Kia Sorento Complaints (2021)

276 consumer complaints on file.

#11680202August 12, 2025
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
The contact owned a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH and making a quick left turn to avoid a truck that did not have the right-of-way, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side door of the vehicle. The driver's side curtain air bags deployed. The front driver's seat air bag deployed but failed to inflate. The front passenger's side seat belt retracted even though the front passenger's side seat was not occupied. There was no injury sustained. No police report was filed. Both drivers were able to drive away from the scene. The vehicle was taken to an autobody repair shop, where an estimate of the damage sustained was provided. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the front driver's seat air bag and the front passenger's side seat belt operated as designed. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679976August 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, STEERING
Power train incident - • transmission holding gears, jerking between shifts, gear shifted into S mode on its own and stuck there, unresponsive acceleration, locked up steering/inability to turn the steering wheel and total loss of drive power. • happened while merging onto a highway in one of two split lanes for highway access. A merging semi truck in the other merging lane almost ran into me because I could not give it gas. Me and a local police officer who saw me broke down and stopped to provide additional cover, were nearly hit several (6) times from other vehicles and semi trucks due to malfunctions happening. • diagnosed by Kia dealership and was told there was a major electrical failure which caused the electrical oil pump to fail and need a new transmission. Although my VIN doesn’t list recalls, similar issue to the recall on my same year/make/model under NHTSA Campaign Number 21V519. • Warning lamps/messages shown in photos attached. __________________________________ Forward Collision warning incident - • front forward safety system light appeared on dash, then moments later a warning appeared and the vehicle braked on its own detecting a vehicle in front of me when there was not another vehicle in front of me within vision!! • happened while driving in a 55mph zone, a vehicle was driving behind me when this occurred and that vehicle almost slammed into the back end of mine causing a crash. • problem not yet inspected on vehicle due to blown transmission from above incident and inability to start/move the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678919August 6, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Back in June 2025 my car started having an issue with the auto on/off light blinking on the dash and unable to be turned off. While driving and this happens, the car is unable to maintain its sped or accelerate. This has caused safety concerns many times. Dyer Kia first said it was an update, problem still remained. Then they said a deeper update was needed to no avail. The third attempt was a new transmission which caused more problems and still did not address the initial issue. Then they said it was the battery. They installed/ replaced an already new battery yet the problem still existed. Another transmission was put in and the problem still existed. Then they replaced the TCM and the issue still exists. The car is at a new dealership and already they are saying they have not found any codes to explain the problem yet and that they need to repair the battery terminal leads that the previous dealership broke before they are able to go further. Kia corporate is not helping me find a permanent solution to this issue and I still do not have my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677985August 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My car will sometimes completely stall at a light when stopped and not restart with the Automatic stop system it has happened about 5 times almost causing a wreck.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676557July 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Electrical issue all dash lights came on and couldn’t shift into gear, had to replace my main computer as it was fried at 72,000 miles, also had to get the steering column replaced total of $6,000 fixes
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676147July 25, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle is hesitant during acceleration and linger in one gear. when try to move from a stop have to remove foot of the gas and back again with a pause before it will accelerate, only to start jerking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673619July 15, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673190July 13, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had many issues where my car will completely shut off after the auto start-stop function causing me to almost get into accidents with my toddlers in the vehicle. There was one incident where I was at a stop light, when the light turned green I started my car again to go and another vehicle continued to bypass me. When i halted for the other vehicle, my engine shut off again almost the cause of a horrific accident. I have had many incidents after this with the related cause of engine shutting off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672904July 11, 2025
STEERING
My 2021 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] , built July 2021) has a persistent scraping/metal-on-metal noise when turning the steering wheel. This noise comes from inside the steering column. It matches exactly what Kia documents in TSB CHA111, which identifies failure of the worm shaft small bearing inside the C-MDPS (Column-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering) system. My vehicle uses the same steering column system covered in that bulletin, though my VIN is not included in the bulletin’s range. The video embedded in CHA111 features the exact noise my vehicle is producing. I recorded it and sent it to Kia Consumer Affairs, along with proof of the C-MDPS configuration and production date. Despite clear evidence that my steering system is affected by the same design flaw, Kia declined support unless I pay for a dealer inspection — despite the issue being a known, documented defect. This noise has been present as far back as I can remember. and is steadily worsening. The steering column bearing is a critical safety component. If it fails, it could lead to steering resistance or failure. Other Kia and Hyundai vehicles using this system have already had the part replaced under warranty or goodwill coverage. I can provide a video of my vehicle making the noise. I’m submitting this complaint because Kia refuses to address a defect they’ve already acknowledged when it appears in later VINs. I am asking NHTSA to investigate and consider requiring Kia to expand the scope of TSB CHA111 or issue a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670967July 3, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding Recall 22V-760 (SC250) affecting my 2021 Kia Sorento. This recall was marked “complete” by Kia, even though no actual repair or remedy was performed on my vehicle. I am now facing a complete transmission failure and have been quoted $7,100 to repair a defect Kia already acknowledged and promised to fix. The reality is, the defect was always present, it just hadn’t reached full failure yet. The recall being closed does not mean the issue was resolved, and this approach leaves thousands of Kia owners like myself unprotected.In May 2023, I brought my vehicle to Daphne Kia in Alabama for a radiator leak. During that visit, they noted the transmission recall was open but stated that no defect was found. As a result, they marked the recall as “complete” without conducting any meaningful repair or replacement. No transmission work was done, despite known