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2021 Kia Sorento: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

4Safety recalls
23Owner complaints
4★NHTSA overall
Quick answer

The 2021 Kia Sorento has 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns and 23 owner complaints on file, with an overall 4-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Check a specific VIN to confirm whether recalls apply, whether repairs were completed, and what to verify before you buy.

2021 Kia Sorento safety record graphic showing 4 recalls, 23 owner complaints and 4-star overall NHTSA rating.
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2021 Kia Sorento pages show model-level safety data. A Carchieve VIN report checks the exact car before you buy.

Safety record reviewed October 2026 · sourced from NHTSA

The 2021 Kia Sorento has 4 safety recall campaigns and 23 owner complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it earned an overall 4-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Below is the public model-level safety record. To see whether a specific Sorento had applicable recalls repaired and what its decoded VIN says, run that car's VIN.

Safety recalls

1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign 21V519000 · 08/07/2021

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.

RiskA fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
RemedyDealers 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.
2

TRAILER HITCHES

Campaign 22V703000 · 19/09/2022

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.

RiskA fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
RemedyOwners 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.
3

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign 22V760000 · 11/10/2022

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.

RiskLoss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
RemedyDealers 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.
4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Campaign 25V649000 · 25/09/2025

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.

RiskA fire increases the risk of injury.
RemedyDealers 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.

What owners complain about

The systems 2021 Kia Sorento owners report most often to federal regulators:

Power Train19
Engine8
Unknown Or Other3
Fuel3
Propulsion System3
Vehicle Speed Control2

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Overall★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

Yes. The 2021 Kia Sorento has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns associated with this model year. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer when the exact VIN is affected. Check your specific VIN to confirm applicability and completion.

What problems do 2021 Kia Sorento owners report?

Owners have filed 23 complaints with the NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Sorento, most often about the power train, engine, unknown or other.

How do I check a specific Sorento's history?

Enter the 17-character VIN into Carchieve. You get the recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings shown here for that exact vehicle, plus full decoded specifications and a guided title and odometer check.

Check a specific 2021 Kia Sorento

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Other model years

2020 Kia Sorento2019 Kia Sorento2018 Kia Sorento2017 Kia Sorento2016 Kia Sorento2015 Kia Sorento