2021 Kia Sorento Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.
253 complaints 4 recalls, 1 park outside 10th worst of 17 Sorento years
Top 2021 Kia Sorento problems
Transmission problems
142 complaints (56%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
Engine problems
69 complaints (27%) name the engine, most often the drain plug.
Electrical problems
47 complaints (19%) name the electrical system, most often the connectors / plugs / receptacles.
Fuel system problems
24 complaints (10%) name the fuel system.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (36 of 253). The amber line is the middle value, about 42,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Kia Sorento recalls
Blower motor wiring can cause a fire
Fire riskThe wiring harness for the HVAC blower motor may be inadequate, which can lead to a fire. A fire increases the risk of injury to occupants.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and the blower motor resistor at no charge.
Recall 25V649000 · Sep 2025Automatic transmission
Can stallThe 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. 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.
Recall 22V760000 · Oct 2022Towing
Park outsideDebris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire. 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.
Recall 22V703000 · Sep 2022Fuel leak at engine pipe connection
Fire riskOn certain 5L turbocharged engines, fuel can leak at the pipe connecting the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail. A fuel leak raises the risk of an engine fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and tighten it or replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 21V519000 · Jul 2021Get an email when your 2021 Kia Sorento gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Sorento years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2021 Kia Sorento problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, electrical system and fuel system. 142 complaints (56%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
At what mileage do 2021 Kia Sorento transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 35,000–73,000 miles, with a middle value near 64,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?
4. Blower motor wiring can cause a fire (25V649000); Automatic transmission (22V760000); Towing (22V703000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Kia Sorento?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.