The 2021 Kia Sorento exhibits multiple recalls that directly impact the fuel system, trailer hitches, and power train—critical components for safety and functionality. With a peak failure mileage of 0-20k, owners should remain vigilant about these issues occurring early in the vehicle's lifespan.
Key Factor:Fuel system vulnerabilities
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (4) than the average KIA vehicle (1.9). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
4 recalls for this vehicle1.9 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
When considering family safety, especially for children seated in the back, defects in the fuel system can lead to hazardous situations like fuel leaks or even fire risks due to electrical shorts. Additionally, issues with the automatic transmission may impede driving capabilities, compromising control and reaction times in critical moments. These factors elevate risk levels significantly while on the road.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.9)
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Summary: The overall safety profile of the 2021 Kia Sorento is concerning given its multiple recalls affecting vital systems. While Kia has made strides in engineering quality over the years, these specific issues could expose occupants to heightened dangers, particularly young passengers who rely entirely on their guardians for safe travel.
Safety & Reliability Score
59/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-4
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 KIA Sorento
Model Year2021
MakeKIA
ModelSorento
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Oct20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug21
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 KIA Sorento. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINETRAILER HITCHESPOWER TRAINELECTRICAL SYSTEM
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Fuel System
Issue: Potential for fuel leaks at connection points between high-pressure pump and rail.
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Schedule an inspection of the fuel lines immediately.
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Request documentation confirming any recall work completed related to fuel systems.
Campaign:21V071000
2
Trailer Hitch
Issue: Electrical shorts causing fire risks due to debris accumulation on harness module.
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Have trailer hitch wiring inspected for potential short circuits.
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Ensure that all recall repairs have been made regarding trailer hitches before purchase.
Campaign:21V133000
3
Power Train
Issue: "Fail-safe" mode impairment can result in complete loss of drive power when needed most.
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'Monitor transmission behavior closely; consult a technician if abnormalities occur.'
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'Test drive under various conditions to confirm proper transmission performance.'
Campaign:21V114000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (4)
Campaign: 21V519000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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Summary
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.
Consequence
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V703000
TRAILER HITCHES
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Summary
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.
Consequence
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V760000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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Summary
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.
Consequence
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V649000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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Summary
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.
Consequence
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 24, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December. 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.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Sorento.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Sorento performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 19,539
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
✓
No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are common issues reported with the 2021 Kia Sorento regarding safety?'
'The notable recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento include concerns with its fuel delivery system that may leak, risks associated with trailer hitch wiring leading to electrical shorts—which can pose fire hazards—and power train failures that prevent safe vehicle operation. Addressing these recalls promptly ensures passenger safety.'
'How do recalls affect my decision on purchasing a used 2021 Kia Sorento?'
'When considering a used model from this year, it’s essential to be aware of existing recalls and whether they have been resolved by previous owners. This information will help ensure that all necessary safety checks have been made so you and your family can travel safely without worrying about preventable risks.'
📊Year-over-Year Context
📉Elevated Activity
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new fuel system, gasoline components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 300% versus the 2020 version.
🧭What This Means for You
This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified KIA service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in KIA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.