Car Yearsto Avoid

2021 Kia Sorento Transmission Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Kia Sorento?

142 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2021 Kia Sorento, 56% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 35,000–73,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.

142 complaints 56% of all 2021 complaints 64,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Automatic transmission 2

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (21 of 142). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.

Transmission complaints by Sorento year

2008 Sorento 23
2009 Sorento 9
2012 Sorento 55
2013 Sorento 69
2014 Sorento 72
2015 Sorento 42
2017 Sorento 37
2018 Sorento 9
2019 Sorento 51
2020 Sorento 18
2021 Sorento 142
2022 Sorento 67
2023 Sorento 22
2024 Sorento 5
2025 Sorento 19

Related recalls

Automatic transmission

Can stall

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. Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software.

Recall 22V760000 · Oct 2022
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Common questions

What are common 2021 Kia Sorento transmission problems?

Complaints most often name the automatic transmission.

At what mileage do 2021 Kia Sorento transmission problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 35,000–73,000 miles. The middle value is about 64,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2021 Kia Sorento transmission problems?

Yes: 22V760000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Sorento year has the most transmission complaints?

The 2011 Sorento, with 265 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.