2021 Kia Sorento recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento and 24 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (20), engine (8), unknown or other (3). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints of any Sorento model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Kia Sorento. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Trailer hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating between 10 MPH and 15 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and jerked, similar to an attempted gear shift, before returning to normal operation. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, particularly while traveling down a decline. The failure was a recurring issue. The dealer was contacted…
UNKNOWN. Car all of a sudden wouldn’t accelerate while driving on the road. It was hesitating while pressing the gas pedal.
Transmission has failed and dealership scanner did not read code P1C2D03, the diagnostic has confirmed a severe, structural failure of the transmission: the internal fluid barrier seal has worn through, causing total cross-contamination of the DCT gear oil and control fluid. This physical fluid mixing is actively starving the electric oil pump and throwing codes P086800 and P19…
Safety ratings
2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release
2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Later Release
2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Early Release
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Kia Sorento.
Sorento AWD
Auto (AM-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Sorento AWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Sorento FWD
Auto (AM-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Sorento FWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento, most recently for electrical system · wiring · fuses and circuit breakers (09/25/2025). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sorento?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (20), engine (8), unknown or other (3).
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento safe?
The 2021 Kia Sorento earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Kia Sorento?
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints of any Sorento model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Kia Sorento range from 24 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Kia Sorento in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SORENTO, Sorento.