2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Kia Sorento has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are DCT Transmission Oil Pump Failure (2.5T), High-Pressure Fuel Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak and Fire Risk (2.5L Turbo) and HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Harness Overheating and Fire (Fan Speed 3) ($0-$400 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Kia Sorento has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: DCT Transmission Oil Pump Failure (2.5T), High-Pressure Fuel Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak and Fire Risk (2.5L Turbo), HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Harness Overheating and Fire (Fan Speed 3). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Kia Sorento has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: DCT Transmission Oil Pump Failure (2.5T) and High-Pressure Fuel Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak and Fire Risk (2.5L Turbo) and HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Harness Overheating and Fire (Fan Speed 3). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Kia Sorento issues range from $0 to $800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
NHTSA recall 22V760000 (Kia SC250) covers certain 2021-2022 Sorento vehicles. A transmission electric-oil-pump malfunction can impair the fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode and cause a complete loss of drive power. Severity: high.
NHTSA recall 21V519000 (Kia SC214) covers certain 2021 Sorento vehicles with the 2.5L turbocharged engine. Fuel can leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail, increasing fire risk. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Sorento vehicles. The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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On 4th-generation Sorento LX models the wiring harness between the blower motor resistor and its connector was built by supplier Aptiv with thinner-than-spec wire on terminal #2, the circuit that powers blower fan speed 3. With the ignition on and the HVAC fan set to speed 3, tha… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.
The 3.3L Lambda II V6 engine in the Sorento develops oil pan gasket leaks, typically after 60,000-80,000 miles. The gasket material hardens and shrinks over time due to heat cycling, allowing oil to seep from the oil pan-to-block mating surface. The leak is slow initially but wor… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.
The panoramic sunroof on 2016+ Sorentos develops a persistent rattling noise, especially at highway speeds or on rough roads. The sunroof glass panel vibrates against its frame due to deteriorating seal material and insufficient dampening. Wind noise also increases as the seals l… Repairs typically run $50-$800. Severity: low.
