of those describe transmission failure.
Tick what matches of 31 reports
Transmission failure on other Sorento years
No other Sorento model year has enough reports of transmission failure for a sheet of its own. See every Sorento year.
What this problem usually is
This is the end of the road for a transmission: the car stops moving under its own power, or a shop says the unit has to be replaced or rebuilt. Half of the owners here mention a warning light or message, and a quarter mention it happening again or to a second unit.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (31 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
All 4 recalls on the 2021 Kia Sorento, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Sorento
Front axle shaft failure. Closed sep 20, 2013, led to recall 13V-355.
Transmission intermediate driveshaft. Closed may 10, 2011, led to recall 11V-258.
None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.
What owners paid
6 of the 31 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,300 to $7,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 9,108 and 86,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The transmission has failed there has been a recall involving the transmission on this car. My car has been in the shop for a month because it needs a transmission replacement.”
Filed Feb 11, 2023
“Transmission has to be replaced. Car shut off, redlined when gears switched, struggled between gear shifts, would not start.”
Filed May 20, 2022
“Suddenly one morning the transmission didn't work at all. I had to get a towing service to bring the car to the service. After a couple of days, they told me that the car needs a new transmission. BTW, the car ONLY has 12,000 miles!”
Filed Mar 23, 2022 · 12,000 miles
“Transmission failure at 9108 miles. Car was turned on and error code stating of some form of a transmission failure. Odd electrical sounding issue in engine bay as well. If the transmission had failed while I was driving I could have gotten into a serious accident. Kia is already notorious for failing transmissions in their other vehicles. This car maybe no different.”
Filed Dec 9, 2021 · 9,108 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 31 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 63 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 38 reports