repaired · 2026 Q1
Trailer hitches
Park outsideRisk. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2021 Kia SportageProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 54 owner complaints about the 2021 Kia Sportage, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-703 the manufacturer reports only 29% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Kia Sportage has problems
54 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Engine3 crash/fire/injury
7Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
6Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
4Power train
2Visibility/wiper
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Exterior lighting
2Trailer hitches
1Lane departure
55 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 23 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 1 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Trailer hitches | 2 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 1 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2021 Kia Sportage recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Sportage year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sportage median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Kia Sportage safety ratings
2021 Kia Sportage SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Kia Sportage, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Sportage owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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.
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…
Own a 2021 Sportage?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.