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2017 Sorento EX Transmission Shifting Hard and Jerky

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:05 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Kia Sorento EX

Hey everyone,

I'm having some serious issues with my 2017 Kia Sorento EX, 3.3L V6. Lately, the transmission has been shifting really hard, especially when going from 1st to 2nd gear, and sometimes even into 3rd. It feels like a big jolt, and it's getting worse.

It's not consistent, but it happens almost every drive, particularly when the engine is cold. I've also noticed a slight delay in engagement when shifting into drive or reverse from park. No check engine light yet, but I'm worried this could be a major problem. Has anyone else experienced this with their Sorento or other Kia models around this year? What could be causing this?

Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated before I take it to the dealer.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:05 AM

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Hello Sarah K.,

Hard shifting and delayed engagement in your 2017 Kia Sorento EX can be concerning. These symptoms often point to issues within the transmission system. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and steps you can take:

Potential Causes:

  1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid: This is a common culprit. Low fluid levels can cause pressure issues, leading to hard shifts. Contaminated fluid (dark, burnt smell) indicates internal wear.
  2. Transmission Solenoid Issues: Solenoids control fluid flow within the transmission. A faulty solenoid can disrupt proper gear engagement.
  3. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Problems: The TCM manages transmission operations. Software glitches or hardware failures can lead to erratic shifting.
  4. Internal Transmission Wear: Components like clutch packs or valve bodies can wear out over time, causing these symptoms.
  5. OBD Codes (if present): While you don't have a CEL yet, if one appears, look for codes like P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), P0731 (Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio), P0732 (Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio), or P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction).

When to See a Shop:

It's highly recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or a Kia dealership as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with these symptoms could exacerbate the problem and lead to more costly repairs. Specifically:

  1. Fluid Check: Have them check the transmission fluid level and condition. If it's low, they'll need to find the leak. If it's burnt, a flush might be recommended, but often indicates deeper issues.
  2. Diagnostic Scan: Even without a CEL, a professional scan tool can often pull pending or historical transmission-related codes that a generic OBD-II scanner might miss.
  3. Software Update: Sometimes, a simple software update for the TCM can resolve shifting anomalies.
  4. Physical Inspection: A technician can inspect for external leaks, wiring issues, or other visible problems.

Addressing this promptly can prevent minor issues from becoming major transmission overhauls.

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