2021 Kia Sorento Problems: 4 Known Issues
2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Kia Sorento has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are High-Pressure Fuel Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak and Fire Risk (2.5L Turbo), DCT Transmission Oil Pump Failure (2.5T) 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.
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$7.99/month plus taxes at launch on January 1, 2027 · No payment today
All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls12 recalls
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.
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:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Kia Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Kia Sorento problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Kia Sorento has 4 documented issues. Documented issues include: High-Pressure Fuel Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak and Fire Risk (2.5L Turbo), DCT Transmission Oil Pump Failure (2.5T), HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Harness Overheating and Fire (Fan Speed 3). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Sorento reliable?
The 2021 Kia Sorento has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: High-Pressure Fuel Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak and Fire Risk (2.5L Turbo) and DCT Transmission Oil Pump Failure (2.5T) 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Kia Sorento 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.
What is the 2021 Kia Sorento High-Pressure Fuel Pipe / Fuel Rail Leak and Fire Risk (2.5L Turbo)?
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.
What is the 2021-2022 Kia Sorento DCT Transmission Oil Pump Failure (2.5T)?
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.
What is the 2021-2023 Kia Sorento HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Harness Overheating and Fire (Fan Speed 3)?
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.
What is the 2016-2025 Kia Sorento Panoramic Sunroof Rattle and Wind Noise?
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.
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.