general problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Sorento - part 1

During my recent oil change, I was informed that the oil pan gasket appears to be leaking. I understand that this issue has been subject to prior investigations, and I am reporting it. .

I am submitting a complaint regarding a 2021 kia Sorento sx that experienced a premature and catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 76,000 miles. The vehicle developed loss of power, hesitation, and erratic shifting at low speeds (0–30 mph), creating a potentially dangerous condition when attempting to accelerate into traffic or cross intersections. A kia dealership diagnosed the issue as tcm code p193b79 and determined that the failure involved an internal high-pressure oil pump within the transmission, requiring full transmission replacement. This failure occurred despite proper maintenance and completion of kia’s sc250 software update, which appears to address transmission-related drivability concerns. My maintenance records confirm compliance with manufacturer recommendations. The symptoms and failure mode closely align with the type of transmission issues addressed in kia service campaigns and recalls (including scn-520), yet kia has refused to provide coverage or reimbursement, stating that my specific diagnostic code does not exactly match the recall criteria. As a result, I was forced to pay approximately $5,300 out of pocket for a full transmission replacement on a vehicle with relatively low mileage. This raises serious concerns that: * the underlying transmission issue may extend beyond the narrow criteria defined in the recall * software updates may not fully address an underlying mechanical defect * consumers may be experiencing similar failures without coverage additionally, the loss of power and hesitation at low speeds presents a clear safety risk, particularly in normal driving conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether transmission failures in the 2021 kia Sorento are broader than currently recognized and whether affected consumers should receive expanded coverage or reimbursement.

While driving on an interstate highway, our sunroof exploded with a loud boom and glass fragments fell into the passenger compartment. 2021 kia Sorento SUV with only 65,000 miles on it.

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.

My car has turned off completely twice while in reverse.

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.

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.

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.

I was driving on the highway, and all of the sudden the car started losing power, it would not respond to the accelerator pedal. It slowed down to 10-15 mph and would not go faster. I was lucky that the drivers behind me were able to slow their cars without hitting me.

The check engine light has come on. The vehicle has stalled or loss power while driving 3 times with the last week. Once at 70 mph and the other 2 at 35 mph. Still very concerning on how to control when this occurs!!.

Kuat notified me of a recall on this bike rack. I submitted a claim immediately after being notified, and they mailed me a part that arrived 2 weeks later. The part arrived with incomplete instructions, but I figured out how to remove the old part and install the new part. The new part is loose and rattling, making it look and sound less stable than the old part they claim was unstable. I am not confident using the rack with this new, inferior part. I have tried tightening it as much as possible with the included tools, but I am a [xxx] and hand-tightening the part is extremely difficult. I have asked them for a refund since I only bought the rack 4 months ago (denied because I bought it from a licensed retailer instead of directly from them). I have now asked them to send me a new rack with the part correctly installed, and I have not heard back on this request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Pearl white paint suddenly peeling off in several places on fender. Car is less than 3 1/2 years old.

I was driving on I-85n on Apr 19 and yesterday, Apr 23, when my 2021 kia Sorento stopped and would not move in heavy traffic without warning for a period of time. It did not shutoff, but literally stopped in the middle of the interstate. I was blessed that there was traffic, which made me drive slower than regular traffic. Initially, I thought it was a spark plug issue, but they were changed on Apr 20. Because the issue happened again on Apr 23, any problem with the spark plug has been ruled out. The service engine light did not come on either time. The car jerks twice and stops. It's like the car believes that it's in park. In both instants, I had to shut the car off, sit approximately 30 minutes to an hour before it will recognize that I've shifted the gear into drive to move. When I spoke with a rick case kia (duluth, GA) dealership, I was told that because the check engine or service light doesn't come on, they cannot fix it. When I got the spark plugs changed on Apr 20, I was told that they could not duplicate the problem, so there was nothing that they could do to fix it. I called them again on Apr 23 and was told the same information. Driving this car places me (and/or my family) at risk of being killed because someone can run into me if they were driving at a high rate of speed after I have stopped in the middle of the road. I need assistance since I've been turned away from a kia sponsored dealership not once, but twice. I've read that a similar issue occurred which caused a recall in 2022 and that my car has no recalls and that problem was fixed. However, I do not believe it was rectified. If it was, it is now reoccurring and the dealership failed to replace the part that originally caused the issue. I urgently need this issue to be resolved and believe it's a manufacturer defect because I've only had my car worked on by kia dealerships. All maintenance on the car is up to date.

Today, our vehicle began making a chiming noise and displaying the words "stop safely immediately. " we were nearly in a car accident as our car stopped working in the middle of the road. We had to abandon the vehicle because it would not move. Upon coming home, we searched our VIN and found that there was a recall on the vehicle that kia had never informed us sc250. Kia is mandated to inform clients of recalls that may endanger them, yet kia chose not to do so.

