2021 Kia Sorento fuel/propulsion system problems
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2021 Kia Sorento — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“"The vehicle has twice suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds (approx. 70 MPH) on the interstate, forcing the driver to coast across active traffic to the shoulder without engine pull. The engine revs freely in 'Drive' but the transmission fails to engage any gears…”
filed Jul 26, 2026
“previous warranty repair for a failed fuel injector (RO #1103175) resulted in severe gasoline dilution of the engine oil. the vehicle now vents raw fuel vapors into the cabin (Fire Hazard) and hesitates/jerks when braking at stoplights (Stall/Crash Hazard). Kia Corporate has refused to communicate…”
filed Jul 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Sorento years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sorento | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 Sorento | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 Sorento | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 Sorento | 14 | 8% |
| 2020 Sorento | 9 | 7% |
| 2019 Sorento | 23 | 6% |
| 2018 Sorento | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 Sorento | 39 | 5% |
| 2016 Sorento | 53 | 4% |
| 2015 Sorento | 28 | 4% |
| 2014 Sorento | 46 | 5% |
| 2013 Sorento | 34 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia Sorento
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.