2021 Kia Sportage recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sportage and 54 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (23), unknown or other (14), engine and engine cooling (7). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine. 2 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2021 ranks #2 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (171). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Kia Sportage. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Trailer hitches
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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…
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)
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.
Safety ratings
2021 Kia Sportage SUV AWD
2021 Kia Sportage SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Kia Sportage.
Sportage AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Sportage AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sportage FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Sportage FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sportage, most recently for trailer hitches (09/19/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sportage?
Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (23), unknown or other (14), engine and engine cooling (7).
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage safe?
The 2021 Kia Sportage earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 2 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Kia Sportage?
The 2021 ranks #2 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (171). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Kia Sportage range from 21 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Kia Sportage in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SPORTAGE, Sportage.