2021 Kia Sorento Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 24 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 Kia Sorento, 10% of its 247 total complaints for the year. A related recall (21V519000) covers fuel leaking at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. No crashes, fires, or injuries are recorded in this data.
- Fuel System complaints
- 24
- 10% of 247
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 7,911 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report the fuel pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail leaking, matching the subject of recall 21V519000.
- Some describe the engine losing power or stalling in traffic, followed by a strong gasoline smell and fuel visibly discharging from the tailpipe.
- Owners report exhaust leaks combined with engine overheating shortly after parking, with no warning light illuminated.
- A gas tank door has been reported as stuck closed, preventing refueling and raising concern about lack of an emergency release.
- One owner said a dealership documented a recall repair to the fuel pipe in 2022 but the fix was not reflected in NHTSA's system for months.
When 2021 Kia Sorento fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 23, 2021, latest Aug 28, 2026.
Fuel System recalls for the 2021 Kia Sorento
- NHTSA 21V519000Jul 8, 2021Fuel System21,575 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
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.
Fuel System complaints by Sorento model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2021 Kia Sorento have a fuel system recall?
- Yes. Recall 21V519000 covers 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 models with 2.5L turbocharged engines, where fuel can leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. Dealers inspect and tighten or replace the fuel pipe free of charge.
- How common are fuel system complaints on the 2021 Kia Sorento?
- NHTSA lists 24 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 Sorento, which is 10% of the 247 total complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems show up on the 2021 Sorento?
- The median mileage at failure recorded in NHTSA complaints for this issue is 7,911 miles.
- Have there been any fires or injuries tied to fuel system issues on the 2021 Sorento?
- No. NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2021 Sorento shows zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries.
- Is the fuel system a bigger issue for the 2021 Sorento than other model years?
- Yes. The 2021 Sorento's fuel system share of complaints is 10%, higher than most other Sorento model years listed, which mostly range between 1% and 7%.