VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

29

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Sorento Hybrid years?

Sorento Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted62 complaints2021: 29 complaints2022: 19 complaints2023: 52 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 62 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sorento Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1034%
Engine1034%
Other621%
Fuel System27%
Trailer Hitch13%

Does the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V703000Trailer HitchSeptember 19, 2022 · 70,887 units

Defect

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

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.

22V447000Seat BeltsJune 23, 2022 · 17,199 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.

Consequence

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 22V-127. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Refil inverter fluid warning light is on constant, this doesn’t allow the driver to access any digital information while vehicle is on. The vehicle is also having issues with the entertainment consul, Bluetooth connection issues along with the ability to access apple car play. Dealership says…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 19, 2022

“Inverter coolant refill light will not turn off. This is available for inspection. This could be a possible fire risk. Issue has been confirmed at dealership. Components have been inspected by manufacturer. Issue started around 23,000 miles.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2022

“My Kia Sorento will shift from drive to first or second gear’s several times. I’ve been told by the dealership that I’m probably touching the shifter accidentally, I disagree. My opinion is that this is a safety concern because it slows the vehicle down. My vehicle also at times does not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 20, 2023

“Vehicle has a constant, unresolved error reporting that Inverter Coolant level is abnormal. Occurs daily. Dealership is unable to determine whether it is an issue. Has been taken to the dealership 2 times in the last 3 months. The warning also occupies the dashboard screen and cannot be dismissed,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 1, 2022

“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Trailer Hitch · March 13, 2023

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Sorento Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), other (6 complaints).

Does the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sorento Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento Hybrid years to avoid are 2025, 2023. The cleanest record among Sorento Hybrid years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.