2021 Kia Sorento recalls and problems
The 2021 Kia Sorento has 4 safety recalls and 257 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Kia Sorento vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Kia Sorento recalls
Recall 25V-649: Visibility, Electrical System
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.
Recall 22V-760: Power Train
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.
Recall 22V-703: 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.
Recall 21V-519: Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
2021 Kia Sorento problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 146 | |
| Engine | 68 | |
| Electrical System | 48 | |
| Unknown or Other | 41 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 23 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 10 | |
| Visibility | 8 | |
| Steering | 6 | |
| Structure | 5 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | |
| Air Bags | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 7
- Structure › Body — 5
- Visibility › Windshield — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Lane Departure › Warning — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Sump/Tank › Drain Plug — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 43,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Kia Sorento complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento: 25V-649 (visibility, electrical system), 22V-760 (power train), 22V-703 (trailer hitches), 21V-519 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kia Sorento?
Owners report power train problems most often (146 reports), followed by engine (68). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 43,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.