CarModelProblems.com

2021 Kia Sorento Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 6.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
225Complaints
4Recalls
4Crashes
1Fires
1Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (52.4% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Power Train complaints here are 6.2× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train118 · 52.4%RecalledRecall 22V760000
Engine57 · 25.3%not available
Electrical System42 · 18.7%RecalledRecall 25V649000
Fuel/propulsion System17 · 7.6%RecalledRecall 21V519000
Vehicle Speed Control11 · 4.9%not available
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings7 · 3.1%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN118 · 52.4%
ENGINE57 · 25.3%
Unspecified / other37 · 16.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM17 · 7.6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11 · 4.9%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS7 · 3.1%
STEERING5 · 2.2%
STRUCTURE:BODY5 · 2.2%
VISIBILITY/WIPER4 · 1.8%

Percentages are the share of the 225 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 21V519000 · 2021 · reported 07/08/2021

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Trailer Hitches

NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 2022 · reported 09/19/2022

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 22V760000 · 2022 · reported 10/11/2022

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

NHTSA campaign 25V649000 · 2025 · reported 09/25/2025

A fire increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“The transmission has failed there has been a recall involving the transmission on this car. My car has been in the shop for a month…”NHTSA complaint 11506742 — filed 02/11/2023 · POWER TRAIN
“Vehicle suddenly displayed the message "Stop Safely Immediately" and then lost all traction to the wheels. This happened as I was entering a busy street…”NHTSA complaint 11495325 — filed 11/29/2022 · POWER TRAIN
“Vehicle transmission completely failed immediately after long (~4 hr, 224 mile) highway drive. During drive vehicle hesitated slightly when downshifting to accelerate. After arriving at…”NHTSA complaint 11495047 — filed 11/27/2022 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

432021862022332023392024712025632026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sorento?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 118 of 225 NHTSA complaints (52.4%), followed by engine (57), electrical system (42), unspecified/other issues (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?

225 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 1 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V519000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Kia Sorento's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.