2021 Kia Sorento Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 255 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Kia Sorento, 4% of the 255 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 windshield randomly cracked from driver side top edge and down in a diagonal direction. There is no visible impact from an object hitting my windshield, which might be a manufacturer defect. This is my daily drive vehicle but the crack is in my line of sight while driving and is not safe. This crack happened yesterday while driving and I contacted KIA service department and left a message since it was on a Saturday afternoon.”
NHTSA complaint #11733862, filed 2026-04“On January 17th at approximately 1 pm I was driving on Rt. 12 in Cordelia, California when I heard a loud explosion coming from the car's rooftop. I pulled over and discovered that my closed sunroof had shattered. There was no indication whatsoever that anything hit the glass. There were no vehicles in either direction less than 1200-1500 feet from my car when the sunroof class exploded. I assumed this would have been a warrantee claim as the car just approached one year old. Unfortunately, the manufacturer, Kia, denied the claim. I am now appealing the denial. …”
NHTSA complaint #11449135, filed 2022-01“On Monday 7/26/2021 I heard a popping sound and discovered that the windshield of my 2021 Kia Sorento SX sustained an approximate 2–3 inch starburst sized crack that proceeded to spread overnight while parked in the garage. The crack increased to about 6 inches long. The crack is topmost more on the driver’s side, initiating a pinpoint exactly on the edge of the middle black patterned grid directly to the left of the rear view mirror mounting. While inspecting the crack this morning , running my fingers along the damage glass both inside and out, I could not feel any divots. …”
NHTSA complaint #11426962, filed 2021-07“Exploding Panoramic Sunroof: Was driving about 50 miles per hour on a highway in Northern California. No other vehicles within 1200-1500 feet in either direction. Was not driving under an overpass when we suddenly heard a large explosion and a rush of air. We pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the sunroof glass had exploded and was completely shattered. We strongly believe it was NOT a result of an impact from a foreign object unless it literally fell out of the sky which seems extremely remote. We heard nothing until the explosion. No other damage to the car's hood or roof. …”
NHTSA complaint #11447906, filed 2022-01“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 2025-03Related recalls
- 25V649000Sep 25, 2025Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may…Covers: Kia Sorento 2021–2023
Related service bulletins
- 11036628Aug 28, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR – ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin…
- 10181986Oct 6, 2020PITSTOP: CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 11 | 9% |
| 2022 | 17 | 9% |
| 2021 | 11 | 4% |
| 2020 | 6 | 4% |
| 2019 | 21 | 5% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 9 | 1% |
| 2016 | 23 | 2% |
| 2015 | 11 | 1% |
| 2014 | 27 | 3% |
| 2013 | 31 | 3% |
| 2012 | 28 | 3% |
| 2011 | 29 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2021 Kia Sorento
144 complaintsEngine
68 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsOther or unknown
42 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsForward collision avoidance
10 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsLane 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 28, 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