2021 Kia Sorento problems and complaints
Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Sorento. The most-reported areas: Power Train (20), Engine (8), Unknown Or Other (3).
Key takeaways
- 24 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 1 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 1 reported injury.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 20 | 83% |
| Engine | 8 | 33% |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 | 13% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 13% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 8% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 8% |
| Steering | 1 | 4% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Later Release | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Later Release | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV AWD Early Release | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Kia Sorento SUV FWD Early Release | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Power Train - filed 2026-10-14
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating between 10 MPH and 15 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and jerked, similar to an attempted gear shift, before returning to normal operation. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, particularly while traveling down a decline....
Vehicle Speed Control,unknown Or Other,engine - filed 2026-10-07
UNKNOWN. Car all of a sudden wouldn’t accelerate while driving on the road. It was hesitating while pressing the gas pedal.
Power Train - filed 2026-10-07
Transmission has failed and dealership scanner did not read code P1C2D03, the diagnostic has confirmed a severe, structural failure of the transmission: the internal fluid barrier seal has worn through, causing total cross-contamination of the DCT gear oil and control fluid. This physical fluid mixing is actively starv...
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More for the 2021 Kia Sorento
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.