This page covers 6 recalls, 241 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Kia Sorento.
24–37 mpg combined
6.4–9.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2021 Kia Sorento centers on the powertrain, which accounts for the largest share of owner reports by a wide margin. Transmission issues are the most commonly described problem, owners report shuddering, hesitation, jerking during acceleration, and unusual rotating or grinding noises that worsen under load. Several owners describe the transmission being diagnosed for replacement, with software updates sometimes applied but not always resolving the symptoms. Engine complaints follow, with owners frequently describing sudden loss of power, hard stuttering or hesitation when pressing the accelerator, and the check engine light illuminating during normal driving. These power-loss episodes are reported at a range of speeds, including highway speeds. A recurring detail in engine complaints is that replacing spark plugs and ignition coils did not prevent the problem from returning.
241
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Kia Sorento has 6 recalls, with three separate fire risks: a trailer wiring harness that can short-circuit even when parked, a fuel leak at the high-pressure pump connection on turbocharged models, and HVAC blower motor wiring that can overheat and ignite.
The trailer wiring concern only affects vehicles fitted with specific Kia Genuine tow hitch harness kits, and the fuel leak risk is limited to vehicles with the 2.5L turbocharged engine. The blower motor wiring issue affects LX+ trim models specifically, though a separate filing covers a broader range of Sorento vehicles with the same underlying wiring problem. On the drivetrain side, vehicles with the 2.5L turbocharged engine and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission can experience a transmission oil pump fault that triggers a fail-safe mode, and a programming error then cuts power to the wheels after 20 to 30 seconds, raising the risk of a crash. A separate filing covering a similar transmission oil pump malfunction can also result in a complete loss of drive power, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
The blower motor wiring harness may be manufactured improperly, causing it to overheat and melt.
What the fix does
Kia will replace the blower motor wiring harness and blower motor resistor at a dealership.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness for the HVAC blower motor may be inadequate, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A transmission oil pump fault can trigger fail-safe mode, which may cause sudden power loss to the wheels after 20-30 seconds due to a programming error.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if needed, and update the transmission control unit software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission oil pump may malfunction, impairing the vehicle's fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode and potentially causing complete loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if needed, and update the transmission control unit software. All repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer wiring harness kit (part numbers R5F03AP100 or R5F03AP200) can develop a short circuit over time, causing the control module to overheat.
What the fix does
Replace the 30 A "TRAILER" fuse with a 15 A fuse. A permanent fix is being developed and Kia will provide instructions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 models with 2.5L turbocharged engines, fuel may leak where the high-pressure fuel pump connects to the fuel rail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel pipe connection and tighten or replace it as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
