2021 Kia Sorento
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1517 |
| 2012 | 876 |
| 2013 | 980 |
| 2014 | 983 |
| 2015 | 747 |
| 2016 | 1245 |
| 2017 | 799 |
| 2018 | 251 |
| 2019 | 421 |
| 2020 | 132 |
| 2021 | 241 |
| 2022 | 185 |
| 2023 | 117 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 72 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
55% of complaints: power train — 132 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Sorento, which has suffered a transmission failure. The transmission slips, shifts harshly, hesitates during acceleration, loses power unexpectedly, and has become unsafe to drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
Also filed under ENGINE
The vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of motive power while driving due to a failure of the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission's (DCT) high-pressure electric oil pump causing loss of shifting and dropping to lower gears at a very high...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
The vehicle suddenly lost power when in drive or reverse but will idle fine in park or neutral.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
26% of complaints: engine — 63 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
While in the process of pulling into marked stall in parking lot car accelerated unexpectedly jumping over a concrete stop and crashing into the wall of a building.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240524
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Sorento, which has suffered a serious transmission failure. The vehicle is displaying diagnostic code P0741, indicating a torque converter clutch malfunction.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260716
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
19% of complaints: electrical system — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing connectors/plugs/receptacles.
CRASH10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 23 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 21V519000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V760000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
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.
Campaign 25V649000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (132 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (63 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (46 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V519000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V760000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V649000 (electrical system, visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Kia Sorento is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.