Diagsheet

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 Sep 9, 2026

133 of the 242 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 31 of those describe transmission failure.

Tick what matches of 31 reports

4
19
2
5
12

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.

22V-760Oct 11, 2022
Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. 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.

Risk and remedy
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Sorento

PE13-025opened Jul 5, 2013
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2014

Front axle shaft failure. Closed sep 20, 2013, led to recall 13V-355.

NHTSA summary
In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai-Kia) submitted two Defect Information Reports (DIR) to NHTSA identifying a safety defect related to fracture of the right front axle shaft in MY 2013 front wheel drive Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles built from July 13, 2012 through March 12, 2013 and MY 2014 front wheel drive Kia Sorento vehicles built from January 7 through March 12, 2013 (Recall Nos. 13V-355 and 13V-356).According to Hyundai-Kia, the right front axle driveshaft may develop a crack in the area of the stub at the wheel end of the shaft due to problems with the stub supplier's forging process for axles installed in vehicles built prior to March 12, 2013.When moving from a stop, the crack can lead to a separation of the shaft, causing a loud noise and loss of motive power.In addition, should the driver fail to engage the parking brake on an inclined surface, the vehicle may roll.In either case, a crash could result.ODI's review of consumer complaints and data submitted by Hyundai-Kia, identified 21 complaints alleging right-front axle shaft failure and 60 warranty claims related to right front axle replacements.All of the vehicles identified in the complaints and warranty claims were manufactured during the vehicle builds periods identified in the DIR.The Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 1
PE11-010opened Apr 7, 2011
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 2011

Transmission intermediate driveshaft. Closed may 10, 2011, led to recall 11V-258.

NHTSA summary
On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.

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.

$5,300$7,000$7,000
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 9,108 and 86,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.

421
1122
123
124
325
1126

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.

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