2021 KIA Sportage

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified34ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Kia Sportage faces notable reliability concerns due to brake and trailer hitch issues. The peak failure range suggests that problems may arise early in the vehicle's life, likely affecting safety features critical for protecting passengers, especially children in the back seat.

Key Factor:Early brake failure risks

📋Why This Matters

The defects identified in the service brakes and trailer hitches of the 2021 Kia Sportage pose significant risks to passenger safety. A compromised braking system could lead to catastrophic accidents, particularly impacting the protection of children seated in the rear. Additionally, electrical failures in trailer hitches pose a fire hazard, which further endangers occupants of the vehicle. The presence of multiple recalls highlights areas where vigilance is crucial for ensuring safe operation on the road. A clean reputation is often an expectation for brands like Kia, especially in a competitive segment where families prioritize safety. Unfortunately, these recalls indicate that potential buyers must be particularly cautious when considering this model due to serious implications for overall safety and reliability.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.9)
    📝
    Summary: Year-over-year trends indicate that while Kia has made strides in engineering quality, the emergence of multiple recalls for the 2021 Sportage suggests a troubling pattern that warrants attention from safety advocates. The severity of these defects is alarming and could jeopardize passenger safety, particularly for vulnerable rear-seat occupants.
Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

82/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-1.7
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 KIA Sportage

Model Year2021
MakeKIA
ModelSportage
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Dec20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr21
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

10 complaints (29% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 34 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
12(35%)
🟡Medium
7(21%)
🟢Low
15(44%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20k miles signals that issues may become apparent quite early after purchase or lease. For families relying on this vehicle to transport children safely, this timeline heightens the urgency for thorough inspection and proactive maintenance as soon as they take ownership.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 16 of 34 complaints (47% coverage)
0-20k
7 reports (44%)
20k-40k
2 reports (13%)
40k-60k
2 reports (13%)
60k-80k
2 reports (13%)
80k-100k
1 reports (6%)
100k+
2 reports (13%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICTRAILER HITCHES

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service Brakes

Issue: Potential short-circuit leading to engine compartment fires.

✅

Schedule an immediate inspection with a certified mechanic focusing on brake systems.

🔍

Request documentation confirming recall completion related to brake systems.

Campaigns:21V12321V456
2

Trailer Hitches

Issue: Electrical shorts causing fire hazards due to debris accumulation.

✅

Inspect harness connections and keep them clean from moisture and debris.

🔍

'Confirm that any installed tow hitch complies with recall requirements and has been serviced'.

Campaign:21V123
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 21V137000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Campaign: 22V703000

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

34 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Sportage.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning29%
Fire24%
Burn18%
Check Engine Light12%
Stall9%
Smoke9%
Leak6%
Acceleration Issues6%
Explode6%
Crash/Accident6%
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE

I have experienced chronic and excessive engine oil consumption in my 2021 Kia Sportage S with the 2.4 L Theta II engine. Since around 80,000 miles, I have had to add oil every 2 weeks between oil changes to prevent the engine from running low. My vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated at $10,000. Despite regular maintenance and oil changes (documented by Express Oil Change in Pinson, AL, with service records at 81,520 mi, 88,215 mi, 94,153 mi, 96,970 mi, 98,902 mi, 101,522 mi, and 105,273 mi), the vehicle continues to lose oil rapidly. Kia and my dealer have confirmed there are no recalls or warranty campaigns for my VIN, even though this issue is identical to the well-documented engine defect affecting earlier Kia models covered under the Theta II engine settlement. This defect creates a serious safety risk, as the engine can run dangerously low on oil between services, leading to engine failure or stalling while driving. I am currently out of work recovering from surgery and cannot afford the $10,000 repair. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and expand the existing Kia engine defect recalls to include 2021 Sportage models using this engine.

Nov 4, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

My vehicle is burning oil. In a little over 1500 miles after I get a oil change from the King Kia Dealership Service, my oil stick shows that the level of oil in my engine is none at all. When I check my oil, the stick, is absolutely dry. This has happened in the last 3 oil changes with my vehicle. There is no oil indicator light that comes on in the dash, but the oil stick is dry. Additionally, there is no indication of oil leaking from my car in my drive way. I will be returning to the King Kia dealer service for the third time on 10/13/25 for remedy of this situation. I contacted Kia Customer care and reported this situation and received a case number: [XXX]. I currently have 75,943 miles on my vehicle. To prevent engine damage, I've added quarts of oil to my vehicle to compensate but I'm most concerned that this oil is prematurely burning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 12, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 contact's grand-mother who was also occupying the vehicle advised the driver that the smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The driver then noticed that smoke and flames were coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown whether a fire department report and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was in the process of being inspected by the insurance company adjuster. Both the contact's mother and grand-mother later received medical assistance for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Oct 2, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

My car has been burning oil way too quickly! I got the 10,000 mile oil to see if it way maybe that and by 3,000 miles there was hardly any one in there! It is not leaking out! My oil is changed faithfully! And I heard there is a recall on some newer model Kia sportages! This is craziness! I take care of my vehicle stay up on all of the maintenance! I’ve read complaints on here and there are others having the same issue it isn’t just me!

Aug 22, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate. The contact's wife arrived at the destination where the failure persisted, prompting her to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Aug 14, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the contact was advised that the oil level was low. The contact stated there was no warning illuminated with the oil level being low. The contact was advised by the mechanic to check the oil level more frequently. The contact had recently checked the oil level and needed to add one quart of engine oil. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact researched online and related the oil consumption to a known failure with the engine installed in similar vehicles. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Aug 7, 2025Under Review
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car alarm keeps going off randomly and from googling it. Several people have reported an issue with the 2021 Kia Sportage it’s a known issue.

Jul 14, 2025Under Review
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car is burning oil like crazy. I’ve had to put 2 quarts in one week. Took it to dealership because of warranty. They ran an oil consumption test and told me pistons may be bad drive it another 1000 miles then we check it again. Why not fix problems then. So I have to check my oil every day until they want to do the work I guess

Jul 7, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

I had catastrophic engine failure driving down the road to work. Check engine light started flashing the the oil light. The car then shut off. Got it towed and they found two pieces of the engine block in the cradle cover.

May 22, 2025Under Review
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Drivers side roof drip molding trim on roof detached and flew off of car while driving on interstate

Jan 25, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

'What should I know about potential safety issues with the 2021 Kia Sportage?'

'It's important to be aware that there are two key recalls associated with this model—one involving service brakes which can lead to severe safety risks like engine compartment fires if not addressed promptly, and another concerning trailer hitches which may also pose fire hazards. Ensuring both recalls have been resolved is crucial when evaluating this vehicle.'

'How can I ensure my family's safety while driving a used 2021 Kia Sportage?'

'To maximize your family’s safety when driving a used 2021 Kia Sportage, always verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Regularly inspect braking systems as well as electrical components related to trailer usage—especially if you plan on towing—to mitigate any potential hazards.'

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified KIA service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in KIA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific Sportage year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.