Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
2021 Kia Sorento Recall
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Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions answered
What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2021 Kia Sorento?
The NHTSA database lists 21 recalls across Sorento model years that include issues with brakes, fuel system pipes, engines, airbags and steering components. Many recalls are focused on components such as HECU brake-fluid leaks (SC197), high-pressure fuel pipe defects (SC172), engine bearing or crankshaft issues (SC147, SC153), and accessory trailer wiring (SC142). Not every recall applies to every model year — Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA will check your VIN and confirm whether your 2021 Kia Sorento is affected.
How do I check if my 2021 Kia Sorento has an open recall?
You can check your vehicle's recall status by VIN at NHTSA.gov or bring your VIN to Nalley Kia for a free lookup. We will run the VIN through manufacturer systems, explain any open recalls, and advise next steps — or you can schedule service online for a dealer inspection.
How much does a 2021 Kia Sorento recall repair cost?
Manufacturer recall repairs are performed at no charge to the owner — the parts and labor are covered by Kia. If additional non-recall work is requested, Nalley Kia offers service financing so you can get urgent repairs now and pay later; please ask our service advisors for details and any applicable service specials.
Can I get my 2021 Kia Sorento recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Recall repairs must be completed by an authorized dealer to ensure OEM parts, factory procedures, and warranty compliance — your local certified Kia dealer is the safest choice. Nalley Kia’s factory-trained technicians use OEM diagnostic tools and Kia-approved parts to perform free recall repairs, protecting safety and resale value.
How long does a 2021 Kia Sorento recall repair take?
Repair time varies by recall type but most recall repairs — such as HECU inspection or fuel pipe replacement — are completed in a few hours to one day. When you schedule service with Nalley Kia we’ll provide an estimated turnaround and offer loaner options or shuttle service when available.
Does an open recall affect my 2021 Kia Sorento's trade-in or resale value?
Yes — unresolved recalls can reduce buyer confidence and may lower trade-in or resale offers if not addressed by a certified dealer. Resolving recalls at Nalley Kia using OEM fixes protects vehicle value; get a free verification before selling or trade-in and visit our trade-in page for an appraisal.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2021 Kia Sorento recall?
Some recalls affect safety items checked during inspections and could cause a failed or conditional inspection depending on local rules. To avoid inspection issues, bring your vehicle to Nalley Kia for a free recall check and prompt, no-cost repairs when required.
2021 Kia Sorento Recall Summary
NHTSA recall data indicates multiple campaigns that may affect Sorento vehicles across several model years. Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA will confirm recall applicability for your 2021 Kia Sorento and perform any required manufacturer recall repairs at no cost — schedule service today to protect safety and value.
Recall Service & Dealership Highlights
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
The safety of you and your passengers is the top priority — delays in addressing manufacturer recalls can lead to serious hazards such as engine compartment fires, loss of steering, or wheel and axle failure. For the 2021 Kia Sorento, NHTSA records highlight components that may present elevated risk in certain model years: brake fluid leaking into the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) can cause electrical shorts and increase fire risk, high-pressure fuel pipe issues can lead to fuel leaks and fires, and engine bearing or crankshaft faults can cause sudden engine seizure or stall. Ignoring an open recall can also complicate insurance claims after an incident and reduce your vehicle’s market value. Nalley Kia’s factory-trained technicians prioritize immediate inspection and repair under Kia’s recall program. If you suspect a problem, don’t wait — schedule service and we will perform a free safety inspection and complete any necessary recall repair at no cost, protecting your family and preserving the vehicle’s integrity.
Your Certified Recall Experts
Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA is a certified Kia franchise dealership staffed with factory-trained technicians who use OEM parts and Kia-approved diagnostic tools to perform recall repairs correctly and safely. Choosing a certified dealer ensures recall repairs are documented with the manufacturer, preserves vehicle warranties, and uses parts designed for your vehicle. We serve Lithonia and the surrounding communities — including Roswell, Alpharetta, Decatur, and the greater Atlanta area — offering transparent service, comfortable customer amenities, and direct communication with Kia if required. All manufacturer recall work is free of charge to the customer; our service team will confirm eligibility, explain the corrective action, and schedule your visit. For convenience, review current service specials, then schedule service online or call to speak with our advisors. Nalley Kia’s trained technicians and OEM processes deliver reliable, documented recall repairs you can trust.
Check Your VIN Today
If you’re unsure whether your 2021 Kia Sorento is affected by a recall, the fastest step is a VIN check at NHTSA.gov or a free VIN lookup at Nalley Kia. Our service advisors will confirm any open campaigns and explain required repairs, typical repair times, and parts availability. Many recall fixes — such as replacing a trailer hitch wiring harness or inspecting and replacing a fuel pipe — are straightforward when handled by a certified dealer and can often be completed the same day or within 24–48 hours depending on parts. When you schedule service we’ll provide a clear timeline and keep you informed; we also offer service financing options so urgent safety work can be completed immediately without financial delay. For transparency, Nalley Kia documents all recall repairs with Kia and provides records that protect resale value and inspection compliance. Don’t wait — prompt VIN checks and timely dealer repairs reduce risk and give you peace of mind.
Protect Your Resale Value
Open recalls reduce buyer confidence and can lower trade-in and resale value if unresolved; many private buyers and dealers verify recall status before purchase. Addressing recalls at Nalley Kia ensures the repair is recorded with Kia, uses OEM parts, and is performed by factory-trained technicians — factors that preserve the vehicle’s marketability. For owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento, resolving recalls related to engine, fuel system, or safety restraints protects both safety and the vehicle’s appraisal value. We recommend obtaining recall repairs before listing your vehicle for sale or trading it in; Nalley Kia will provide documentation after service, and you can begin a trade appraisal via our sell-your-car-online page. Protect your investment: get a free recall check and schedule a no-cost repair to maintain the highest possible resale value.
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Recall Summary
21 recalls found · All repairs FREE
Brake
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Consequence
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
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Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
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Fuel Pump5
FREE5 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
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Engine4
FREE4 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia is currently developing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update, which when available, will be performed by dealers free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
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Transmission1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such
Consequence
Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
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Axle Shaft1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
Consequence
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 . Kia's recall number is SC099.
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Air Bag1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Consequence
If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC159.
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Steering Column1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Consequence
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
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Trailer Brake Light2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Consequence
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
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Seat1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016. The driver's seatback frame may have been produced with inadequate weld joints and, as a result, the seatback may not function as designed in the event of a rear-end collision.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds and replace the driver seatback frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on December 9, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC140.
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Rear Suspension1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
Consequence
The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds at the rear suspension cross-member, replacing the rear cross-member assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service Department at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC137.
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Seat Belt1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt.
Consequence
If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt buckle cover, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC123.
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Accelerator Pedal1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle.
Consequence
If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC115.
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