Kia Transmission Repair and Replacement Cost
Kia drivers are no stranger to transmission troubles—if you’re looking at a repair bill, you can expect to pay between $100 to $3,500 or more.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Reviewed by Shannon Martin
Kia has recalled its latest K5 and Sorento models for glaring transmission problems. The good news is, recall repairs are always free—but if you’re facing a transmission problem that isn’t recall-related, you could also be looking at a steep mechanic bill. The average cost for Kia transmission repairs is between $100 and $3,500.
Kias are
fairly infamous for transmission problems
—but within the past decade, the brand’s reputation has pivoted toward improved safety, and today, Kias are considered far more reliable than they once were. Of course, certain Kias still carry a problematic reputation regarding transmissions (sorry Forte owners) which is why knowing the signs of early transmission failure is always worthwhile information. Jerry
, the super app
that saves drivers money on car insurance
, is here with the information you need to address a potentially problematic transmission in your Kia. In this article, we’ll cover the average transmission repair costs, which Kia models to avoid, and where to find the right type of replacement transmission to fit your needs. Stick around, and we will even let you know how to lower your
Kia car insurance
costs. Let’s get started. Don't get ripped off!
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How much does a Kia transmission repair cost?
The cost of a Kia transmission repair varies depending on a few factors, including the nature of the repair, where it’s done, and what model you own. In general, you can expect Kia transmission repairs to cost anywhere from $100 and $3,500, with the majority of problems landing closer to the high end of that scale.
The most expensive type of transmission repair is a flat-out transmission replacement, which is typically required after transmission failure and can cost between $1,900 and $11,000 on average. We know this is a huge price range, here is how it breaks down among popular models:
But that’s not the only type of transmission repair your Kia may need—other common transmission repair services include:
While some transmission repairs cost less than others, don’t be surprised when repair costs skyrocket into the thousands—your car’s transmission is one of the most expensive parts to service. While your Kia’s transmission has a life expectancy about as long as the vehicle itself (that is, approximately 200,000 miles) it’s likely you’ll run into transmission problems before then—especially given the brand’s notoriety for transmission troubles.
What does a transmission do?
If it’s your first time facing transmission issues, you may wonder what this costly component of your car even does—or why it’s so expensive to fix. Simply put, the transmission is the part of your vehicle’s powertrain that supplies power to your wheels to drive at a given speed. It adjusts your wheels' power whenever you shift gears (manually or automatically).
A single transmission is comprised of about 800 parts, all of which interact in specific and precise ways to keep you safely rolling on the road, no matter the speed you drive. That’s one of the biggest reasons transmission repairs become so costly so quickly—you’re not paying for one part, but rather 800 tiny parts that do the job of a transmission.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a transmission?
A transmission replacement is the most expensive type of transmission service—but unfortunately, it’s usually easier to simply replace a transmission rather than repair one, at least in cases of serious damage. When replacing your Kia’s transmission, you have a couple of options—and the one you choose directly impacts your price.
An OEM transmission replacement is typically the most expensive kind, as it involves replacing your Kia’s old transmission with new,
genuine OEM parts
that can cost up to $7,000 or more—and then the cost of labor increase the price. Contact your local dealership for pricing. If you don’t want to spend 7 grand on parts alone, you may choose to opt for a rebuilt or remanufactured transmission. These are types of refurbished transmissions that have been restored back to proper functionality using some new parts. Since they’re not brand-spanking-new, you can typically get them at a significantly lower price.
Locations like
AAMCO
will install a quality rebuilt transmission and have both warranties
and discounts available. Or buy a certified remanufactured transmission from a national auto parts store like Advanced AutoParts
, just keep in mind that their prices do not account for labor. A salvage transmission will be even cheaper—you could spend as little as $700 on a transmission from a salvage yard from a junked vehicle. The downside is that the quality of a salvaged transmission is unreliable.
Does it cost more to repair a manual transmission or an automatic?
Most of the time, manual transmission repairs cost less than automatic or continuously variable transmissions. That’s because manual transmissions tend to have fewer parts, making them easier to take apart and fix—and cheaper to replace.
So if you drive a manual Kia, you can expect to pay less for a replacement—a lot less depending on the model! For example, a manual transmission replacement for a Kia Soul is about $2000 less than its automatic counterpart.
Common Kia transmission problems
Unfortunately, Kia drivers are no strangers to transmission problems. In fact, Kia recently issued a recall on certain K5 and Sorento models released between 2021 and 2023 for transmission concerns.
And that’s not the first time a Kia vehicle has been recalled based on transmission issues, either. Other Kia models—like the Rio and Forte—are popularly known for transmission troubles like intermittent losses of power and accelerator malfunctions. Other common Kia transmission problems include:
- Gear slippage or rough shifting while driving
- Faulty shift solenoids
- Transmission fluid leaks.
Many transmission problems are the consequence of bad or low transmission fluid. Just like regular oil changes keep your engine lubricated with enough engine oil, annual transmission fluid flushes and routine fluid level checks are essential to preventing Kia transmission failure.
What year Kias have the most transmission problems?
