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 PER YEAR
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 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 394 |
| 2018 | 158 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 153 |
| 2021 | 46 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 182 |
| 2024 | 64 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
41% of complaints: engine — 19 distinct reports on file.
FIRE13% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20251002
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20251002
4% of complaints: trailer hitches — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240124
4% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V137000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
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.
Campaign 22V703000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V137000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sportage have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.