My kia Sorento will shift from drive to first or second gear’s several times. I’ve been told by the dealership that I’m probably touching the shifter accidentally, I disagree. My opinion is that this is a safety concern because it slows the vehicle down. My vehicle also at times does not accelerate. These two issues are intermittent.

My 2021 Sorento randomly gets stuck in between gears, slipping into neutral and rev'ing up to 4000-5000 rpms. This is at lower speed usually within a mile or so of leaving my house. It's very frightening and has happened to me dozens of times, but I live in a rural area over an hour from a kia dealership, and they do not offer loaners. This issue first arose for me after the transmission oil pump recall was already addressed. I am the 2d owner, and suspect this could be why the previous owners sold the car, which I bought through autotrader from the heiser dealership in wisconsin. After the latest episode, I finally arranged alternate transportation and took it in to the serra kia dealership in jackson, TN. They have had it over a week and not been able to replicate the issue so far. No computer codes show up on it either. They say there's no technical advisory on the issue, and have no idea what's going on with the transmission. Serra kia is saying that kia corporate will not approve replacing the transmission without an error code. From reviewing other owner reviews in kia forums, the kia 2021 Sorento slipping into neutral while driving appears to be an issue for others as well. It is dangerous, as I could be rear-ended. Quite honestly, it’s terrifying, and I am afraid to drive the car again without this issue being addressed.

The automatic start/stop function (isg) stopped functioning. The light turned from green to amber and flashes intermittently. When the light is flashing the vehicle has a loss of power. On 8/28/23 I was accelerating to get on the interstate. Suddenly the speedometer dropped from 40 mph to 24 mph. I had to quickly exit the on ramp as to avoid being hit from behind by a huge white pickup truck. I drove the side streets, staying under 40 mph, to the dealership. You cannot disable the isg at this time. There is no warning of when this may happen. I've had it in the dealership 3 times, 8/10/23, 8/24/23, and 8/28-9/16/23. The first two times they could not replicate the problem, so nothing was done. On the third visit a high pressure sensor was ordered and replaced. The isg is still malfunctioning. Now the isg kicks itself back on after it has been disabled. The light is still amber, not green, indicating there is still a problem. Loss of power has happened twice 6/25/23 and 8/28/23. I have service reports and videos of flashing lights. Unfortunately, I was not able to load at this time.

Engine has turned off on road at stop and not started up again. Starts to shake then powers off. I have had to push break shut off engine completely and turn on again in middle of road. Carson of kia states there is nothing wrong with it but this is a huge safety concern.

Intermittent message on dash "refill inverter coolant" been to dealer 6x and no fix. Reported to kia corporate to work with dealer have been without this car several days.

Vehicle jumps when put in reverse and sometimes turns off when put in parked.

My 2021 kia Sorento x-line prestige comes with driver assist features. One is for steering. Without warning it will disengage, particularly on a 2-lane highway, or when entering a curve in the road. This is dangerous. It needs to come with a warning that driver assist can flake out on 2-lanes and on curves, and is fairly useless unless you are on a straightaway on an interstate. This has happened to me multiple times since I bought the car from the heiser dealership in wisconsin.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v703000 (trailer hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after being parked for about 3 hours when someone informed them flames were coming from near the fuel tank. The fire department was called to put out the fire. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A fire report was made. The contact's spouse burned their hand attempting to remove items from the vehicle before it completely burned. Medical attention was not needed. The contact stated that a nearby tree became charred by the fire as well as the ground surrounding the vehicle. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated their insurance was going to contact the manufacturer however they were unsure if their insurance had done so as of yet. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. Remedy not yet available.

10/25/2022 started the SUV at a wal-mart parking lot and as I drove out of the parking lot onto a street my SUV made a motorcycle sound then it started to loss power with my foot still on the gas pedal. SUV came to a complete stop and was towed home. 11/03/2022 picked up SUV from kia dealership. Drove 43 minutes home and parked inside garage. An hour later started the SUV to go pick up kids from school. The SUV wouldn't reverse out of the garage. I restarted the engine 4 times then it finally reverse out of the garage then when I put it on drive. There was no power to drive. I restarted the engine again 2 more times then it finally drive and I parked it back inside the garage. 11-04-2022 I attempted to drive SUV to kia dealership for help. I made it onto the freeway with a speed of 74 mph for about 8 minutes then my SUV started to loose power with my foot still on the gas pedal. I almost got rear ended by a big rig before I can even put my hazard light on and pulled safely to the side of the freeway. My SUV was towed into kia dealership that same day. 11-12-2022 picked up the SUV from kia, drove it 43 minutes then stopped at chevron to top off gas. When restarted the SUV my engine light came on the dash board. I drove it back to my house. I notified kia ASAP with a picture of my dash board and it's been in my garage since yesterday. Today is 11/13/2022. All incidents are not able to be duplicated by the dealership's mechanic everytime they had the SUV. No actions were taken. I showed them videos and picture of the proof that I do have but because it's not happening for them while they have my SUV. They can't fix my SUV problem. It's an accident waiting to happen and I already had a near miss on the freeway. An extremely concerned 2021 kia seronto owner.

