Kia Transmission Problems by Model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Owners have filed 2,423 transmission complaints with NHTSA across the 6 Kia models we track that have at least 50 each. The most come from the Kia Sorento (903). Per 1,000 sold, the highest rate is the Kia Sorento at 0.44 and the lowest is the Kia Sportage at 0.13, against a 0.28 median across all 53 rated models.
Kia models by transmission complaints
| Model | Transmission complaints | Per 1,000 sold | Share of all complaints | Worst years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento | 903 | 0.44 | 10.3% | 2011, 2016 and 2022 |
| Kia Optima | 475 | 0.34 | 7.1% | 2016, 2013 and 2012 |
| Kia Soul | 434 | — | 7.8% | 2020, 2016 and 2015 |
| Kia Sportage | 220 | 0.13 | 7.6% | 2017, 2023 and 2011 |
| Kia Forte | 216 | 0.16 | 8.4% | 2019, 2010 and 2011 |
| Kia Telluride | 175 | — | 8.5% | 2020 |
Per 1,000 sold appears only where published U.S. sales exist for at least three model years. Data fetched July 2026 to November 2026.
Kia transmissions
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Frequently asked questions
Does Kia have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 2,423 transmission complaints with NHTSA across the 6 Kia models we track that have at least 50 each. The most come from the Kia Sorento (903). Per 1,000 sold, the highest rate is the Kia Sorento at 0.44 and the lowest is the Kia Sportage at 0.13, against a 0.28 median across all 53 rated models.
Which Kia models have the most transmission complaints?
the Kia Sorento (903), the Kia Optima (475) and the Kia Soul (434), by owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Raw counts favor high-selling models, so compare the per-1,000-sold column too.
Which Kia has the fewest transmission complaints per 1,000 sold?
The Kia Sportage, at 0.13 transmission complaints per 1,000 sold across its rated years. That is a complaint rate, not a failure rate.
Sources
- NHTSA complaints by vehicle (owner complaints API) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report a vehicle safety problem — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration