Free Preview
#BS-2021-KIASPO-32D42021 Kia SportageProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 68 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 68 complaints, 3 crashes, 9 fires, and 2 recalls.
Top reported problems
rats eat soy based wiring
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
30 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 55K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (5 reports) • Median: 55K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (30 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Kia Sportage: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 44% of all reports filed for the 2021 Kia Sportage, with 30 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 55,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 55K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2021 Kia Sportage, with 6 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 6% of all reports filed for the 2021 Kia Sportage, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 3% of all reports filed for the 2021 Kia Sportage, with 2 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to fuel system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Kia Sportage. Recent trend: increasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Kia Sportage NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (2)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Loss of Motive Power
ENGINE
The worst model year for the Kia Sportage is the 2012 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2021 Kia Sportage vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)
This vehicle
68
Class avg
207
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical small sport utility vehicle 2wd vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 68 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Kia Sportage Model Years
2021 Kia Sportage: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kia Sportage?
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?
How safe is the 2021 Kia Sportage?
How much does it cost to fix 2021 Kia Sportage problems?
Does the 2021 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
What mileage do Kia Sportage problems start?
When was the 2021 Kia Sportage data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2021 Kia Sportage Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 68 owner reports. Know before you buy.