2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 21 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
For a few days ( especially if is a HOT day (over 80F) ) my 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid with 15,421 miles on it displays a "Refill Inverter Coolant" message. I checked the coolant level and is OK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240609
We had just received our Sorento back from being in the shop for 4 months due to being in an accident. Part of the repair work was to have the software updated and reprogrammed at a Kia dealership, which was completed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220218
9 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a â21 Sorento hybrid. The refill inverter coolant warning light keeps coming on. The first time it happened was on a road trip. A local dealer told me to check coolant levels and when it was full, told me it was safe to drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220429
We had just received our Sorento back from being in the shop for 4 months due to being in an accident. Part of the repair work was to have the software updated and reprogrammed at a Kia dealership, which was completed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220218
2 of 21 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: trailer hitches.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241.
Campaign 22V447000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Kia America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 22V703000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V447000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.