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CarsLore / Kia / Sorento Hybrid / 2021

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

21 owner complaints — #3 of 6 Sorento Hybrid model years. 2 recalls, 25 service bulletins.

21complaints · 0 crashes, 0 fires
2recalls · 1 park/do-not-drive
25manufacturer bulletins
7,650 mimedian mileage at failure

Problems owners report

Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.

  • Engine10
  • Electrical system10
  • Unknown or other6
  • Fuel/propulsion system2
  • Trailer hitches1

NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported

Compared with other years

’21’23’2521’21’2421
2021202220232025

NHTSA ODI complaints by model year

Crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VariantOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD Early Release★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆15.9 %
2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD Later Release★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆15.9 %
Electronic stability control
Standard
Forward collision warning
Standard
Lane departure warning
Standard
Best overall rating
4 / 5

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain

Recalls

22V703000 · Trailer hitches19 Sept 2022 · 70,887 vehicles

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.

22V447000 · Seat belts23 Jun 2022 · 17,199 vehicles

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.

Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words

Service bulletins

What Kia told its dealers about the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid: known faults, fixes and updates.

BulletinSummary
11010698TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2024MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 8) to remedy a non-responsive or inoperative radio (FM, AM, SXM, etc.) concern. The affected AVN unit on the vehicles may not respond when pressing the RADIO hard key/button on the AVN unit or when selecting the RA
11008193TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRECAUTIONS FOR TRANSMISSIONS WITH ISG/EOP - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement or servicing of transmission assemblies on all Kia vehicles equipped with Idle-Stop-Go (ISG) and High-Flow Electric Oil Pump (HF EOP). The HF EOP protective connector cover may NOT have been installed on a new or remanufactured transmission during assembly. The HF EOP connector may become contaminated with debris during shipping and/or with oil/coolant during installation.
11000787This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
11000548TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MDPS SMALL BEARING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the worm gear small bearing of Motor Driver Power Steering (MDPS) unit on 2021MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from September 30, 2020 through June 30, 2021 and 2021MY Sorento HEV (MQ4 PHEV) vehicles produced from September 15, 2020 through June 30, 2021 which may exhibit an abnormal noise when steering left and right. This may be caused by foreign substances in the MDPS worm shaft small bearing. On some vehicles when the steering wheel is rotated, a scraping/rumbling noise can be h
10253812TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to replace the AWD coupling actuator assembly on some 2021-2024MY Kia AWD models listed on page 4. The affected vehicles may exhibit an inoperative AWD system (also referred to as 4WD) capability concern which may be caused by abnormal wear of the motor brushes inside the actuator assembly. This condition will cause the warning lamps on
10253007TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING NOISE INSPECTION AND SNAP RING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to inspect for a knocking/clicking noise present in the rear of the vehicle during low-speed driving (25MPH or less) on some 2020-2022MY Kia vehicles equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD). The 4WD coupling snap ring may have excessive play between the drive gear set shaft and coupling flange.
10250517TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2024MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a 'non-responsive' or 'inoperative' radio (FM, AM, SXM, etc. ) concern. The affected AVN unit on the vehicles may not respond when pressing the 'RADIO' hard key/button on the AVN unit or when selecti
10247556TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE SCREEN FREEZING OR MAP DELAY WITH WIRED APPLE CARPLAY - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy an inaccurate map location, freezing AVN screen, or experiencing a delay when using Google Maps or Waze through wired Apple CarPlay.
10244291TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INVERTER COOLANT/DEBRIS FLUSHING/REPLACEMENT FOR CLUSTER MESSAGE "REFILL INVERTER COOLANT" (SA515) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to flush out the inverter low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) on certain 2021-2022MY Sorento HEV (MQ4 HEV) vehicles produced from September 2, 2020 through September 29, 2021 and Sorento PHEV (MQ4 PHEV) vehicles produced from June 29, 2021 through October 1, 2021, which
10243928TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: UNEVEN/SLIPPERY ROAD WARNING DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a warning sound accompanied by a 'Slippery road ahead. Drive carefully' or 'Uneven road ahead. Drive carefully' warning which is displayed on the instrument cluster. The current AVN software causes the warning sound and message to repeat approximately every ten (10) seconds, if the vehicle is not in motion, in 'PARK' or driving on even surfaces
