Unlike traditional automatic transmissions, Kia's Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is based on a manual transmission and offers the convenience of smooth automatic shifting while maintaining the fuel economy benefits of a manual transmission. But today we have some bad news, as Kia is recalling several models after finding problems...
First of all, I would like to explain how the DCT transmission works.
The seven-speed automatic transmission (DCT) utilises the best of manual and automatic transmissions and combines them for faster gear changes. The engineers' goal in developing the transmission was to increase fuel efficiency by 7% and acceleration by 5% over the existing six-speed automatic transmission.
The DCT utilises a pair of dry clutches, each with an electrically driven clutch actuator for improved fuel efficiency. There are also two transmission input shafts used in odd and even gear ratios. This setup means that the DCT can shift immediately into any of its seven gears or be able to do so sequentially, depending on what the driver needs at any given time.
The carmaker's new DCT unit is able to minimise torque loss during gear changes by continuously delivering power, which also helps make each gear incredibly smooth.
Now let's talk about the issues as our sources have told us about this Kia press release that the brand is recalling several models using this transmission such as the Sportage (QL), Stonic (YBCUV), Optima (JF), new K3 (BD) and new Soul (SK3).
Problem? Some DCT models have a problem that is only related to 2nd, 4th, 6th gears. 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th gears do not work.
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