2021 Kia Sorento problems
The Kia Sorento (Korean: 기아 쏘렌토, romanized: Gia Sorento) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2002 through four generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sorento transitioned to a larger car-based platform which placed it into the mid-size crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe.
First generation (BL; 2002)
2002–2006
Debuting in February 2002, the first generation Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV. All American Sorentos also came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. An optional four-wheel drive system with low range received praise for adding to the vehicle's off-road ability.
It had two transmission options, a 5-speed manual or 4- and 5-speed automatic (pre-2005 models have a 4-speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos came with a 5-speed tip-tronic style automatic). First generation Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine producing 192 hp (143 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Common features of the first generation Sorento were 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), optional anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a 21.1-gallon (79.9 litres) fuel tank.
There were two trim levels available for the Sorento: either the base LX or the up-level EX. Both models included an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and an eight-speaker audio system, dual front airbags and front and rear side-impact SRS airbags (side-impact front and rear SRS airbags for North American-market models ONLY), cloth seating surfaces, a power-adjustable front driver's seat, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, tinted windows, aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless entry, wood interior trim accents, a split-folding second-row rear bench seat, and monotone exterior paint as standard equipment. Features such as satellite radio (on later models), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a ten-speaker premium audio system, cassette and CD players, an in-dash CD changer, power front bucket seats, seventeen-inch (17") aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, and a security system were available regardless of trim level choice.
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Common 2021 Kia Sorento problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Issues:
- Owners have experienced problems with the transmission control system, including sluggish shifting, failure to engage drive or reverse, and catastrophic failures leading to a total loss of vehicle power. Some have even reported the need for engine replacement due to oil leaks and failures.
- Complaints also mention issues with stuck gears, transmission failures, and the transmission jumping into neutral while driving, causing safety concerns.
- Electrical System Problems:
- Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's locks not functioning correctly, failing to lock automatically as intended. Additionally, there have been complaints about lights turning on by themselves, seat heating activating without input, and other electronic malfunctions.
- Problems with the adaptive cruise control feature causing sudden deceleration and issues with the forward collision warning system have also been highlighted.
- Safety Concerns:
- Complaints include the traction control system being overly intrusive, causing acceleration issues on imperfect roads, and brakes locking up during inclement weather.
- Owners have reported instances where the driver assistance features failed to identify obstacles, leading to collisions without airbag deployment, resulting in injuries.
- Exterior Issues:
- Some owners have faced problems with sunroofs breaking without external force, windshield cracks, and visibility hazards due to non-illuminated areas while using headlights at night.
- Complaints also mention issues with the finish coming off the trim on the side windows, leading to replacement needs.
- Recalls:
- The 2021 Kia Sorento has been subject to three recalls related to fuel leaks, potential fire hazards due to electrical shorts in the tow hitch harness, and compromised drive power due to transmission oil pump malfunctions.
These reported problems with the 2021 Kia Sorento highlight a range of issues affecting the transmission, electrical system, safety features, exterior components, and the need for recalls to address safety concerns and potential hazards. Owners have expressed frustration and safety concerns due to these recurring issues, indicating a need for thorough investigation and potential improvements in reliability and safety features of the vehicle.
How reliable is the 2021 Kia Sorento?
How Reliable Is the 2021 Kia Sorento? The 2021 Kia Sorento has a predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the biggest problem with Kia Sorento?
The common issues include engine problems, electrical problems, airbag problems, seat belt problems, lights problems, and body/paint problems. The worst issue that plagues these Kia Sorento models is engine failure. This occurs when most consumers have accumulated an average of 62,000 miles.
Are there any transmission problems in the 2021 Kia Sorento?
An clear sign would be if your 2021 Kia Sorento transmission warning light is on. If you notice an odd noise or grinding sound when you shift gears or if you feel your gears catching when you change them then your transmission likely needs more lubricant or something more relentless could be at fault.
Are there any recalls on 2021 Kia Sorento?
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.
2021 Kia Sorento complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Kia Sorento.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2021 Kia Sorento recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2021 Kia Sorento.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2021 Kia Sorento car reviews
Positive 2021 Kia Sorento car reviews
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You've owned this car for about 3 months now and it's been a great experience so far. The interior is absolutely beautiful and the turbo provides plenty of power. It drives like a dream and the captain chairs and wood grain interior were the main reasons for your purchase. Although it doesn't have a homelink rear mirror, seat selector, or display on the windshield, it's still a very stylish car that gets compliments all the time. The 3rd row is a nice feature to have, even though it's more suitable for small kids. Overall, it's been a great purchase and you're very happy with it.
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Everything you need and nothing more. We could have gone for a larger SUV but this fits. The space is useful, not excessive. The drive is smooth too. :)*. Update: still love it. Update 2 …. 35000km no issues still love it ** Second update: still a great vehicle - although the seats could be more comfortable
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I hope you're enjoying your 2021 Sorento SX Prestige! It sounds like you made a great choice. The car seems to have a lot of great features, like the comfortable seats, powerful engine, and nimble handling. I'm glad to hear that you're finding the infotainment system easy to use, and that the air vents are working well for you. It's great that the car has a solid feel on the road, and that it drives more like an RDX than an RX. Overall, it sounds like you're really happy with your purchase - that's fantastic!
