2021 Kia Sorento: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2021 Kia Sorento
On the 2021 Kia Sorento, the failure owners report most often is other powertrain problem, and the reports cluster around 65,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other engine problem, reported by a median of 30,000 miles. Overall it scores 79 out of 100, severe risk for a 2021.
Severe risk for a 2021 — 46th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. 358 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 53 named failure modes on the 2021 Kia Sorento, and the three most-reported carry 39% of everything filed.
Other powertrain problem leads with 65 reports, about 4.7 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 36k to 65,000 miles.
Other engine problem follows with 50 reports, usually reported between 9k to 65,000 miles.
Complete transmission failure follows with 26 reports, median 85,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into transmission (104), engine (68) and electrical (30).
The mileage the reports cluster at
48 of the reports on the 2021 Kia Sorento came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 35,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 63% by 50,000 miles, 83% by 100,000 miles and 94% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 1 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 23% of the dated reports.
50% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 53. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 1 report came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 8 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 1 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.97, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, complete transmission failure at $2,800–$8,000 and other electrical problem at $250–$2,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
50% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures, so more than half of what owners complained about here is expensive.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 65 | 9 | 36k | 65k | 67k | 4.7 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 50 | 8 | 9k | 32k | 65k | 3.6 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 26 | 1 | — | 86k | — | 1.9 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 22 | 3 | — | 43k | — | 1.6 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 12 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.9 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Software fault or failed update | software | 10 | 1 | — | 34k | — | 0.7 | $0–$600 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 9 | 1 | — | 75k | — | 0.7 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 7 | 1 | — | 375 | — | 0.5 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 6 | 2 | — | 144k | — | 0.4 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Transmission will not engage a gear | transmission | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.4 | $1,500–$6,000 | Critical |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 6 | 2 | — | 34k | — | 0.4 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 6 | 1 | — | 49k | — | 0.4 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 6 | 2 | — | 29k | — | 0.4 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 6 | 2 | — | 64k | — | 0.4 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 5 | 3 | — | 6k | — | 0.4 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 5 | 2 | — | 40k | — | 0.4 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Backup camera failure | infotainment | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.4 | $250–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 5 | 1 | — | 210k | — | 0.4 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.4 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Complete engine failure or seizure | engine | 4 | 1 | — | 123k | — | 0.3 | $4,500–$12,000 | Critical |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 4 | 1 | — | 8k | — | 0.3 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 4 | 2 | — | 30k | — | 0.3 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Lane keep or steering assist fault | adas | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $200–$1,600 | High |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure | transmission | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $1,800–$5,500 | High |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 2 | 1 | — | 4k | — | 0.1 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 2 | 1 | — | 47k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 2 | 1 | — | 500 | — | 0.1 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Engine bay fire | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $4,000–$20,000 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 10k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Engine knock or bearing noise | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $2,500–$9,000 | High |
| Harsh or jerky shifting | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$4,000 | Moderate |
| CVT failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $3,000–$8,500 | Critical |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| Transmission fluid leak | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Paint peeling or clear coat failure | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$6,000 | Low |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 28 | 1 | — | 540 | — | 2.0 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2021 Kia Sorento draws about 26 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 96th percentile of complaint rates among 2021 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 13,807 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2021 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
Recalls on the 2021 model year
NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2021 Kia Sorento, affecting an estimated 38,114 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers, power train:automatic transmission, trailer hitches and fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fitt. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
39,536 vehicles 2025-09-25- Defect
- 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
69,038 vehicles 2022-10-11- Defect
- 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
- 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.
TRAILER HITCHES
70,887 vehicles 2022-09-19- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
21,575 vehicles 2021-07-08- Defect
- 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
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2021 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
Severe risk for a 2021 — 46th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 22 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2024 comes out best at 65 and 2016 worst at 80, with 2021 itself at 79.
If the model year is negotiable, 2024, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2015, 2007, 2023, 2008, 2014, 2003, 2019, 2013, 2012 and 2011 score lower than 2021 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2019–2026 generation specifically, 2024 is the strongest year at 65 and 2020 the weakest at 80.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2019-2026 generation, 2024 Kia Sorento scores best at 65 and 2020 Kia Sorento worst at 80.
Where to spend the inspection money
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other engine problem from about 9k and other powertrain problem from about 36k.
On a 2021 Kia Sorento with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other engine problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
The limits of complaint data
358 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 358 reports, 48 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 13% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sorento?
The most-reported failures are other powertrain problem (65 reports, median 65,000 miles), other engine problem (50 reports, median 30,000 miles) and complete transmission failure (26 reports, median 85,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2021 Kia Sorento problems start?
Other engine problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 30,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 10,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 35,000 miles.
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento reliable?
It scores 79 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 46th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2021 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Kia Sorento is best?
Within the 2019–2026 generation, 2024 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2020 worst at 80. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed