Kia Sorento 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Kia Sorento 2021 and 23 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It's the model year with the fewest complaints for the Kia Sorento between 2016 and 2025.

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Kia Sorento 2021

Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 25V649000 · 2025-09-25

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 25V649000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 22V760000 · 2022-10-11

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 22V760000

Trailer hitch
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 2022-09-19 !

Owners are advised to park it outside and away from structures until repaired (fire risk).

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 22V703000

Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 21V519000 · 2021-07-08

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 21V519000

Complaints from other owners

23 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

1 with a crash · 1 injuries

Most reported problems on the Kia Sorento 2021

• Powertrain and transmission: 19 (83% of complaints)
• Engine: 8 (35% of complaints)
• Fuel and propulsion: 3 (13% of complaints)
• Throttle and cruise control: 2 (9% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 2 (9% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Kia Sorento 2021

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Check for loss of power, stalling or uneven acceleration on the test drive.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Kia Sorento recalls by year

• 2016 : 8 recalls · 1,254 complaints
• 2017 : 4 recalls · 805 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 255 complaints
• 2019 : 2 recalls · 428 complaints
• 2020 : 1 recalls · 137 complaints
• 2021 : 4 recalls · 23 complaints
• 2022 : 6 recalls · 191 complaints
• 2023 : 3 recalls · 122 complaints
• 2024 : 2 recalls · 42 complaints
• 2025 : 3 recalls · 76 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Kia Sorento 2021 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Kia Sorento 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Kia Sorento 2021?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (19 of 23 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.