Local Hyundai and Kia Transmission Repair Experts

Advanced Transmission Center is Denver’s best Hyundai and Kia transmission repair shop. Our team of builders and technicians have experience working on all models of the South Korean manufacturer, covering passenger cars and SUVs. Over the last 20 years, Hyundai and Kia vehicles have become very popular in the United States, and their reputation for quality has particularly increased in recent years.

According to the manufacturer, Hyundai and Kia represent about 11% of all of the vehicles found on the road in the United States in 2022. Owned by the same parent company (Hyundai Motor Group), Hyundai and Kia vehicles have very different external styling but share most driveline components, including transmissions. They are relatively new to the US automotive market but are valued for their relatively low price and excellent fuel economy. There are, however, a few things about Hyundai and Kia transmissions that drivers will want to keep in mind.

Hyundai 6-speed Automatic Transmission Problems

In 2009, Hyundai Motor Group introduced a 6-speed automatic transmission called the A6 (specifically, the A6GF1 for small vehicle applications like the 4-cylinder Elantra and the A6MF1 for medium vehicle applications like the V6 Santa Fe). These transmissions are found in Hyundai and Kia vehicles from 2009 through the present. Hyundai Motor Group spent four years developing the A6 transmission, and it has been widely used. However, there have been a number of complaints regarding the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Given the large number of vehicles this transmission is used in, it is no surprise that there are known issues with the A6 transmission. Some of those are listed in the table below.

Common Hyundai A6 Transmission Problems

• Poor shift quality. Common complaints are transmission slipping, flaring during shifts, delayed shifting, harsh shifts, and transmission shudder while driving.
• A design flaw can cause leaking at the transmission front pump seal. The location of the pump bolts actually covers one of the front pump seal drain passages, which can cause fluid pressure to rise enough to blow out the front pump seal.
• The transmission internal wiring harness has also been known to fail at a high rate. This can result in solenoid circuit error codes, speed sensor codes, and transmission fluid temperature sensor codes.

Until very recently, the cost of a replacement transmission unit from Hyundai and Kia has been so low that it usually made more sense to replace the failed unit with an OEM transmission sourced from a local dealership. However, as costs have risen steadily in the last couple of years, it is becoming more cost-effective to repair and rebuild these units when they start to have issues. Although remanufactured transmissions are often more affordable than those from a dealership, the downside is long wait times.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it is very common for Hyundai and Kia vehicles to have transmission symptoms that are actually caused by engine problems. In many cases, camshaft and crankshaft timing sensors and other components can fail. When this happens, it can adversely affect shifting performance. The Advanced Transmission Center team has the training and experience to correctly diagnose and repair any problems you might have with the Hyundai and Kia A6 transmission.

Hyundai CVT Transmission Problems

Like many other manufacturers, Hyundai and Kia have used a CVT transmission in their vehicles as a way to improve drivability and fuel economy. CVT transmissions can be found in the Hyundai Accent and Elantra and Kia vehicles like the Forte and Soul. The CVT, or constantly variable transmission, is a newer design that doesn’t work like a traditional automatic transmission in that a CVT doesn’t have gears. Instead, the CVT uses belts and pulleys that allow a constantly changing ratio while driving to produce the most efficient power and fuel usage. Unfortunately, it seems that CVT technology has a ways to go, and most manufacturers who have used a CVT design have faced large numbers of customer complaints.

In 2020, Hyundai Motor Group introduced a new CVT design that was hoped would correct some of the previous problems CVT owners had experienced. The new unit, called the SmartStream IVT, uses a chain in place of the older belt design. In the prior CVT design, the belt would stretch over time, and this would create a number of problems. The new chain-driven system is stronger in theory and should eliminate any stretching issues. However, the new chain design does create a very persistent whine that has concerned some drivers. Also, there have been complaints of sudden power loss and even “uncommanded sudden acceleration.”

While it is too early to tell if the new Intelligent Variable Transmission used by Hyundai and Kia will turn out to be a better CVT design, the team at Advanced Transmission Center has years of experience with CVT transmissions, whether it be a Hyundai Elantra transmission or Hyundai Sonata transmission. The professionals at Advanced Transmission Center are here to help when you need a CVT fluid service or are having issues with your Hyundai or Kia CVT.

Hyundai Dual-Clutch Transmission Problems

Hyundai Motor Group has also developed and used their version of a dual-clutch transmission in Hyundai and Kia vehicles starting in 2020. While the dual-clutch transmission is not a new idea and has been used in European automobiles for some time, Hyundai developed a dry clutch assembly similar to that used by Ford Motor Company. Like Ford discovered with their unit, the dry clutch has a number of problems, and both Hyundai and Kia have recalled thousands of vehicles to deal with the issues.

Hyundai and Kia have issued a recall for certain 2021-2023 cars, trucks and SUV’s. This recall covers the fact that the transmission’s electric pump may malfunction and cause the vehicle to go into a failsafe “limp mode.” This limp mode will only last for a short time before the system disengages the clutches completely, and the vehicle will no longer move. Many drivers have found themselves stuck after the dual-clutch transmission fails in this manner, and the vehicle is no longer operational. Owners of Hyundai or Kia vehicles with dual-clutch transmissions should contact a dealer immediately in order to get their vehicles repaired under the manufacturer’s recall.

Hyundai and Kia Driveline Maintenance and Repair Specialists

Advanced Transmission Center has been in business since 1986 and has been providing service and repair for Hyundai and Kia cars, trucks, and SUVs since they first appeared on the roads of Colorado more than 20 years ago. While Hyundai and Kia vehicles are budget-friendly and can be great value choices, like every manufacturer, they have had their fair share of transmission, transfer case, and differential problems.

Our team has the training and expertise to handle routine maintenance and repair of any Hyundai or Kia driveline issue you may experience. If you need genuine OEM Hyundai parts, Hyundai transmission service, or Hyundai transmission fluid change, our team is here for you. Advanced Transmission Center stays updated with industry trends and advancements in technology through continuous training in the latest diagnostic and repair strategies. Don’t trust your valued Hyundai or Kia to a general automotive shop but instead, call either our Lakewood or Westminster shops today to schedule a free TrueTest Inspection. Over five decades, we’ve been “Geared for Customer Satisfaction” and aim to get all of your driveline needs taken care of!