This 2021 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 4 recalls affecting the fuel system, gasoline system.
Key Factor:fuel system, gasoline recalls
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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)
๐Why This Matters
Powertrain issues affect both daily reliability and long-term ownership costs. Unexpected stalling creates inconvenience at best and safety hazards at worst.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Focus Area:powertrain reliability
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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:
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 โ
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.
๐ ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINETRAILER HITCHESPOWER TRAINELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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-2021-1000๐ข Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Sorento performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 21,733
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2021 KIA Sorento?
Yes, the 2021 KIA Sorento has 4 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, TRAILER HITCHES, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Is the 2021 KIA Sorento safe to drive?
The 2021 KIA Sorento has 4 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2021 KIA Sorento has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local KIA dealer.
๐Year-over-Year Context
๐Elevated 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.
๐ฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Fuel system, gasoline
Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm fuel system, gasoline recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all fuel system, gasoline recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:21V519000
2
Trailer hitches
Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm trailer hitches recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all trailer hitches recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:22V703000
3
Power train
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:22V760000
๐กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.
๐งญWhat 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
Verify all 4 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your KIA dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโrecall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used
Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.