2021 Kia Sorento transmission problems

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · WI

Vehicle: 2021 Kia Sorento SX (2.5L Turbo / 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission) Mileage: 99,300 Related Recall: the federal safety agency Campaign ID 22V‑760 / Kia Recall SC250 Incident Description: While operating my 2021 Kia Sorento SX 2.5L Turbo, the vehicle triggered diagnostic trouble code P193B and suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of drive power / inability to stay in gear. This is the exact failure mode described in the federal safety agency Recall 22V‑760 (Kia Recall SC250), where an internal solder defect on the 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) electric oil pump circuit board causes pump failure and sudden loss of motive power. Although my vehicle was built with the exact same 2.5L Turbo engine and 8-speed DCT assembly, my vehicle was excluded from the original recall scope. Because a sudden loss of drive power in traffic creates a severe crash hazard, I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate expanding Recall 22V‑760 to include affected VINs experiencing this identical electric oil pump failure.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Transmission · MN

My 2021 Kia Sorento (VIN [XXX]) is at Luther Kia. The dealership documented DTC P1C2D03 as stored. Kia's SC250 recall procedure states that if P1C2D03 is not stored, the dealer updates the TCU software only; if P1C2D03 is stored, the transmission is to be replaced and updated TCU software applied. Despite the stored code, Luther Kia did not replace the transmission. They updated the ECU, rescanned, performed an air-bleed procedure and transmission relearning, test-drove the vehicle, and marked the repair complete. I am concerned this does not comply with the remedy specified for stored P1C2D03 and leaves the vehicle susceptible to the loss-of-motive-power condition addressed by the federal safety agency Recall 22V760000/SC250. After receiving no update since late morning XXX, I called near closing XXXand was told their only Authorized Kia Warranty Service Technician was out sick. That evening I emailed the GM documenting the SC250 concern and requested resolution by Monday morning, including release of my vehicle while the transmission was ordered or a loaner/rental if unsafe to release. As of Monday afternoon, I have received no response. I also opened a case with Kia Corporate on XXX. The dealership sent me a $528.28 invoice via text and is retaining my vehicle pending payment of the entire invoice. This includes $178.98 I understand to be recall-related diagnosis/labor, although SC250 states there is no charge to the owner for this repair, plus $311.36 for A/C diagnosis and a $36.94 miscellaneous fee. I was instructed to drive approximately 1,000 more miles for the A/C issue. The odometer is approximately 99,2XX miles, which would exceed 100,000 miles and may affect CPO warranty coverage. A rear clunking concern potentially related to Kia TSB TRA105 was not resolved. I request the federal safety agency investigate whether SC250 was properly completed and whether this vehicle is safe to operate without the transmission replacement specified for stored P1C2D03. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Transmission · FL

When driving between 10 to 50 mph with foot on gas pedal my car won’t jerk sputter and lose complete loss of power while making a turn. I have to release my gas pedal and push back down and it takes a solid couple seconds to get any power back. I’ve been almost hit a couple times in the last two weeks because as I’m turning my car just loses all power.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Transmission · 76,500 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating between 10 MPH and 15 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and jerked, similar to an attempted gear shift, before returning to normal operation. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, particularly while traveling down a decline. The failure was a recurring issue. The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 76,500.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Transmission has failed and dealership scanner did not read code P1C2D03, the diagnostic has confirmed a severe, structural failure of the transmission: the internal fluid barrier seal has worn through, causing total cross-contamination of the DCT gear oil and control fluid. This physical fluid mixing is actively starving the electric oil pump and throwing codes P086800 and P193B79. This creates the exact safety hazard described in Safety Recall SC250. Kia informed me that since I didn't have a direct P1C2D03 code it would not fall under the recall and they would not be replacing the transmission. I was told by another tech that the two codes are related to P1C2D03. To me a barrier failure is a mechanical failure that should be covered under the recall. my vehicle has 133,000 miles on it so it isn't covered under warranty.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Transmission · 64,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 40-50 MPH in fourth gear, the vehicle shuddered and decelerated to 30 MPH, then lost drive power. Additionally, the clutch made a flapping sound while in 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 8th gear. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled while the transmission was shifted in drive(D). The contact pulled over, turned off, and then restarted the vehicle. The failure had occurred approximately five times. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Transmission · TX

I noticed my car having a delayed engagement whenever i put it in reverse. I had to wait a couple of seconds before it would go in reverse. As i was leaving my job there is a hill and i noticed jerking when trying to accelerate up. As i made if past the hill i stop at a light,upon takeoff i noticed my car wouldn't accelerate but the RPM gauge spiked.i turned it off and then back on and it did the same only this time the check engine light came on. The issues i am having with my car fits the description of what the recall is for and i can't believe my car isnt part of the recall! The same make,model,year and engine(turbo). The car isn't even drivable and i will have to have it towed to a dealership and it could be days before they can look at it.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · AL

This is my third report regarding a dangerous loss of drive power on my vehicle, which completely matches the federal safety agency Recall 22V760000. Kia of Rainbow City in Alabama diagnosed the failing transmission oil pump in March 2026 but refused to honor the recall because a software patch was previously marked 'complete.' The dealership has since deactivated my digital access to the inspection report. The manufacturer is actively leaving a verified, life-threatening safety defect on the road.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate and decelerated. While slowing down and driving onto the shoulder a second vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. During the crash the contact sustained a mild neck injury. Medical attention was sought. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced auto stop failures and the engine failed to automatically restart when the brake pedal was released. Recently the vehicle was jerking while accelerating and merging into traffic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Car will lose power sporadically ,go into limp mode . Need to shut off ignition,restart and then fine till next time!