2021 Kia Sportage engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

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 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
5. 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
6. Filed May 27, 2026MTEngine

   While I was driving in the interstate my car when in limp mode while I was trying to pass a semi. I had my children in the car and was stranded on the side of the road. No warning lights ever came on before hand. My mechanic said it was a problem with my engine and it’s common in Kia’s in but doe not include my year. It’s a costly repair for a car that’s not even 5 years old.

   NHTSA complaint #11740308 · source
7. Filed May 6, 2026LAEngine

   Loosing oil constantly. Always on the low end. I am having to keep oil in my car to put in it when needed which is often.

   NHTSA complaint #11736064 · source
8. Filed Apr 21, 2026MIEngine

   The engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage failed while being driven at highway speeds on US 131 in Michigan. The car was taken to the closest gas station where the oil was checked and it was determined that 5 quarts were needed to reach the dipstick's full line. The fact that the car had consumed 5 quarts of oil seems to be a major safety concern. I've attached a note with additional information that has also been submitted to Kia; a case number has been provided. However, after…

   NHTSA complaint #11732697 · source
9. Filed Apr 19, 2026NYEngine

   On March 4, 2026, the engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage malfunctioned while I was driving on a local road on Long Island, NY. The check engine light illuminated, the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally, and the steering wheel became heavy and difficult to turn at the same time. This created a serious safety risk, as I was unable to maneuver or accelerate normally and could have been stranded in an active roadway or unable to avoid a collision. The vehicle was able…

   NHTSA complaint #11732236 · source
10. Filed Apr 12, 2026PAEngine

    I was driving only going around 35 miles and the car went from no check engine light to flashing check engine light I had it taken to a show and was told the rod bears where grinding away and putting metal in the oil which is what the 2017-2019 model of the engines had the same problem

    NHTSA complaint #11730671 · source
11. Filed Apr 6, 2026TXFireEngine

    Catastrophic fire started in fast food restaurant drive through, but able to drive to the parking lot before it became engulfed in flames.

    NHTSA complaint #11729339 · source
12. Filed Apr 4, 2026NJEngine

    I am filing a complaint regarding a 2021 Kia Sportage that experienced catastrophic engine failure, leaving the vehicle non-drivable despite regular maintenance and documented oil changes. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership, located at 402 NJ-35, Keyport, NJ 07735, for evaluation. On or about March 17, 2026, I was informed by the dealership that coverage for engine replacement had been denied. At that time, I was not provided with a clear or sufficient…

    NHTSA complaint #11729133 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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