VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2021 Kia Sportage carries two red flags at once: 54 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 44% of all reports (24 of 54), far ahead of other at 14. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

54

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

3

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted558 complaints1995: 88 complaints1996: 98 complaints1997: 299 complaints1998: 558 complaints1999: 493 complaints2000: 462 complaints2001: 354 complaints2002: 321 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 93 complaints2006: 169 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 138 complaints2009: 120 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 264 complaints2012: 454 complaints2013: 449 complaints2014: 154 complaints2015: 193 complaints2016: 182 complaints2017: 551 complaints2018: 221 complaints2019: 99 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 60 complaints2023: 303 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 86 complaints2026: 26 complaints
Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2444%
Other1426%
Electrical System59%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Lighting24%
Trailer Hitch24%
Transmission24%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%
Driver Assistance12%

Does the 2021 Kia Sportage have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V703000Trailer HitchSeptember 19, 2022 · 70,887 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V137000BrakesMarch 4, 2021 · 379,931 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

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, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car stopped working. Also at the body shop i was told some wires were cut. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 16, 2026 · fire

“2021 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 4300 MILES CAUGHT ON FIRE PUTTING ME AND 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN DANGER . BOught car brand new only had one oil change at kia dealership,no warning lights. CAR WAS TOTAL LOSSINPECTED BY INSURANCE COMPANY,FIRE DEPARTMENT HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE ELSE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 12, 2020 · fire

“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. The contact stated that after the driver shifted to park(P), the driver noticed smoke. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 2, 2025 · fire

“While sitting in my driveway I heard a loud sound popping within the car but did not investigate immediately. I drove down the road and noticed that the car seemed to be noisy and there was a rattling sound within the headliner. I stopped to investigate and realized that the sunroof had exploded…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 10, 2023

“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the vehicle lost motive power motive and stalled with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 13, 2022

2021 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 2021 model at #28 of 31 Sportage years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (24 complaints), other (14 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2021 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Sportage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage years to avoid are 1998, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2001, 2002, 2023, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2020, 2015, 2016, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Sportage years belongs to 2003.

How safe is the 2021 Kia Sportage?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Kia Sportage earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.