SUV
2021 Kia Sorento: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Not rated yet
Owners have filed 415 complaints about the 2021 Kia Sorento with NHTSA, and it has 5 recalls. We don't rate it yet: a rating needs sales figures to turn complaints into rates.
Owner complaints
415
filed with NHTSA
Recalls
5
on record
Fuel economy
37 mpg
best version, EPA combined
Fuel, 5 years
$5,514
12,000 mi a year, $3.40/gal
What owners complain about most
Engines and fuel economy
| Version | Drive | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 mpg |
| Automatic (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 mpg |
| Automatic (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | All-Wheel Drive | 24 mpg |
| Automatic (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | All-Wheel Drive | 24 mpg |
| Automatic (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 mpg |
Recalls
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/MotorSep 25, 2025 · campaign 25V649000
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.
Power Train › Automatic TransmissionOct 11, 2022 · campaign 22V760000
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.
Trailer HitchesSep 19, 2022 · campaign 22V703000
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 ele
Seat Belts › PretensionerJun 23, 2022 · campaign 22V447000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsJul 8, 2021 · campaign 21V519000
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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before you buy
Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.
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Other years of the Kia Sorento
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | Not rated yet |
| 2023 | Not rated yet |
| 2022 | Not rated yet |
| 2021 | Not rated yet |
| 2020 | Not rated yet |
| 2019 | Not rated yet |
| 2018 | Not rated yet |
| 2017 | Not rated yet |
| 2016 | Not rated yet |
| 2015 | Not rated yet |
Questions people ask
What problems does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?
Owners have filed 415 complaints with NHTSA: transmission & drivetrain (144), engine & cooling (79), electrical system (57). We don't rate it yet, so this count isn't a reliability score: popular cars get more complaints.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?
5 recalls on record with NHTSA.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Sorento get?
Up to 37 mpg combined (EPA), depending on the engine.