Worst 2021 Kia Sorento Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia Sorento.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 110 | — | — | 43,574 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 52 | 1 | — | 27,078 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 40 | 1 | — | 42,979 mi | |
| Fuel System | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 1 | — | 375 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 7 | — | — | 500 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Sump/Tank:Drain Plug | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Kia Sorento
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~201,036 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Kia Sorento Years
2021 Kia Sorento — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Kia Sorento?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Sorento?
How safe is the 2021 Kia Sorento?
Does the 2021 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Sorento?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Kia Sorento
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99