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Rough Shifting & Hesitation on my 2021 Kia Seltos DCT

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:12 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo

Hey fellow Seltos owners, I'm experiencing some really frustrating transmission behavior with my 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo, which has the 7-speed DCT. It's got about 30,000 miles on it.

Specifically, I'm noticing a lot of jerky shifts, especially at lower speeds in traffic, and sometimes it hesitates quite a bit when accelerating from a stop or at low RPMs. It feels like the transmission is struggling to decide which gear to be in, and it's not a smooth experience at all. It's particularly noticeable in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears.

Is this a common characteristic of the DCT in the Seltos, or should I be concerned? I've heard some mixed reviews about dual-clutch transmissions. What should I tell the dealership when I take it in? Are there any known TSBs for this specific issue?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:12 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The symptoms you're describing for your 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo's 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) are not uncommon for this type of transmission, but they can also indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. DCTs, by nature, can sometimes feel different from traditional automatics, but excessive jerkiness or hesitation is usually a sign of a problem.

  1. Causes: Potential causes include software calibration issues, wear on the clutch packs, or problems with the transmission control module (TCM) or mechatronics unit. Overheating of the clutch during stop-and-go traffic can also contribute to rough engagement.
  2. Symptoms to watch for: Beyond what you've described, listen for unusual noises during shifting, check for any warning lights on the dash (like a check engine light or transmission warning light), and note if the problem worsens in specific driving conditions (e.g., uphill, heavy traffic).
  3. TSBs: Kia has released several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for DCT performance issues across various models. These often involve software updates to the TCM to improve shift logic and smoothness. There might also be TSBs related to specific clutch pack inspections or replacements, depending on the build date and VIN.
  4. When to see a shop: You should schedule an appointment with your Kia dealership. Clearly describe the conditions under which the problem occurs (e.g., cold start, hot engine, specific speeds, stop-and-go traffic). Request that they check for any pending TSBs or software updates for the DCT. They may need to perform a diagnostic scan for fault codes (e.g., P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction, or specific clutch engagement codes) and potentially perform a drive cycle to observe the behavior firsthand. Since your vehicle is a 2021 model, it should still be under the factory powertrain warranty, making diagnosis and repair covered.
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