IllustrationSuddenly one morning the transmission didn't work at all. I had to get a towing service to bring the car to the service. After a couple of days, they told me that the car needs a new transmission. BTW, the car ONLY has 12,000 miles!
2021 Kia Sorento
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Sorento do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 242.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 33 of 242 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports
Power Train complaints
133 reports2021 Kia Sorento EX had 3,196 miles on it when the transmission failed. The car was driving down a street when it lost speed and alerted driver to pull over. Driver had seconds to pull over before car completely stopped among traffic. Had the car been in heavy traffic, it almost certainly would've resulted in a collision from be…
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2021 Kia Sorento EX had 3,196 miles on it when the transmission failed. The car was driving down a street when it lost speed and alerted driver to pull over. Driver had seconds to pull over before car completely stopped among traffic. Had the car been in heavy traffic, it almost certainly would've resulted in a collision from behind, especially at high speeds. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting shipment of a new transmission. The vehicle has been expected by Kia dealership. There were no warnings of transmission failure before it failed, only once the problem was occurring in real time did driver receive an alert to pull over and a code regarding powertrain issues. Kia dealership mentioned that they had "a whole wall of cars with transmission issues" which conveys that this is a wide spread issue among their brand. If that is the case, it needs to be investigated and a recall needs to be issued.
I've had a concern for last several months with my transmission not shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. A new car with 100,000 mile warranty shouldn't be having transmission issues, so just started paying closer attention to ensure it wasn't my imagination. Gears not shifting became worse & more noticeable. On 2-21-2022 (on way to …
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I've had a concern for last several months with my transmission not shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. A new car with 100,000 mile warranty shouldn't be having transmission issues, so just started paying closer attention to ensure it wasn't my imagination. Gears not shifting became worse & more noticeable. On 2-21-2022 (on way to work), the transmission wouldn't shift from 1st to 2nd and then 2nd to 3rd gears. The RPMs went to 4,000 and 5,000 respectively. No lights are showing. I noticed a beep (like a seatbelt not engaged) that sounds 3 times prior to the transmission issues. Nothing in seats to activate a "seatbelt not buckled" sound. I pulled over, shut car off, sat for a few minutes & restarted the car. Same issue. The car was not moved again until 5:15 p.m. to head home from work (35 miles one-way commute). I pulled out onto the highway and transmission again rev'd to 5,000 RPMs. Pulled over and shut car off again. Car in park, restarted the car, and the car lunged as if going into gear, but I was in park. On 2-22-2022, same issue as the day before. Still no lights coming on. Called dealership & had Kia roadside assistance tow the car. Dealership kept for 3 days and could not duplicate the error. On 2/27/22, drove to church & had same issues. Returned home, put car in park in driveway (still running), the car shuts off and restarts on it's own. Monday, 2/28/22, does not appear to have any gear shift changes on the way to work until 5 miles from work when traveling 45mph and the car stalls almost to a dead stop in traffic; engine light comes on. Sent pic of engine light & text service advisor. Car towed by Kia roadside assistance to dealership. Now I'm without a vehicle because Kia won't provide a loaner car. I can rent a car and take it up with Kia Customer Cares in hopes of getting reimbursed - which is not likely to happen. 25,000 miles on car. Very Unsafe - does someone have to die to get issue resolved/recalled?
Driving @70 miles per hour complete loss of transmission ...this is not a safe car to drive ..
I noticed a clicking sound coming from the front driver's side wheel well. I also noticed a burning smell coming from the engine after driving the car for 10-15 minutes. Shortly thereafter, while driving the vehicle the RPMs seemed too high for the power being put out in the vehicle. It was also acting sluggish and felt like …
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I noticed a clicking sound coming from the front driver's side wheel well. I also noticed a burning smell coming from the engine after driving the car for 10-15 minutes. Shortly thereafter, while driving the vehicle the RPMs seemed too high for the power being put out in the vehicle. It was also acting sluggish and felt like it was going to stall when at a stop sometimes. At one point, the check engine light came on but then went off after driving it for a few miles. I took it to the dealer's service department and they discovered that there was a fault in the transmission and it needed to be replaced. This is a 2021 Kia Sorento with only 6,500 miles on it.
