2021 Kia Sorento problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Sorento, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
253
Recalls
4
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Median mileage
41,500 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 142 of 253 complaints (56%).
  • Engine (69) and electrical system (47) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 41,500 mi.
  • Owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries.
  • The 2021 Kia Sorento has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 11th of 21 Kia Sorento model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 85% more complaints than the 2020 model year (137).

2021 Kia Sorento problems by category

  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash
    142 complaints
  • Engine · 1 crash
    69 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    47 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    40 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    24 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    13 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    11 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    11 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    7 complaints
  • Steering
    6 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    4 complaints
  • Lighting
    3 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Power train140
Engine68
Electrical system46
Unknown or other40
Fuel/propulsion system23
Vehicle speed control13
Forward collision avoidance: warnings7
Steering6

When problems happen (mileage)

7Under 10k410k–30k930k–60k1260k–100k4100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Kia Sorento complaints that list mileage.

2021 Kia Sorento recalls (4)

  • Recall 25V649000Sep 25, 202539,536 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS · VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.

    Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.

  • Recall 22V760000Oct 11, 202269,038 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.

    Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.

  • Recall 22V703000Sep 19, 202270,887 vehiclesPark outside
    TRAILER HITCHES

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

    Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

  • Recall 21V519000Jul 8, 202121,575 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.

    Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023

    Loss of Motive Power

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Early Release★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Later Release★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Early Release★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2021 Kia Sorento complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 7, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain
    Transmission has failed and dealership scanner did not read code P1C2D03, the diagnostic has confirmed a severe, structural failure of the transmission: the internal fluid barrier seal has worn through, causing total cross-contamination of the DCT gear oil and control fluid. This physical fluid mixing is actively starving the electric oil pump and throwing codes P086800 and P193B79. This creates the exact safety hazard described in Safety Recall SC250. Kia informed me that…
    NHTSA complaint #11769753 · source
  2. Filed Oct 7, 2026TXEngineOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control
    UNKNOWN. Car all of a sudden wouldn’t accelerate while driving on the road. It was hesitating while pressing the gas pedal.
    NHTSA complaint #11769649 · source
  3. Filed Oct 7, 202664,000 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 40-50 MPH in fourth gear, the vehicle shuddered and decelerated to 30 MPH, then lost drive power. Additionally, the clutch made a flapping sound while in 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 8th gear. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled while the transmission was shifted in drive(D). The contact pulled over, turned off, and then restarted the vehicle. The failure had occurred approximately five times. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11769596 · source
  4. Filed Sep 30, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain
    I noticed my car having a delayed engagement whenever i put it in reverse. I had to wait a couple of seconds before it would go in reverse. As i was leaving my job there is a hill and i noticed jerking when trying to accelerate up. As i made if past the hill i stop at a light,upon takeoff i noticed my car wouldn't accelerate but the RPM gauge spiked.i turned it off and then back on and it did the same only this time the check engine light came on. The issues i am having with…
    NHTSA complaint #11767936 · source
  5. Filed Sep 29, 2026ALEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    This is my third report regarding a dangerous loss of drive power on my vehicle, which completely matches NHTSA Recall 22V760000. Kia of Rainbow City in Alabama diagnosed the failing transmission oil pump in March 2026 but refused to honor the recall because a software patch was previously marked 'complete.' The dealership has since deactivated my digital access to the inspection report. The manufacturer is actively leaving a verified, life-threatening safety defect on the…
    NHTSA complaint #11767829 · source
  6. Filed Sep 29, 202640,000 miOHCrash1 injuredTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate and decelerated. While slowing down and driving onto the shoulder a second vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. During the crash the contact sustained a mild neck injury. Medical attention was sought. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced auto stop failures and the engine failed to automatically restart when…
    NHTSA complaint #11767672 · source
  7. Filed Sep 23, 2026OHTransmission & Drivetrain
    The transmission in my Kia Sorento intermittently does not engage when shifting from park to drive. It will take 5 to 10 seconds for the gear to engage. When this occurs, the car is free-wheeling and will roll away. This is especially dangerous if you are on a slope or hill. I of course am applying the brake when shifting out of park, but their is no warning or indication that the transmission is, or isn't engaged. I have mentioned this problem when visiting the Kia dealer,…
    NHTSA complaint #11766362 · source
  8. Filed Sep 22, 202673,000 miKYTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost drive power. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had not produced DTC: SC250 associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train). The related code was P1C2D03 - Electric Oil Pump (EOP) malfunction. The Kia service center was…
    NHTSA complaint #11766165 · source

Compare the 2021 Kia Sorento with another vehicle →

Other 2021 Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology