The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2023 2023
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
Consumer had vehicle parked in gear with parking brake not on, and vehicle rolled back. Vehicle was not running. Has not contacted dealer. *ak
2000 Kia Sportage owner · NHTSA complaint
While coming to a stop at 10mph driver tried to down shift and vehicle would not go into gear. Dealer said vehicle needed a new transmission/ clutch.
2000 Kia Sportage owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Kia Sportage years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Kia Sportage years are 2000, 2011, 2002.
What are common Kia Sportage transmission problems?
Owners most often describe lost power while driving, hard or jerky shifting, slipping.
Which Kia Sportage years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Kia Sportage years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2024, 2019, 2014.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Kia Sportage reliability by year. How we count