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
- 251
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
56% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 251 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
56% · 140 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-29
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, 2026-07-21
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, 2026-07-20
Engine
27% · 68 reportsShow 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, 2024-05-24
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, 2026-07-16
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Electrical system
19% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing connectors/plugs/receptacles.
Fuel/propulsion system
9% · 23 reportsVehicle speed control
5% · 13 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-07-21Fuel system, gasoline21V519000 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.
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2022-12-09Power train22V760000 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.
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2023-07-27Trailer hitches22V703000 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.
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2026-01-23Electrical system, visibility25V649000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 140 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 68 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 47 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V519000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 22V760000 · Power train
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
- Recall 25V649000 · Electrical system, visibility
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 56% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.