2021 Kia Sorento Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 137 of 247 complaints (55%) filed on the 2021 Kia Sorento, the highest share of any model year. A related recall, 22V760000, covers transmission oil pump malfunctions that can impair the fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode. Median mileage at failure is 65,000.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 137
- 55% of 247
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 65,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles suddenly lose the ability to accelerate or come out of drive gear entirely while moving, leaving drivers stranded in traffic.
- Traction control activates unexpectedly, cutting power and preventing acceleration even on dry roads.
- The transmission jerks, lunges, or shifts hard at low speed and idle, sometimes requiring extra braking to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead.
- Some owners report a whistling noise followed by transmission fluid leaks, leading dealers to recommend full transmission replacement.
- A dashboard message tells drivers to 'stop safely immediately' just before the vehicle loses speed and power on the road.
- Gear shifts feel delayed or stuck, with RPM climbing unusually high before the transmission finally engages the next gear.
When 2021 Kia Sorento transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 9, 2021, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento
- NHTSA 22V760000Oct 11, 2022Transmission & Powertrain69,038 vehicles
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: 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sorento model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Kia Sorento transmission bad?
- NHTSA lists 137 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Sorento, which is 55% of all complaints filed for that year — the highest share of any Sorento model year in the data.
- Does the 2021 Kia Sorento have a transmission recall?
- Yes. Recall 22V760000 covers 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles where the fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired after a transmission oil pump malfunction. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission as needed and update the transmission control unit.
- At what mileage do 2021 Sorento transmission problems start?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 65,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Sorento.
- Were there crashes or injuries linked to the 2021 Sorento transmission complaints?
- NHTSA records 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 137 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Sorento.