While many Kias are prone to transmission problems, some Kias come with more problematic transmissions than others. Among the worst Kia models for transmission problems are:
- 2008-2009 Kia Sportage
- 2011 Kia Optima
- 2012 Kia Optima
- 2016 Kia Sorento
- 2019 Kia Forte
- 2020 Kia Forte
Signs your Kia transmission is going bad
Since transmission failures can be dangerous (and repair costs can have a catastrophic impact on your wallet) it’s a good idea to engage in routine transmission maintenance—and to know the signs of a failing transmission. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Check engine light: If something’s wrong, you can usually count on thecheck engine lightto let you know.
- Unfamiliar noises: If you notice new noises coming from your engine while driving or idling, it could be a sign the transmission is going bad. Engine knocking is especially common among Kias.
- Strange smells: A clear indicator of a failing transmission is the smell of burning rubber in the cabin as you drive.
- Rough shifting: Any trouble shifting gears can indicate transmission problems—especially rough or “sticky” shifting or slipping between gears.
- Grinding or shaking when accelerating: If your transmission isn’t working properly, you’re bound to experience a bumpy ride, and acceleration may feel particularly shaky.
If you suspect a problem with your car’s transmission, you can take your vehicle to a local dealer for an inspection—or use an
on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner
to check for engine trouble codes yourself. Look out for the P0730 engine code
, which signifies an incorrect gear ratio, or the P0846 engine code
, which signals problems with transmission fluid pressure.What to do if your Kia transmission fails
If your Kia transmission fails, you’ll need to bring your car to an auto repair shop or Kia dealership as soon as possible. Ideally, you should bring your Kia to the shop before a total transmission failure—and the sooner you head to the shop after noticing transmission problems, the better for your car and your wallet.
Most auto repair shops are equipped to handle transmission repairs, so if you already have a trusted mechanic, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle there first. Alternatively, you can look for a transmission specialist or compare auto shops for deals or lower prices. For example, a Kia dealership may charge you more than the average repair shop, but the upside is that they’ll have specialized technicians with experience and expertise in fixing Kia transmissions.
How to maintain your Kia transmission
Regular maintenance is key to the health of your Kia transmission. With the right care, your Kia’s transmission can last up to 200,000 miles. If you’re not already in the habit of
routine maintenance,
one of the easiest ways to protect your transmission is by simply checking and maintaining its transmission fluid. You should check up on your transmission fluid about once a month, and have fluid service performed every 40,000 miles. If you’re unsure how often to perform specific maintenance on your Kia, you can always follow the
service maintenance schedule
in your owner’s manual. You should also: - Regularly replace the transmission filter
- Use the correct type of transmission fluid (as recommended in your owner’s manual)
- Avoid changing gears while the vehicle is in motion (for automatic transmissions)
- Give your car time to warm up before you start driving
- Have an annual transmission inspection performed
By following the maintenance tips above and the advice in your owner’s manual, you can keep your Kia’s transmission in top shape, extend its lifespan, and even improve the overall performance of your vehicle.
How to check transmission fluid
It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your transmission oil often—at least as often as you check your engine oil. In fact, checking your transmission fluid and engine oil levels at the same time is a great way to get in the habit of maintaining your vehicle’s fluid levels, which play a critical role in the overall performance of your vehicle.
If you’ve never checked your transmission fluid before, the good news is it’s just as easy to do as checking the engine oil! To start, you’ll want to let your vehicle warm up for a few minutes. You can let it run or shut it back off before checking the fluid levels (dealer’s choice) but once your Kia is warmed up, follow these next steps:
- Locate your transmission fluid dipstick. This will appear similar to your oil dipstick, although it’s usually further back in the engine bay. If you’re having trouble finding it, you can use your owner’s manual to help pin down its exact location.
- Once you’ve found the dipstick, remove it and wipe it clean, then reinsert it into the reservoir.
- Take it out again and read the level marker on the dipstick. Ideally, the fluid should reach the “warm” line.
- Add transmission fluid in increments, if necessary, checking the fluid level with your dipstick in between each fill.
- Once the fluid has reached the correct level, replace the dipstick and you’re good to go!
Your Kia’s transmission fluid should be clear and dark red. If the fluid on your dipstick appears brown or black, it’s a sign that old or contaminated fluid will need to be replaced (along with the transmission filter).
However, light pink fluid is an even worse sign—it means the fluid has been contaminated by either water or coolant. You could need a total transmission replacement if you notice light pink fluid.
How to save on Kia insurance costs
Sometimes, there’s just no way around those big, expensive mechanic bills. They’re an occasional, unavoidable part of car ownership. But with regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your Kia—and that goes for insurance policy maintenance, too!
The right
car insurance
policy can go a long way in protecting your vehicle—and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Just use Jerry
, the super app that helps you shop for the lowest rates on car insurance. It’s this simple: download the Jerry app, then answer a few quick questions about you and your vehicle. In 45 seconds or less, Jerry can use your information to find you customized quotes drawn from a pool of over 55+ name-brand insurance providers—then help you swap plans. You’ll get quotes in seconds, can make changes to your policy at any time, and if you ever have any questions, Jerry’s team of knowledgeable agents are only a text away!
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