P0735 on Kia
Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0735 on Kia vehicles indicates gear 5 incorrect ratio. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Kia model — most commonly on Sportage. This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 5th gear. By comparing input shaft speed to output shaft speed, the module verifies each commanded gear; when the 5th-gear ratio is wrong, P0735 is stored. This typically means the transmission is slipping or failing to lock into 5th gear due to fluid, friction, or solenoid issues. Drivers may notice slipping at highway speeds, RPM flare, poor fuel economy, or limp mode. Typical repair costs on Kia range from $400 to $1,800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0735
- •Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid
- •Slipping clutch packs or worn friction elements in 5th gear
- •Stuck or faulty shift solenoid
- •Valve body / internal hydraulic leak or restriction
- •Worn or failing torque converter
- •Faulty input or output speed sensor
- •Internal mechanical wear inside the transmission
P0735 on Kia by Model
Kia Sportage(1 issue)
- 6-Speed Automatic (A6MF) Harsh Shifting and Valve Body Wear2017-2022
The A6MF-family 6-speed automatic can develop harsh or erratic shifting, hard 6-to-4 kickdown 'bang,' shift flares, brief neutral feel during up/downshifts, and torque-converter clutch (TCC) shudder. The root cause is wear of the reducing-valve bores in the valve body, which lets line pressure drift out of spec; neglected fluid (SP4-spec) accelerates the wear. A documented secondary fault is a valve-body bolt that can abrade the internal wiring harness, producing intermittent solenoid faults. This is a distinct transmission failure mode from the AWD rear-differential coupling noise already documented.
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View P0735 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0735 mean on Kia?▼
P0735 stands for "Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio." This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 5th gear. By comparing input shaft speed to output shaft speed, the module verifies each commanded gear; when the 5th-gear ratio is wrong, P0735 is stored. This typically means the transmission is slipping or failing to lock into 5th gear due to fluid, friction, or solenoid issues. Drivers may notice slipping at highway speeds, RPM flare, poor fuel economy, or limp mode. On Kia specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0735 on Kia vehicles?▼
Common causes on Kia: Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid, Slipping clutch packs or worn friction elements in 5th gear, Stuck or faulty shift solenoid, Valve body / internal hydraulic leak or restriction, Worn or failing torque converter. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0735 on a Kia?▼
Repair costs on Kia range from $400 to $1,800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Kia models have P0735 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0735 on 1 Kia model: Sportage.