Transmission issues. They can bring your car to a grinding halt. And if you’re driving a Kia in Newark, CA, you’ve probably felt the pain. At Fremont Foreign Auto, located in Fremont, we know Kia transmissions inside and out. Whether it’s slipping gears, overheating, or rough shifting, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into the five most common transmission issues that plague Kia vehicles—and how we fix them.
Transmission Slipping in Kia Optima (2011-2015)
Driving down Newark’s streets and your Optima doesn’t respond when you hit the gas? That’s transmission slipping. Kias, especially the 2011-2015 Optima models, are notorious for this. Low fluid levels or worn-out transmission bands often cause the problem. It’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous.
First, we check the transmission fluid. If it’s low, it’s a quick fix. But if your transmission bands are worn? That’s where things get tricky. We’ll get in there, replace the worn parts, and have your Optima shifting like it’s brand new.
Torque Converter Failures in Kia Sorento (2010-2014)
Ever felt your Sorento jerk while shifting gears? That’s your torque converter acting up. In Sorento models from 2010-2014, torque converter failure is common. You’ll notice overheating, rough shifts, and loss of power. Not ideal when you’re trying to navigate Newark traffic.
We get straight to the heart of the issue: the transmission cooler. If it’s clogged, it leads to overheating. We flush it out and, if needed, replace the torque converter entirely. That way, your Sorento’s back in fighting shape, ready for any road you throw at it.
Delayed Shifting in Kia Forte (2013-2017)
Does your Kia Forte hesitate when shifting? Between 2013-2017, this was a common complaint. The culprit? A faulty transmission control module (TCM). When the TCM misbehaves, gear shifts are delayed, and that’s the last thing you need in stop-and-go traffic.
In some cases, a software update will fix it. In others, we need to replace the solenoids. Either way, we’ll ensure your Forte is shifting smoothly again. No more delays. Just smooth, responsive driving like it was built to deliver.
Harsh Gear Engagement in Kia Sportage (2016-2020)
You shift from park to drive—and BAM—your Sportage jerks like it’s got a grudge. That’s harsh gear engagement, a common issue in Sportage models from 2016-2020. It’s usually a pressure control solenoid failure. That solenoid manages hydraulic pressure in your transmission, and when it goes bad, gear shifts get rough.
We’ll diagnose the problem, replace the solenoid, and get your Sportage shifting as smoothly as it should. No more jerky starts or sudden shifts. Just a smooth ride through Newark.
Transmission Overheating in Kia Soul (2014-2018)
Transmission overheating can cause real damage if you don’t catch it early. And if you drive a Kia Soul (2014-2018), you’re probably familiar with it. Overheating happens because of low fluid levels, a clogged cooler, or just too much stop-and-go driving in Newark’s traffic.
We flush the system, check for leaks, and clear out any clogs. Then, we make sure everything is running cool and smooth again. Don’t let overheating ruin your ride—get it fixed before it turns into a bigger problem.
Ready to Fix Your Kia?
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we don’t just talk about fixing Kias—we do it. Our shop in Fremont serves Newark and the surrounding area, tackling even the toughest transmission problems. From Optimas to Souls, if your Kia needs transmission work, we’re here to help. No guesswork, no shortcuts—just expert repairs.
Is your Kia slipping, jerking, or overheating? Let us know. We’ll handle the problem, so you don’t have to.