10242982This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2024MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a 'non-responsive' or 'inoperative' radio (FM, AM, SXM, etc. ) concern. The affected AVN unit on the vehicles may not respond when pressing the 'RADIO' hard key/button on the AVN unit or when selecting the 'RADIO' icon on the AVN menu screen.
10242937TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the AWD coupling actuator assembly on some 2021-2023MY Kia AWD models listed on page 4. The affected vehicles may exhibit an inoperative AWD system (also referred to as 4WD) capability concern which may be caused by abnormal wear of the motor brushes inside the actuator assembly. This condition will cause the warning lamps on the instrument cluster to illuminate with stored DTC(s) P195800 and/or P19600.
10242913PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause.
10239754TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 VALUE SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR WIRELESS CARPLAY IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the head unit software on some 2021MY K5 (DL3a), Sorento (MQ4a), and Sorento Hybrid (MQ4 HEV) vehicles equipped with a Display Audio 2.0 Value head unit, which may exhibit a wireless CarPlay connectivity issue with Apple phones running iOS14 software version.
10238225TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima Hybrid (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV), 2015MY~ Soul EV (PS EV), 2017MY~ Niro (DE HEV/PHEV/EV), 2022MY~ EV6 (CV), 2021MY~ Sorento (MQ4 HEV/PHEV), 2023MY~ Sportage (NQ5 HEV/PHEV), and 2023MY~ Niro (SG2 EV/HEV/PHEV) vehicles.
10235408TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INVERTER COOLANT/DEBRIS FLUSHING/REPLACEMENT FOR CLUSTER MESSAGE "REFILL INVERTER COOLANT" (SA515): This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information to flush out the inverter low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) on certain 2021-2022MY Sorento HEV (MQ4 HEV) vehicles produced from September 2, 2020 through September 29, 2021 and Sorento PHEV (MQ4 PHEV) vehicles produced from June 29, 2021 through October 1, 202
10235104PIT STOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W AND DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop contains information regarding the log file collection procedure for 2020MY~ models equipped with AVN 5.0/W or Display Audio 2.0 head units.
10234608TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: MQ4 HEV LEAFLET AND RESERVOIR CAP LABEL REPLACEMENT(SA524) - This bulletin provides information to replace the hybrid motor coolant reservoir cap label and provide a leaflet on some 2021-2022MY Sorento HEV (MQ4 HEV) vehicles produced from September 17, 2021 through January 10, 2022. Follow the procedure outlined in this publication to provide a leaflet in the glovebox and replace the hybrid motor coolant reservoir cap label.
10234607TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: MQ4 HEV RESERVOIR CAP LABEL REPLACEMENT (SA523) - This bulletin provides information to replace the hybrid motor coolant reservoir cap label on some 2021MY - 2022MY Sorento (MQ4 HEV) vehicles produced from January 11, 2022 through May 19, 2022.
10234606TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INVERTER COOLANT/DEBRIS FLUSHING/REPLACEMENT FOR CLUSTER MESSAGE "REFILL INVERTER COOLANT" (SA515) - This bulletin provides information to flush out the inverter low-conductivity coolant on certain 2021-2022MY Sorento HEV (MQ4 HEV) vehicles produced from September 2, 2020 through September 29, 2021 and Sorento PHEV (MQ4a PHEV) vehicles produced from June 29, 2021 through October 1, 2021, which may exhibit a "Refill inverter coolant" message displayed on the instrument cluster due to poor flow of coolant/antifreeze inside the low-con
10233643TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MQ4 P/HEV GAMMA 1.6L T-GDI ECM & HCULDC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR OIL DILUTION: This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the 'Engine' and Hybrid Control Unit Low DC-DC Converter 'HCULDC' systems on certain 2021-2023MY Sorento HEV, PHEV (MQ4 P/HEV) w/ Gamma 1.6L T-GDI vehicles produced from July 1, 2021 through November 3, 2022. The affected vehicles may exhibit a MIL 'ON' with DTCs stored (P144100, P1A7795, P00B700, P211800, P040100, P023600, P029900, P2B6000) due to the engine oil becoming diluted with fuel and/or moisture caused by repeated
10226555TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
10220346TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equi
10217892TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. The KDS is required to change the setting from "Workshop" to "Customer Mode."
10217891PITSTOP: REAR OCCUPANT ALERT (ROA) W/REAR DOOR LOGIC - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides information regarding the Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) with Rear Door Logic system on all 21MY~ models equipped with this feature. This system is designed to help prevent a rear passenger from being left inside the vehicle when exiting. The "Check Rear Seats" message will display on the cluster when driver opens the front door, if during vehicle operation the rear doors

NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)

NHTSA investigations

DP22005 · Electrical system:propulsion systemopened 27 Jan 2023 · closed 7 Aug 2023

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation