2021 Kia Sorento · recalls

2021 Kia Sorento recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls that include the 2021 Kia Sorento. The newest, 25V-649, was filed Sep 25, 2025 for the electrical system.

4recalls
4systems
244owner complaints

Newest recall or investigation Sep 25, 2025 · checked Sep 22, 2026

Whether your car is included depends on its VIN, and a finished repair drops it off the list. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Every recall, newest first

25V-649Sep 25, 2025NHTSA 25V649000

Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers

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.

Remedy: 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.

47 of the 244 owner complaints on this car cite the electrical system. Symptom sheets that include this system: Engine stalls or loses power while driving (62).

22V-760Oct 11, 2022NHTSA 22V760000

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

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.

Remedy: 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.

134 of the 244 owner complaints on this car cite the transmission and drivetrain, 2 of them the same part of it (Power Train:Automatic Transmission). Symptom sheets that include this system: Engine stalls or loses power while driving (62) · Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (38) · Transmission fails or needs replacement (31).

22V-703Sep 19, 2022NHTSA 22V703000

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.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

2 of the 244 owner complaints on this car cite the trailer hitches.

21V-519Jul 8, 2021NHTSA 21V519000

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

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.

Remedy: 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.

1 of the 244 owner complaints on this car cite the fuel system. Symptom sheets that include this system: Engine stalls or loses power while driving (62).

Complaints with no recall behind them

The systems owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento complain about most that none of these recalls covers, as of Sep 22, 2026. A problem can be widespread without being a safety defect NHTSA can order fixed.

Engine: 66 complaints, no recallstalling
Fuel and propulsion: 23 complaints, no recallstalling
Speed control: 12 complaints, no recall
Collision avoidance: 10 complaints, no recall
Visibility: 8 complaints, no recall

NHTSA investigations

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2011 to 2021

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as