repaired · 2026 Q3
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk. A fire increases the risk of injury.
2021 Kia SorentoProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 257 owner complaints about the 2021 Kia Sorento, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-703 the manufacturer reports only 29% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Kia Sorento has problems
257 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
146Power train1 crash/fire/injury
68Engine1 crash/fire/injury
48Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
23Fuel/propulsion system
13Vehicle speed control
10Forward collision avoidance
8Visibility
6Steering
5Structure
219 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 146 | 1 |
| Engine | 68 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 48 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 23 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 13 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 10 | 0 |
| Visibility | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 21 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2021 Kia Sorento recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Trailer hitches
Park outsideRisk. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
65kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 22 power train complaints. 91% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 14% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
3under 30k miles20under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Sorento year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sorento median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Kia Sorento safety ratings
2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Kia Sorento, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Sorento owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Vehicle: 2021 Kia Sorento SX (2.5L Turbo / 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission) Mileage: 99,300 Related Recall: NHTSA Campaign ID 22V-760 / Kia Recall SC250 Incident Description: While operating my 2021 Kia Sorento SX 2.5L Turbo, the vehicle triggered diagnostic trouble code P193B and suffered a…
My 2021 Kia Sorento (VIN [XXX]) is at Luther Kia. The dealership documented DTC P1C2D03 as stored. Kia's SC250 recall procedure states that if P1C2D03 is not stored, the dealer updates the TCU software only; if P1C2D03 is stored, the transmission is to be replaced and updated TCU software applied.…
When driving between 10 to 50 mph with foot on gas pedal my car won’t jerk sputter and lose complete loss of power while making a turn. I have to release my gas pedal and push back down and it takes a solid couple seconds to get any power back. I’ve been almost hit a couple times in the last two…
Own a 2021 Sorento?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.