NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Sorento scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD, an 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index places it firmly in the Strong band, a designation supported by its excellent performance in side-crash evaluations and a perfect score for its avoidance technology. This strong safety profile is, however, tempered by four recalls. One of these campaigns specifically advises owners to park the vehicle outdoors, a significant advisory that warrants attention.
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV FWD earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Sorento ranks 62 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 62 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Sorento?
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid FWD demonstrates strong side-impact protection, earning a 5 out of 5-star rating in that category. This model year achieves an 84/100 Safety Index, a two-point improvement over the 2020 model's 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash-protection component contributes 61 out of a possible 70 points. The vehicle also scores a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, a reflection of the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. However, the defect record component, at 13 out of 20 points, is a notable weakness. Four active recalls are documented, including a trailer hitch campaign that prompted a park-outside advisory from NHTSA, indicating a serious safety concern. Additional recalls for an automatic transmission fail-safe and a fuel-hose issue on turbocharged variants further impact this score. The absence of owner complaints is noted, though this reflects only reported allegations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Sorento perform in crash tests?
Side crash protection for the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid earned a perfect 5 stars from NHTSA. This result contributes to an overall 4 out of 5 stars for the model year. Frontal crash ratings also came in at 4 stars. Rollover risk was measured at 16 percent, with a dynamic tip test result of No Tip, culminating in a 4-star rollover rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16684
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components affected include the HVAC blower motor wiring and fuses, the automatic transmission fail-safe drive mode, and fuel system hoses on turbocharged engines. The trailer hitch campaign carries a park-outside designation, meaning owners were advised not to park the vehicle near structures until the remedy was completed. Shoppers should verify all four campaigns by VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS25V649000
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Reported 2025-09-25
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V760000
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Reported 2022-10-11
TRAILER HITCHES22V703000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Reported 2022-09-19
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V519000
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Reported 2021-07-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid in this dataset. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality allegations have been reported. There are no top complaint components to flag. This absence of reported allegations is noted, though the complaint record can change over time.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Sorento?
Any shopper considering this five-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. All four campaigns, including the park-outside trailer hitch recall, must be confirmed as remedied. An unresolved park-outside campaign is a material safety consideration that should be resolved before the vehicle changes hands.
- The 2021 model year carries a park-outside recall tied to the trailer hitch component, one of the most serious advisory levels NHTSA issues, requiring VIN verification before purchase.
- This year's Safety Index of 84/100 represents a two-point improvement over the 2020 model year's 82/100, driven by strong crash-protection and a perfect avoidance-tech score.
- The defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 reflects four active recall campaigns across electrical, powertrain, fuel system, and trailer hitch components, which is the primary drag on an otherwise Strong index rating.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for this year, and the 16 percent rollover risk figure supports the 4-star rollover rating, providing useful context for buyers prioritizing stability.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Sorento places
The 2021 Kia Sorento qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Sorento safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Sorento crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Kia Sorento, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Kia Sorento crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Kia Sorento earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sorento have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Kia Sorento, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Sorento?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Sorento. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sorento years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16684), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sorento 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 62 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.