2022 Kia Sorento Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Owners filed 64 Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2022 Kia Sorento, 34% of its 189 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 24,863. A related recall (22V760000) addresses a transmission oil pump malfunction affecting the fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 64
- 34% of 189
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 24,864 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Transmission fails to shift properly, revving up then banging into gear or refusing to engage Drive or Reverse.
- Vehicle stalls or loses power unexpectedly while driving, sometimes accompanied by a dashboard warning to stop the car immediately.
- Warning messages such as 'Transmission System Error' or engine codes appear, sometimes with the transmission locking up and smoke reported.
- Car surges forward or the RPMs spike without the vehicle moving, described by owners as the transmission not disengaging properly.
- Vehicle unexpectedly rolls out of Park with the engine running and no one in the driver's seat.
- Gear slipping reported at lower mileage, with the transmission needing replacement in some cases.
When 2022 Kia Sorento transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 25, 2022, latest Sep 16, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2022 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
- How common are transmission problems in the 2022 Kia Sorento?
- NHTSA lists 64 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Sorento, which is 34% of all 189 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2022 Kia Sorento?
- Yes. Recall 22V760000, reported October 11, 2022, covers 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles for a transmission oil pump malfunction that can impair the fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission as necessary and update the transmission control unit.
- At what mileage do 2022 Sorento transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported Transmission & Powertrain complaints is 24,863 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
- Do transmission problems cause crashes in the 2022 Sorento?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and no fires or injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2022 Sorento.