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Body and structurePart report

2021 Kia Sorento Body and structure Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
2%of 254 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 2021 Kia Sorento, 2% of the 254 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My Kia Sorento has the Nightfall trim package on it and currently has 13K miles. The paint on the trim around the windows has started to come off, sort of looking like acid rain effect. The dealership said this is not covered as it is an environmental and wash problem. We live in Hawaii. However, this is a widespread issue with Nightfall trim packages on Kia vehicles all around. I believe it is a manufacturing defect. Even if it is a wash or environmental problem, there was no warning when buying it could happen”

NHTSA complaint #11539643, filed 2023-08

“The panoramic sun roof opens but will not close. it takes 6-12 attempts to get it to close, it will move to where its an inch away from closing then reopen. Kia has recalls for this make and year but says my car is not affected. attempting to get it to close is very distracting and frustrating taking focus away from driving.”

NHTSA complaint #11651657, filed 2025-03

“Fuel tank door won't open. It supposedly locks and unlocks with the doors but it gets stuck locked, couldn't get fuel. Had to find something like a coat hanger to stick in and jimmy it open.”

NHTSA complaint #11473122, filed 2022-07

“Pearl white paint is peeling on vehicle. Had no idea this a very large issue until I started looking more into as it has began to peel in large chunks.”

NHTSA complaint #11620790, filed 2024-10

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026117%
202511%
2024716%
202322%
202211%
202152%
20195613%
201894%
2017172%
20161119%
201510013%
201416016%
2013919%
2012354%
201126818%
200912%
200821%
200796%
200673%
2005145%
20042813%
2003124%

Other parts of the 2021 Kia Sorento

Transmission and drivetrain
143 complaints
Engine
68 complaints
Electrical system
47 complaints
Other or unknown
42 complaints
Fuel system
24 complaints
Vehicle speed control
13 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
10 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Lane departure
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Kia Sorento

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology