2021 Kia Sorento recalls
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento, most recently on Nov 10, 2022. Each entry below explains the defect, what can happen, and the free repair.
Is your car already fixed? Recalls are listed by model. Whether your own vehicle has been repaired depends on its VIN: check it on NHTSA's recall lookup or ask any dealer for that brand. Recall repairs are free.
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Power train › Automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
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Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
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Trailer hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
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Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Owner complaints
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Sorento, including 1 involving a crash and 0 involving a fire, with 1 injury reported. Complaints are unverified reports, not recalls, but clusters can lead NHTSA to open an investigation.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train | 23 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Unknown or other | 4 |
| Electrical system | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 |
Other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my 2021 Kia Sorento has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup or call a dealer. Manufacturers also mail owners when a recall is announced, so keep your registration address up to date.
Do I have to pay for recall repairs?
No. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer for that brand, even if you bought the vehicle used or the warranty has expired.
Where does this information come from?
From NHTSA, the U.S. agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls. This page is refreshed from its database daily.