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The looks of the exterior and interior compete with $70-80 thousand SUVs. This is my 3rd Sorento and I am very happy with the extra torque, quietness, and comfort. I now have 36 thousand miles with zero problems. What more could a person ask for?
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Great ride! The leather seats are so comfortable and the radio display is beautiful. It's not the quietest on the highway, but that's okay. I did notice that the cruise control loses speed quite often due to the 8-speed transmission, but it's not a big deal. I just used the manual shift to gear down into 7th gear to get the speed back up to 75 on cruise control. The transmission has a bit too much overdrive, which can cause some power loss, but overall it's still a great car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Kia Sorento problems:
2021 Kia Sorento transmission problems : r/kia
Nov 10, 2021 ... The symptoms was jerkiness when moving in reverse. All forward gears were fine. I took it in to have it checked and they came back saying Kia ...
2021 Kia Sorento Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 Kia Sorento? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2021 Sorento Transmission Problem : r/KiaSorento
Aug 2, 2022 ... It starts by jerking forward when you're trying to move from a stop position. It would also sometimes just lose power. The rpm would be at 5000 ...
2021 Kia Sorento Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Electrical Accessories · Exhaust · Paint And Trim · Transmission Major · Engine Electrical · Body Hardware.
Other years of Kia Sorento
Are you having problems with your 2021 Kia Sorento?
Jacinto Davis 2024-11-27
I strongly advise against purchasing the new Sorento SX XLine. Despite being able to drive it for a day, on the second day, all the safety equipment, including the Blind Spot, stopped working. The dashboard is lit up with warning lights, including the ABS light. When applying the brakes to stop, they vibrate excessively and produce a loud noise, which is concerning.
Devon Ward 2024-11-09
This car has been a disappointment since the first month of ownership in April 2021, when it stalled and turned off while on the highway. Despite taking it in for diagnostic tests, no issues were found. After driving it for 10,000 miles, the transmission started to make clunky noises and kick. Once again, KIA found no issues in the diagnostic tests and the mechanic did not feel any issues while driving it. While the sunroof is a nice feature, it can be moody when it comes to closing. Unfortunately, this car lacks reliability, comfort, and space. I would recommend choosing another car. In fact, I am already trading mine in after only owning it for 16 months.
Jordyn Berge 2024-11-04
I purchased a Kia Sorento Turbo, top of the line, but unfortunately experienced transmission issues within a year of ownership. The vehicle has been in the dealership shop for over a month, with no estimated time of repair. This has been a disappointing experience, as it has impacted our quality of life. I believe that there is room for improvement in the customer service provided to expedite the resolution of this issue.
Leone Gleason 2024-08-03
This SUV has a great appearance and I appreciate it. However, I have experienced some issues with my ABS grinding when I brake over bumps, which is frustrating. Additionally, my dealership's service has not met my expectations. I have also had some trouble with my center console opening while driving, which has been a nuisance. Despite these challenges, I am confident that these issues will be resolved and I will continue to enjoy my Kia. In the future, I will be sure to research the service department before making a purchase.
Robb Bauch 2024-06-22
I recently purchased a 2021 Sorento S and overall, I like the car. However, I have encountered some issues with the phone and iPod connectivity. When making hands-free calls, I have to be connected to Android Auto, which was not the case with my previous car, the 2019 Sportage. Additionally, every call sounds scratchy and almost like the speaker is blown, making it difficult to stay on the call. I took it to the dealership and they informed me that it is a known issue with Kia. Their suggestion was to move the phone around different places in the car or try a different phone, which I found unhelpful. Another issue I have is that I cannot access my iPod playlists, artists, and songs on the car screen like I could with my previous car. Instead, I have to pick up the iPod and make all the changes from there, which is a huge step backwards in terms of safety. While I understand that some people may not care as much about these issues, they are important to me. If you are considering purchasing this car, I recommend testing the phone and iPod connectivity beforehand. As of February 2022, Kia still has not resolved the issue with Bluetooth or Android Auto, and the calls remain scratchy. While they claim to be working on it, I am disappointed with the lack of progress. If something were to happen to this car, I would not purchase another Sorento unless they significantly improve the radio setup. UPDATE: I have had my 21 Sorento since June of 21 and every time you make or receive a call on either Bluetooth or Android auto the calls are so scratchy you can hardly hear the caller. Kia has done updates to the software and just last week finally replaced the whole radio ($4000).They did not pay me, and unfortunately, the entertainment system is just as bad, if not worse, than before. Despite their efforts, they have been unable to resolve the issue. I have owned two Kia Sportages before this one, and their systems were great. However, this particular car's system is not up to par. Even my previous Chevy Trax had a better system. If having a reliable radio and entertainment system is important to you, I would advise against purchasing this car. As of October 2023, Bluetooth calls still do not work well in this car.