2021 Kia Sorento problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Sorento, filed between 2022-02-18 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the engine (16, 42%), power train (14, 37%) and electrical system (12, 32%). None of the complaints reports a crash, fire or injury. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Kia Sorento complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 16 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 14 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 32% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 8 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 13% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trailer hitches | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 16 complaints
- 16 complaints of 38 (42%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Kia Sorento covers this system.
Power train: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 38 (37%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Kia Sorento; the recall, campaign 22V760000, says: “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.”
Electrical system: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 38 (32%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 7 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Kia Sorento; the recall, campaign 25V649000, says: “The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 5 complaints
- 5 complaints of 38 (13%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Kia Sorento covers this system.
Steering: 1 complaint
- 1 complaint of 38 (3%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Kia Sorento covers this system.
Trailer hitches: 1 complaint
- 1 complaint of 38 (3%) name the trailer hitches.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Kia Sorento; the recall, campaign 22V703000, says: “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.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 17 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SORENTO, SORENTO HYBRID, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Kia Sorento recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sorento?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Kia Sorento's most common problem areas are the engine (16 of 38 complaints), power train (14 of 38 complaints) and electrical system (12 of 38 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Sorento.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia Sorento's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.