Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 11% | 18,000 miles |
| 2024 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2023 | 19 | 10% | 28,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% | 60,000 miles |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% | 10,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% | 19,000 miles |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% | 14,000 miles |
| 2018 | 18 | 11% | 40,000 miles |
| 2017 | 41 | 10% | 38,000 miles |
| 2016 | 8 | 6% | 145,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% | 84,000 miles |
| 2013 | 18 | 5% | 89,000 miles |
| 2012 | 21 | 5% | 83,000 miles |
| 2011 | 23 | 13% | 69,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% | 170,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 12% | 25,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% | 69,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% | 146,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% | 56,000 miles |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% | 45,000 miles |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% | 45,000 miles |
| 1999 | 57 | 20% | 68,000 miles |
| 1998 | 63 | 21% | 89,000 miles |
| 1997 | 25 | 14% | 104,000 miles |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% | — |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted gears, causing a slight jerk before accelerating. The instrument panel frequently displayed codes advising the driver to "Turn Off the Engine." While driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The instrument panel displayed a message advising the contact to "Check Your Surroundings". When the contact attempted to depress the accelerator, the vehicle failed to respond. Upon releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle coasted, and the failure reoccurred several times. The contact safely coasted to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle, and the failure was temporarily resolved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine experienced difficulty cranking. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to properly shift gear. The contact stated that the engine revved up, but the transmission failed to properly shift gear. The Auto START/STOP light was orange. The contact was concerned about a possible disintegration of the transmission after a friend alerted him of a similar failure. The contact called the local dealer and left a message. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
While driving the vehicle and selecting EV only mode the engine RPMs surge to about 3000. This happens frequently and I have it on Video. Kia has had the car multiple times for electrical may electrical related repairs but say the vehicle is normal. The tech line person even had the dealer drive a similar car for a baseline. I would expect they had a baseline prior to manufacturing the car. This is an ongoing unrepaired issue. Date below is first reported date of electrical concerns.
12,000 Miles: Front rotors required complete replacement. 21,000 Miles: Front rotors failed and required replacement a second time. 28,000 Miles: Front seat cushion required repair due to material separation. 34,000 Miles: Front rotors failed and required replacement a third time. 51,000 Miles: Front rotors failed and required replacement a fourth time. 51,000 Miles: Complete transmission replacement required due to severe shifting difficulties.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system engaged erroneously with an audible warning chime. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a review was conducted; however, the manufacturer had not provided any assistance. Recently, the contact stated that vehicle had started to wobble while driving 75 MPH, without warning. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,500. The contact stated that the dealership mechanic was able to replicate the issue and confirm the problem. The contact stated the vehicle slammed on brakes a total of 3 times and currently at the dealer.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. However, the failure reoccurred on five separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,776.
Was traveling northbound on I5 between Lacey and Dupont, Washington. Vehicle was in cruise at 65, then it suddenly went into limp mode. I was in the furthest right lane possible on the highway, and RPMs drastically dropped to below 1,000. I was able to get the vehicle pulled over to the right shoulder safely while the vehicle dropped to approximately 10mph on the freeway. The vehicle died as soon it was placed in park. When attempting to turn the vehicle on, all engine light warnings displayed (this was not present when the vehicle went into limp mode) and would not start. I checked for oil levels, which showed they were only slightly low. No leaks in engine compartment and no leaks underneath the vehicle. Vehicle would attempt to start after the 5th consecutive attempt, and began knocking. RPMs would not exceed 1,500RPMs with the gas pedal compressed. …
Vehicle developed a cylinder 3 misfire that progressed to engine failure. The engine began running rough and lost power during normal operation. Dealer diagnosed internal engine damage and advised that a complete engine replacement is required. Prior to failure, the vehicle experienced significant oil loss, with oil leaking and rapidly depleting despite proper maintenance. Oil levels dropped abnormally between services. No adequate warning was provided before the engine condition worsened. Failure resulted in loss of engine performance and required towing. Vehicle was properly maintained. Repair cost exceeds reasonable expectations for vehicle age and mileage. Dealer advised that required engine parts are on backorder, leaving the vehicle inoperable for an extended period.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Pump
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sportage years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (63), 1999 (57), 2000 (41), 2017 (41) and 1997 (25) model years. Transmission complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Kia Sportage transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 23V-531 (pump, Jul 31, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sportage transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (76 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › lever and linkage › column shift (38).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.