Owners have reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2021 KIA Sorento. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints98
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento frequently report transmission-related issues, with many describing symptoms such as gear shifting hesitation, loss of power, and transmission slipping. Complaints often mention the vehicle failing to accelerate properly, experiencing jerking motions, and struggling to maintain speed, particularly during acceleration. These issues are noted at various mileage points, but several reports highlight occurrences around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. Some owners indicate safety concerns, including instances where the vehicle suddenly loses power or stalls, potentially leading to dangerous situations in traffic. Buyers considering a used 2021 Kia Sorento should be aware of these transmission problems, as they may require costly repairs or replacements.
Owner complaints34
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle's sunroof, which they describe as exploding while driving, leading to glass fragments entering the passenger compartment. Another common problem involves the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or shutting off while driving, often without warning lights or error codes, which can lead to dangerous situations in traffic. These issues are reported at various mileages, including vehicles with as few as 15,500 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash involving brake system failure while driving in snow, resulting in a collision with a sign. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with many complaints describing the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, both while parked and in motion. Symptoms often include the car failing to start, dashboard warning lights illuminating erratically, and problems with the Auto START/STOP system causing the vehicle to stall at stoplights. Some reports mention difficulties with the drive mode selector not retaining settings and rear plug outlets malfunctioning. These issues are noted across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 34,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as multiple owners describe situations where the vehicle stalls or shuts down in traffic, potentially leading to hazardous situations. This information is crucial for potential buyers to consider, especially when evaluating the reliability of the electrical components in used models.
Owner complaints17
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento frequently report engine-related issues, with common symptoms including sudden power loss, stalling, and unresponsive acceleration. These problems are often accompanied by illuminated warning lights, such as the check engine light, and may occur at various speeds or when the vehicle is idling. Complaints also highlight recurring transmission issues, with some vehicles exhibiting gear disengagement or failing to shift properly, often at mileages ranging from 11,978 to over 98,000 miles. Safety implications include instances where vehicles unexpectedly lose power on highways or fail to start at intersections, potentially creating hazardous situations. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues, particularly those related to engine and transmission reliability.
Owner complaints5
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to the steering system, with common symptoms including a scraping or metal-on-metal noise when turning the steering wheel, as well as drifting from side to side on various road surfaces. These problems are noted at various mileage points, with one owner mentioning the issue as early as 2,000 miles. Some complaints also describe sudden disengagement of Driver Assist steering features, particularly on two-lane highways and curves, which could pose a safety risk. Additionally, there are reports of locked steering and unresponsive acceleration during powertrain failures, which have led to near-collision situations. These issues are often accompanied by electrical failures, with some owners experiencing significant repair costs.
Owner complaints4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento report issues with the fuel and propulsion system, primarily involving engine performance and fuel system access. A common complaint is the engine unexpectedly losing power and shutting off, accompanied by gasoline discharge from the tailpipe and a strong fuel odor, suggesting a potential fuel leak. Another frequently mentioned issue is the inability to open the gas tank door, which could lead to running out of fuel, especially during long trips. Additionally, a persistent dashboard warning about abnormal inverter coolant levels is noted, though the dealership has been unable to resolve it. These problems may present safety concerns, such as the risk of stalling in traffic or being stranded due to fuel access issues.
Owner complaints4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, including dashboard error messages indicating the system is not functioning. Another common complaint involves the forward collision avoidance warning activating unexpectedly, with one owner noting that the sensor detached from the bumper at approximately 500 miles. Additionally, there are reports of difficulties disengaging the Smart Cruise Control, which some owners find problematic as it interferes with their driving preferences. These issues typically arise early in the vehicle's use, with safety implications such as unintended speed adjustments and sensor malfunctions, which may concern potential buyers.
Owner complaints4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento report issues with vehicle speed control, including unintended acceleration and failure to accelerate. One owner describes a crash caused by unexpected acceleration while parking, resulting in significant property damage. Another owner notes the vehicle displaying an error message and becoming unresponsive while driving, with the issue recurring despite dealer visits. Additional complaints mention inconsistent acceleration, particularly after stopping or when making turns, with one owner observing a pattern of monthly occurrences. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with some noted as early as 7,800 miles, and pose potential safety risks due to loss of control or unexpected vehicle behavior.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
TRAILER HITCHES
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento report issues related to the availability of parts for a recall involving trailer hitches. Complaints frequently mention delays in obtaining parts needed for the recall repair, with some owners expressing that the manufacturer has taken an unreasonable amount of time. One report involves a fire that occurred after the vehicle was parked for about three hours, resulting in a total loss of the vehicle and a minor injury to the owner's spouse. This incident occurred at approximately 20,000 miles. The fire and associated injury highlight potential safety implications related to the recall, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento report issues with the airbag system, specifically noting a defective clock spring indicated by an illuminated airbag light on the driver's side. In one instance, during a crash at low speed, the driver's side curtain airbags deployed, but the front driver's seat airbag deployed without inflating, and the front passenger's seat belt retracted despite the seat being unoccupied. This incident occurred at approximately 49,000 miles. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, as the airbag system may not function as expected during a collision. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering the vehicle's safety features and airbag reliability.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