Vehicle loses all power at random. First incident was dangerous merging into traffic. The vehicle remains in this condition until restarted. Dealer found no code problems. There are lots of issues with this vehicle and failing transmissions.
Hello, My 2021 Kia Sorento SX was purchased new and it currently has 1917 mileages on the odometer. After purchasing the vehicle I have noticed a very noticeable noise which seems like coming from the transmission. When I slow to a stop a big clicking noise comes from the transmission. This noise is concerning regarding a safety…
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Hello, My 2021 Kia Sorento SX was purchased new and it currently has 1917 mileages on the odometer. After purchasing the vehicle I have noticed a very noticeable noise which seems like coming from the transmission. When I slow to a stop a big clicking noise comes from the transmission. This noise is concerning regarding a safety stand-point and to be honest it is really annoying. I have read some other comments online and it seems to be an issue around this certain make and model. I have been to a Kia service center on two separate occasions on this issue. At this time the service department stated they can not assist me moving forward unless I escalate this to Kia Support which I plan on doing. Thank you for your time.
Transmission failure at 9108 miles. Car was turned on and error code stating of some form of a transmission failure. Odd electrical sounding issue in engine bay as well. If the transmission had failed while I was driving I could have gotten into a serious accident. Kia is already notorious for failing transmissions in their othe…
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Transmission failure at 9108 miles. Car was turned on and error code stating of some form of a transmission failure. Odd electrical sounding issue in engine bay as well. If the transmission had failed while I was driving I could have gotten into a serious accident. Kia is already notorious for failing transmissions in their other vehicles. This car maybe no different.
2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige (XLine) did not want to shift on its own. When it was taken to the dealership, SME's reset the check engine light, drove 1 mile (total) and informed us there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. They were able to see a power train code (transmission fluid level pressure) within code history however th…
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2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige (XLine) did not want to shift on its own. When it was taken to the dealership, SME's reset the check engine light, drove 1 mile (total) and informed us there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. They were able to see a power train code (transmission fluid level pressure) within code history however they did not drive it long enough to replicate the code. Transmission fluid levels were checked ( 89% full) and was topped off prior to releasing the vehicle back to us. After driving about 40 miles, the vehicle was taken to the store however, went limp in the middle of the road. The vehicle would not move (no matter the gear) and after turning off the vehicle and turning it back on the vehicle would not budge. The vehicle was forced to move after revving up the vehicle to 5K RPMs the vehicle started to drift. During this time, the D symbol and R symbol would blink repeatedly. I put it in manual mode and instead of showing the gear it shows an " S ". Thankfully this occurred on a military base however, if this occurred off the base I believe I would have gotten into an accident causing serious bodily injury or worse. Currently, the check engine light is on and I do not feel comfortable or safe in the vehicle.
THE TRANSMISSION PERIODICALLY DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN IN DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION ALSO OVER REVS THE ENGINE WHILE GOING A SLOW SPEED I POINTED THIS OUT TO THE DEALER WHEN IN FOR SERVICE THEY STATED THEY WERE AWARE OF OTHER TRANSMISSION COMPLAINTS, AND I SHOULD KEEP AN EYE ON IT. NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM THERE WERE NO WAR…
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THE TRANSMISSION PERIODICALLY DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN IN DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION ALSO OVER REVS THE ENGINE WHILE GOING A SLOW SPEED I POINTED THIS OUT TO THE DEALER WHEN IN FOR SERVICE THEY STATED THEY WERE AWARE OF OTHER TRANSMISSION COMPLAINTS, AND I SHOULD KEEP AN EYE ON IT. NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM THERE WERE NO WARNING LAMPS OR INDICATORS WHEN THIS HAPPENED
Official recalls
425V649000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor
Sep 25, 2025
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
22V760000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Oct 11, 2022
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
22V703000 · Trailer Hitches
Sep 19, 2022
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
21V519000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Jul 8, 2021
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
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 Petitioners’ 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. ODI’s 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 assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.