2021 Kia Sportage
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 53
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
43% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 53 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
43% · 23 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-24
Also filed under Power train
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway and had stopped on the shoulder of the road to access the navigation system.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-02
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
11% · 6 reportsPower train
8% · 4 reportsVisibility/wiper
4% · 2 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2021-04-30Service brakes, hydraulic21V137000 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.
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.
-
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
-
R
2023-07-27Trailer hitches22V703000 Kia America, Inc.
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.
-
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V137000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Kia Sportage is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sportage have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.