2021 Kia Sorento Safety Report

The 2021 Kia Sorento presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but several concerning recall-related issues and persistent owner complaints. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall 4-star safety rating, with 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover, indicating solid protection in impact scenarios. However, the vehicle has been subject to 4 recalls, addressing significant safety risks such as fire hazards from inadequate HVAC blower motor wiring, loss of drive power due to transmission oil pump issues, fire risk from tow hitch harness, and fuel leaks increasing fire risk. These recalls highlight potential manufacturing defects that could lead to serious consequences. Owner complaints, totaling 21, frequently revolve around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE components, with 6 complaints specifically mentioning the ENGINE and 4 mentioning the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. A recurring theme in the complaints is the 'Refill Inverter Coolant' warning message, which appears to be a persistent software or sensor issue, often without an actual low coolant level. This warning not only causes driver distraction and anxiety but also obstructs other critical dashboard information, as noted by multiple owners. While no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been reported in the complaint data, the nature of the recalls (fire risk, loss of drive power) suggests a potential for severe incidents if not addressed. The recall history is particularly concerning, with all four recalls addressing issues that could lead to fires or loss of vehicle control. For instance, the recall for the HVAC blower motor wiring harness explicitly states it "can result in a fire," and the tow hitch harness recall also warns of "A fire while parked or driving." The transmission recall warns of "Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash." These are not minor issues and require prompt attention. The high number of complaints related to the electrical system, particularly the inverter coolant warning, suggests that some underlying electrical or software glitches may still be present even after recall repairs or in areas not covered by current recalls. The fact that some owners report the 'Refill Inverter Coolant' issue persisting after dealer visits further underscores this. In summary, while the 2021 Kia Sorento performs well in crash tests, its safety record is significantly impacted by multiple recalls addressing serious fire and loss-of-power risks, alongside a pattern of persistent electrical/software complaints, particularly concerning the inverter coolant warning. Buyers should be aware of these known issues and ensure all recall remedies have been properly applied.

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should ensure all 4 open recalls have been completed on any 2021 Kia Sorento, and be prepared for potential electrical/software glitches, particularly the 'Refill Inverter Coolant' warning, which may require dealer attention.