2007 EX Auto Transmission 'shutter' problem

ivanwhite · 10-24-2007, 10:13 AM

Having a problem with a shutter when you take your foot of the gas in the 2000 RPM range. Mine is a 2007 2-wheel drive EX, so no transfer case issue. Feels like the tranny can't decide on a gear and is becoming very annoying.

Past posts have sugegsted a possible software issue that Kia is aware of, since the throttle peddle is 'fly-by-wire' computer controlled.

Anyone had any luck in getting it diagnose and fixed at the dealer? (Ha!) Will unplugging the battery re-set the tranny to 'relearn' its setting. Seems like a 5-speed auto tranny should do a beter job than this since it's supposd to be one of the better ones out there.

JimB · 10-24-2007, 01:45 PM

This is a problem plaguing many 2007 models. I am still fighting with Kia over this. It has been 11 months now, Kia has been promising a fix, but are still stalling. Unfortunately, you are going to either have to put up with it until they get around to it, or go through BBB to get something done.

Kia will NOT help you, period. If you go through BBB, Kia will try to bribe you with a little bit of money and release any liability on their part, and once you refuse, you will not hear from them again. Trust me, they will do everything to ignore you.

BBB is kind of slow, though. They wait around for you to push them. Your better bet is a private lemon law lawyer, which is what I am doing now. Problem is, you need to get 3-4 repair attempts, and dealers make it more difficult by saying "problem cannot be duplicated".

In other words, if you got a good on-board software/processor, you are one of the lucky ones....if you got a bad one like I did, you are screwed. Too many owners do not have the energy to pursue a 'difficult to diagnose' problem and end up just putting up with it.

ivanwhite · 07-31-2008, 03:01 PM

There is now a TSB on this problem that reflashes the computer for the 5-speed auto tranny. Had mine done yesterday at the dealer under warranty and the shudder/stumbling/4th-5th gear hunting on my 3.8L, 5 speed auto tranny has now been resolved. GO GET YOURS IF YOU ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM with your 2007 AND LATER SORIES!

Paul Mattisson · 08-04-2008, 10:39 AM

My auto box seems to like 3rd, especially when towing a caravan. Dealer says it is hard to replicate problem. I wonder if your fix will "fix" my problem.
Other than this I love the vehicle and on a recent round trip to a national park (900kms ) I recorded consumption figure of 9.58 litres per 100 kms. For this size motor I reckon it's incredible!