Kia Sorento transmission failure problems

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 18, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2023 Kia Sorento has experienced continuous mechanical failures, including a serious engine fire in December 2025 while I was driving on the [XXX], which put my life at risk. Following that incident, my vehicle remained in the shop for nearly three months while the engine and related components were replaced, only to experience another failure in March 2026 requiring a transmission replacement, followed by electrical issues in April requiring a wiring harness replacement. In June 2026, my vehicle broke down again and required yet another transmission replacement, leaving me without my vehicle for several additional months. [XXX], my vehicle failed AGAIN while I was in Houston and had to be towed, proving that nearly a year of extensive repairs has failed to resolve these ongoing mechanical issues. This vehicle is a serious safety concern, and I have completely lost confidence in its reliability, especially after experiencing an engine fire, repeated breakdowns, and dangerous acceleration issues. I have continued making monthly payments on a vehicle that has spent more time in the repair shop than in my possession, causing significant financial strain, stress, and inconvenience. After nearly a year of unsuccessful repair attempts, I am demanding an immediate and permanent resolution, including a vehicle buyback or replacement, as I should not be expected to continue driving a vehicle that repeatedly jeopardizes my safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Transmission · AR

The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power on the highway due to the failure of the transmission electric oil pump, matching the federal safety agency Campaign 22V760000. The vehicle previously received only the TCU software update remedy. The software update failed to prevent the underlying physical defect from occurring, and the vehicle is now dangerously disabled. The local dealership is refusing to perform the physical transmission replacement mandated by the recall remedy, falsely claiming the recall is permanently closed because of the prior software patch.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Transmission failure at 99,000 miles Replaced by dealer under warranty

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Hard shifting and kia said I need a new transmission, 99,500 miles

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2023 Kia Sorento has experienced repeated failures involving the engine, transmission/powertrain, and electrical wiring system. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired multiple times by authorized Kia dealerships, including Kia of Round Rock and Clay Cooley Kia in Irving, and the repair history and vehicle are available for inspection upon request. The most serious incident occurred on XXX, while I was driving on the [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly lost acceleration, began smoking, and experienced a catastrophic engine-related failure, creating a serious safety concern while I was traveling on a high-speed roadway. The vehicle had to be towed to Clay Cooley Kia, where it remained for approximately three months and the engine and related components were replaced. After receiving the vehicle back on XXX, a significant oil leak developed approximately five days later. The vehicle was returned for service, the problem was confirmed, and it ultimately required a transmission replacement. On approximately XXX, multiple/all dashboard warning lights illuminated, and Kia subsequently replaced the wiring harness. The vehicle continued to experience problems and was towed to Kia again. In XXX, Kia determined that another transmission replacement was necessary. The vehicle has now had three transmissions associated with it, in addition to the replacement engine and wiring harness. XXX, the vehicle is still malfunctioning despite being on its third transmission. Current symptoms include the RPMs suddenly surging/revving higher than expected, jerking while driving, and a noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle accelerating. These symptoms create a safety concern because I cannot confidently predict how the vehicle will respond when accelerating, merging into traffic, crossing an intersection, or traveling at highway speeds. I am concerned that the repeated engine failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Vehicle: 2021 Kia SorentoCurrent Mileage: Over 100,000 miles (Original Owner) Description of Safety Defect & Failed Recall Remedy: Background: This vehicle is equipped with the 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) and has suffered from severe slipping, jerking, and hesitation since delivery (at 5 miles). In 2023, the vehicle received the software update remedy under Kia Safety Recall SC250 (the federal safety agency Campaign 22V760) for the defective electric oil pump circuit board. The Failure: The 2023 software patch failed to resolve the underlying physical safety defect. An independent technician recently diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed a permanent, un-clearable fault code for a completely failed electric transmission oil pump—the exact physical component failure targeted by safety recall SC250. This defect causes an immediate risk of a sudden loss of motive power. The Dealership Violation: The vehicle was dropped off at Greenway Kia West Orlando on Monday, August 17, 2026. The dealership held the car for over a week, logging it under a separate fuel pump recall to stall. On August 25, 2026, the dealership formally denied safety recall coverage and issued a $7,000 out-of-pocket quote to replace the transmission, claiming the vehicle is no longer covered because it is past the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Federal Mandate Violation: Under federal law, safety recalls do not have mileage caps. The manufacturer's remedy failed to permanently correct a documented safety hazard, and the dealership is actively attempting to shift a multi-thousand-dollar safety recall replacement cost onto the consumer.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Transmission · PA

The transmission failed for the fourth time. The transmission (Power Train) is the component that failed and is available for inspection at the dealership. The vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to drive due to the repeated transmission failures, creating a risk of sudden loss of power or control. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer on multiple occasions, most recently on August 24, 2026. The vehicle has also been inspected by Kia America as part of an open case (Case #25964896). History: The 1st transmission failure was covered under the original factory warranty. The 2nd failure occurred after the 12,000-mile transmission replacement warranty had expired, requiring an out-of-pocket repair of $5,500. The 3rd failure occurred within 12,000 miles of that replacement and was covered by Kia. On August 24, 2026, the dealer confirmed the transmission had failed again — a 4th failure of the same component. Warning symptoms typically appeared as loss of power, hesitation, or rough shifting prior to each failure.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NY

I am filing this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Sorento, which has suffered a transmission failure. The transmission slips, shifts harshly, hesitates during acceleration, loses power unexpectedly, and has become unsafe to drive. This defect has put my safety and the safety of others at risk. On several occasions the vehicle failed to respond properly when accelerating, including while entering highways and driving in traffic. The hesitation and sudden loss of power created fear and anxiety because I could not trust the vehicle to operate as expected. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a repair facility, and the symptoms are consistent with a transmission torque converter clutch failure. I also contacted Kia and provided the vehicle information. Kia informed me that they would not repair the vehicle because it has exceeded 100,000 miles and that the recall or warranty extension had expired. However, my vehicle is experiencing the same transmission-related symptoms reported by many other Kia owners.I never received any recall notification because I purchased the vehicle from a dealership as the second owner. Had I been properly notified, I would have taken the vehicle in for inspection much earlier or would never have purchased the dangerous vehicle in the first place. It is extremely frustrating and costly to be denied assistance solely because of mileage when the failure appears to be related to a known transmission defect.Before the failure, the check engine light illuminated and then went away even though the issue did not. Prior to that warning, the vehicle had already shown delayed shifting, slipping, hesitation, rough gear changes, and loss of power, which became progressively worse. I reported this to Kia on a previous service visit to Romeo Kia in Lake Katrine, NY and was told they did not find anything wrong. This situation has caused significant emotional stress and anxiety. I am requesting a full review and a fair resolution from kia. Thank

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to drive; however, the transmission failed to engage as intended. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The failure was a persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.