problems reported nationwide.In May 2025, my Sorento began showing the exact symptoms described in the recall: surging RPMs, transmission hesitation, jerking, and drifting in and out of gear. At times, the vehicle would slow dramatically or jolt in the middle of traffic and lose drive! Extremely dangerous situation for me in traffic with complete loss of acceleration. I had to take time off to bring the vehicle to Step One Automotive Kia in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on June 30, 2025 the soonest my schedule allowed. At that appt, I was told the transmission had failed and would cost over $7,000 to replace.I also am paying for a rental vehicle while my car is still with Kia for resolution as of now. Recall coverage did nothing to protect me when the defect eventually surfaced. Kia has publicly stated that:“If your vehicle is affected by a recall, Kia will repair the vehicle free.” They have a legal obligation under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act to correct safety related defects.They are not meeting that. kia consumer relations contacted as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669861June 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 Kia Sorento lx has been having issues everyday where all of my dash lights come on, my power steering goes out and I can’t shift into or out of any gears. I have taken it to a Kia dealership (towed) twice already and they can’t find out the issue or unwilling to find it out. I have contacted Kia corporate and still no response from them. Kia has also refused to give me a loaner during this issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669708June 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has turned off completely twice while in reverse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669000June 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); which the dealer linked to the failure. The vehicle was repaired under the recall; however, the failure returned soon after leaving the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to Arapahoe Kia (9701 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80112); where the contact was informed that the recall was closed by the previous dealer. The contact believed that the initial dealer never serviced the vehicle under the recall. The contact made several requests to the dealer to provide documentation about the work that was performed for the recall; however, the contact had not yet received the documentation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact later received an email from the manufacturer stating that all future repairs would be performed out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667388June 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission problems match those outlined in SC250. The dealership says our car wasn't included but our manufacturing date/model are a match. I've reported a problem with the dealership previously but they dismissed it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662150May 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My electrical system failed. While on park I was unable to shut of the vehicle using the engine start stop button. After waiting for the vehicle to automatically turn off. The vehicle started trying to restart itself. The negative battery post had to be removed for the vehicle to stop. The entire safety system failed and all warning lights are still displayed on the dash. The backup camera and radio display went completely blank and was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659676May 8, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I had purchased my vehicle in January of 2024. At the time the car drove great. Fast forward a few months later and that’s when the issues started happening. I would go to accelerate the vehicle and it’s like the car didn’t want to go anywhere. I would have the pedal down to the floor and it wasn’t moving. At first when it happened it was sporadicly, and I thought ok it’s a new car maybe that’s just how it drives. But then when I was pressing the gas pedal the engine would revv up but then continue to rev even when the car was moving, like it wasn’t catching the gear. So I had enough of just thinking it’s the car and I had my own mechanic look at it and he mentioned CVT transmission slipping. So being still under warranty I took it into Kia this past December and explained the loss of acceleration, it eating gas, and how I truly do not feel safe. Well of course I was told there is nothing wrong with it, and that it learned my driving habits and that I possible keep hitting the shifter in manual. I had videos of the rpms revving up and the car not moving, and they didn’t want to see my videos. I was just a few thousands miles from my 60,000 mile second owner warranty and not sure if that’s why I was told there was nothing wrong with is. This vehicle is truly a hazard as it does not move on acceleration on the highway and feel like I will get into an accident because of it one day. Kia really needs to address the issue before something really bad happens to someone. I apologize but it will not allow me to upload videos of the issues before and after going to Kia and how there is still an issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658662May 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I started the car and it started having a hard time shifting around 13 and 30 miles an hour. And had a lack of power. No lights were on. Took it home and shut it off. The next day started the car and it told me to put it in park and the check engine light came on. I had no acceleration when in drive. Checked for powertrain recalls for my 2021 Kia sorento sx awd and 0 recalls came up for my vin #. It’s definitely a transmission powertrain issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654270April 12, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I bought the car at 28k miles certified pre owned at jake sweeney kia in Florence ky. I had taken the car to the service station multiple times complaining of a clunky transmission. Things got worse and a whine from the engine bay occurred. At this time kia replaced the transmission at just under 42k miles. After having the new transmission about 500 miles later this issue is occurring again. Within 50 miles of replacement I went back to the dealership complaining of the the same clunking issue. At this time the dealership told me they could not replicate the problem. Now just a few hundred miles later the problem is extremely worse. I once again visit kia were they tell me again they could not replicate the issues. At this time I asked the service advisor Donavon to ride with me and I will point out the issue. Within a mile of our trip the problems occurred and the advisor noted the issue. I now am driving the car and waiting for a loaner from the dealership so they can yet again diagnose the issue which may result in another transmission replacement
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651657March 31, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The panoramic sun roof opens but will not close. it takes 6-12 attempts to get it to close, it will move to where its an inch away from closing then reopen. Kia has recalls for this make and year but says my car is not affected. attempting to get it to close is very distracting and frustrating taking focus away from driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651656March 31, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The stop go feature is not working correctly, when it does cut off at a light after releasing the brake to move forward it takes 3-5 seconds to start. when the cars behind me see that i release the brake they assume im going to move which doesnt happen at first. some occasions the stop n go just doesnt work at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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