2021 Kia Sportage problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Sportage, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
54
Recalls
2
Crashes
3
Fires
7
Injuries
4
Median mileage
53,000 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 29 of 54 complaints (54%).
  • Electrical System (6) and transmission & drivetrain (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 53,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 7 fires and 4 injuries.
  • The 2021 Kia Sportage has 2 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 11th of 22 Kia Sportage model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 66% fewer complaints than the 2020 model year (159).

2021 Kia Sportage problems by category

  • Engine
    29 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    15 complaints
  • Electrical System
    6 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    3 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine23
Unknown or other14
Engine and engine cooling7
Electrical system6
Power train4
Trailer hitches2
Fuel/propulsion system2
Visibility/wiper2

When problems happen (mileage)

2Under 10k310k–30k330k–60k260k–100k3100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Kia Sportage complaints that list mileage.

2021 Kia Sportage recalls (2)

  • Recall 22V703000Sep 19, 202270,887 vehiclesPark outside
    TRAILER HITCHES

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

    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.

  • Recall 21V137000Mar 4, 2021379,931 vehiclesPark outside
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • AQ23002Opened Nov 17, 2023Open

    Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, …

  • DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023

    Loss of Motive Power

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain…

Recent 2021 Kia Sportage complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 2, 2026103,916 miOHEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after an oil change, while leaving the dealer and driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, exited the vehicle, lifted the hood, and checked the oil dipstick and became aware that there was no oil on the dipstick. Since the failure, oil had been added to the engine three times. A dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was notified of…
    NHTSA complaint #11768470 · source
  2. Filed Sep 29, 2026AREngine
    My 2021 Kia Sportage is in Limp Mode at 2,000 RPM, and my mechanic confirmed it has the P1326 Knock Sensor code stored. Vin [XXX]. I need to see if my car can be added to the list of vehicles regarding the product improvement campaign PI2002A. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11767666 · source
  3. Filed Sep 26, 2026AREngine
    The Kia never showed an engine light error or gave a code stating there was a problem. We Change the oil every 3000 miles. There was no oil on the dip stick and the oil was extremely low. The engine seized up today.
    NHTSA complaint #11767184 · source
  4. Filed Sep 16, 2026FLBody & StructureTransmission & DrivetrainVisibility & Wipers
    Severe structural manufacturing defect in my 2021 Kia Sportage. A physical hole has formed in the floorboard on the driver side directly next to the pedals, creating an immediate risk of a catastrophic accident. The vehicle also has chronic failure of the air conditioning system, documented by Sunset Kia of Sarasota as a leaking evaporator. This prevents the windshield from defrosting during heavy Florida rains, severely impairing visibility. Dealer confirmed these hazards…
    NHTSA complaint #11764717 · source
  5. Filed Jul 24, 2026GAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician notes show DTC P1326 was stored — the Knock Sensor Detection System code associated with connecting rod bearing wear on Kia's Theta II engine family. The technician performed an…
    NHTSA complaint #11752678 · source
  6. Filed Jul 18, 2026NYOther / Unknown
    The infotainment center screen in my 2021 Kia Sportage is DELAMINATING. The uv gel adhesive that holds the screen is failing. This is a known widespread safety issue as many controls are handled through the infotainment touch screen as well as the screen displaying the back up camera visability. You should force Kia to fix this problem past 3 years /36000 miles! Please advise me.
    NHTSA complaint #11751282 · source
  7. Filed Jul 7, 202655,000 miARElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, a "Battery Discharge Warning" message was displayed, which disappeared once the vehicle was driven. The contact then stated that on several occasions after the vehicle sat unoperated for a day, the engine failed to start. The contact's husband jump-started the vehicle on multiple occasions and noticed that the battery was completely drained. The contact's husband replaced the…
    NHTSA complaint #11748804 · source
  8. Filed Jun 26, 202660,000 miILTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the drain plug detached, and oil started leaking from the oil pan. The accelerator was depressed, but the vehicle failed to move and stalled while driving on the highway. The vehicle failed to restart. The oil light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the oil cap had detached. The mechanic informed the contact that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11746610 · source

Compare the 2021 Kia Sportage with another vehicle →

Other 2021 Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology