NHTSA vehicle safety data

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 21 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid owner complaints

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, describing incidents dated April 1, 2021 to July 6, 2025.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 10 complaints
  • Engine 10 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 6 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 2 complaints
  • Trailer Hitches 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11673619 · Filed

    Recall SA512 was previously completed on my vehicle. The problem is happening again. Since there are no open recalls, I am unable to get it fixed under the recall.

  • ODI #11637251 · Filed

    On [XXX] we were driving the Kia at slow speed due to snow on the road when a warning light came on which we think said hybrid vehicle failure pull over. The car stopped and the traffic lane with the engine off. The car would not start and we were exposed to traffic. Fortunately, we were on a…

  • ODI #11632039 · Filed

    There is a malfunction in the vehicles.computer system that gives a warning about low coolant level for the hybrid battery. It's been been seen by the KIA dealer and the issue keeps arriving.

Read all 21 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving

NHTSA #22V703000 · Trailer Hitches · NHTSA notice

Reported September 19, 2022 · Kia America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 70,887 vehicles

Repair completion: 29.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC249 · Owners notified July 27, 2023

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Seat Belt Pretensioners May Explode

NHTSA #22V447000 · Seat Belts — Front · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2022 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 17,199 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC241 · Owners notified August 17, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Other Kia Sorento Hybrid model years

Check your 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kia Sorento Hybrid at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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