My vehicle was in my garage and I noticed a crack in my windshield. Nothing hit my windshield and there are no knicks in the glass. The crack starts all the way at the top of the windshield and the crack is spreading very quickly. I bought this vehicle used on 7/12/22 and I only put 789 miles on it since purchasing it.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Sorento. The contact received notification of the NHTSA campaign number: 22v703000 (trailer hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Refill inverter coolant notice comes up after routine oil change and downhill control turns on without me turning it on I have to shit my vehicle off in order for the brake control to turn off, available for inspection upon request. This notice interferes with me seeing the digital speedometer. Coolant was checked by dealer no leaks found, was told to wait patiently until a fix is available. No prior issues until I took it in for an oil change with the dealership.

My 2021 kia Sorento with 15,500 miles suddenly displayed a “stop safely immediately” warning with no other lights or indicators as to an issue. My husband and I were trying to find a safe place to stop when the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating and would not shift out of first gear and the rpms increased to over 5000. We then lost all drivability in the middle of the road and couldn’t move at all. The dealership said a sensor was dirty and “cleaned it” and sent us on our way. Less than a week later, with my four year old daughter in the car with me, the same thing happened again but the “stop safely immediately” warning displayed briefly, disappeared, and then the car again lost all drivability in the middle of a busy highway.

Refill inverter coolant warning on dashboard. Took it onto local dealer, no problems located. May be a sensor issue.

Unknown. I was driving down the express way, when I heard a big bang. Glass all through my car. I looked up and noticed that my sunroof had exploded. This is very dangerous and really scary while doing 70+ down the freeway! something needs to be done. Doesn't seem like kia warranties their glass and insurance companies want to charge the deductible for something that wasn't even anyone's fault.

Inverter fluid light has been coming on and staying on for over a month. It impedes the view of the digital display. The dealership has no fix nor any rental vehicles to bring my vehicle in. I have had this vehicle for 14 months. No one can tell me if this consistent light is harming my vehicle nor is there an urgency to repair. Unacceptable in a 40 grand vehicle.

1. Transmission; vehicle is currently at dealership 2. Yes, I was driving with my daughter in the vehicle at the time 3. Yes, they were able to verify that the vehicle needs a new transmisson 4. Yes, the vehicle is currently at the dealership and has been inspected by the mechanic 5. Since I started the lease, in April 2021, I have noticed "rough shifting" of gears. I have notified kia dealership of such, and they told me it was normal for the engine, so I continued to drive the vehicle. While driving on the interstate, on April 1 2022, the transmission light illuminated on my dash and an error message also across the led screen.

In 2 instances the car shut off without warning. Once after the car had been shut off, ( would not restart. ) then again while the car was in drive sitting at a red light. (engine shut off without warning). Dealership could not figure out cause. When trying to restart the dash lights would come on with all codes being thrown as failure for multiple systems but engine would not start or try to start. The car did think it was running though as the dash would say car will shut off in alloted time frame that was set in car settings. Both times after the car being towed to the dealership and sitting for the night it started back up next morning like nothing ever happened. I ended up getting traded out of the vehicle at 18,500 miles after owning the car for 30 days. I’m assuming that’s why previous owner traded it. It’s a lemon.

Exploding panoramic sunroof: was driving about 50 miles per hour on a highway in northern California. No other vehicles within 1200-1500 feet in either direction. Was not driving under an overpass when we suddenly heard a large explosion and a rush of air. We pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the sunroof glass had exploded and was completely shattered. We strongly believe it was not a result of an impact from a foreign object unless it literally fell out of the sky which seems extremely remote. We heard nothing until the explosion. No other damage to the car's hood or roof. No indication whatsoever that anything hit the car. The car manufacture, kia, denied the claim. Fortunately no one was hurt since we had the sunshade closed and no other cars were nearby to get hit by the shattered glass. This could have been a dangerous situation.

When making a turn and accelerating from a stop (pulling out into traffic from a parking lot), if there is any loose gravel or potholes, the traction control system engages and renders the vehicle unable to accelerate. . Read more...

Tonight was the first time I drive this car in the snow. I was going downhill doing 5 miles per hour, I even downshifted to hold vehicle back, and the brakes totally locked up on me. I couldn't turn the car, it slid straight across the road, at a "t" intersection, and I crashed into a sign, and continued to slide down a hill on someone's property. In all my years driving this has never happened to me. We have been complaining to kia about the brake system on this car for months. Something is wrong with this car.