VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Sorento transmission problems

The 2021 Kia Sorento has 120 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 36% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

120

Transmission complaints

36%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

22V760000TransmissionOctober 11, 2022 · 69,038 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

What owners report

Vehicle's transmission would not engage in "drive" or "reverse". After sitting for almost an hour, tried again and it engaged in "drive". Took to dealership, could not duplicate the problem. 4 days later, while driving, the vehicles transmission automatically disengaged from "drive". The car was…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 4, 2022

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?

NHTSA has 120 complaints about the 2021 Kia Sorento transmission — 36% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 22V760000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.