Automatic Transmission Control Module problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Sorento

On August 15, 2026, while operating my 2021 kia Sorento, the transmission warning light came on and the vehicle displayed the following warning on the infotainment screen: “a possible condition with your transmission control system has been detected. Please press the sos button on the rear view mirror or roof console for roadside assistance. ” at the time of the malfunction, my vehicle would not properly switch gears. The transmission appeared to become stuck and would not shift as expected. This created a serious safety concern because I could not rely on the vehicle to change gears or respond normally while driving. The component/system that appears to have malfunctioned is the transmission and/or transmission control system/transmission control module (tcm). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem first occurred on August 15, 2026. Prior to this occurrence, I had not received this specific transmission control system warning. When the problem occurred, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle displayed the transmission control system diagnostic message described above. As of the filing of this complaint, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or diagnosed by a kia dealership or independent repair facility. I have photographs documenting the warning message that appeared on the vehicle's display. I am concerned about the safety of continuing to operate this vehicle because an unexpected inability of the transmission to shift gears could cause a loss of acceleration, an inability to maintain appropriate speed, or an inability to safely maneuver the vehicle in traffic. I am also requesting that NHTSA review whether this failure is related to any existing recalls, investigations, technical service campaigns, or known transmission/transmission control module issues affecting the 2021 kia Sorento, including vehicles equipped with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

I am submitting a complaint regarding a 2021 kia Sorento sx that experienced a premature and catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 76,000 miles. The vehicle developed loss of power, hesitation, and erratic shifting at low speeds (0–30 mph), creating a potentially dangerous condition when attempting to accelerate into traffic or cross intersections. A kia dealership diagnosed the issue as tcm code p193b79 and determined that the failure involved an internal high-pressure oil pump within the transmission, requiring full transmission replacement. This failure occurred despite proper maintenance and completion of kia’s sc250 software update, which appears to address transmission-related drivability concerns. My maintenance records confirm compliance with manufacturer recommendations. The symptoms and failure mode closely align with the type of transmission issues addressed in kia service campaigns and recalls (including scn-520), yet kia has refused to provide coverage or reimbursement, stating that my specific diagnostic code does not exactly match the recall criteria. As a result, I was forced to pay approximately $5,300 out of pocket for a full transmission replacement on a vehicle with relatively low mileage. This raises serious concerns that: * the underlying transmission issue may extend beyond the narrow criteria defined in the recall * software updates may not fully address an underlying mechanical defect * consumers may be experiencing similar failures without coverage additionally, the loss of power and hesitation at low speeds presents a clear safety risk, particularly in normal driving conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether transmission failures in the 2021 kia Sorento are broader than currently recognized and whether affected consumers should receive expanded coverage or reimbursement.