ProblemsByVin File / 2021-KIA-SPORTAGE NHTSA data synced 9 hours ago

2021 · Kia

Kia Sportage problems

Light NHTSA footprint — 43 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.

Reliability score

8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2021 Sportage?

Generally reliable

Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.

No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints

engine

18 reports · fails ~69,584 mi · avg $3,100

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2021 Sportage's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Honest Calculator

Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2021 Sportage?

We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.

See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 Sportage · airbags Crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2021 Kia sportage. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds crashed head on into a unknown vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no reports of fire. The driver and occupant sustained injuries to the head and neck and medical attention…

12/18/2020 · at 9,500 mi · NHTSA ODI #11384033.0

2021 Sportage · 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…

11/04/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11697338.0 · see engine pattern →

2021 Sportage · powertrain

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost all electrical and motive power. As a result, the vehicle collided with a shopping cart, causing it to collide with another vehicle.…

10/16/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11550184.0

2021 Sportage · 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…

10/12/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11692991.0 · see engine pattern →

View all 43 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2021 Kia Sportage? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi

At 80,000 miles

Likely repair cost in next 24 months

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 21V137000 March 4, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles

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.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

AQ Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Kia Sportage is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2021 Kia Sportage?

On the NHTSA data, the 2021 Kia Sportage does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 Kia Sportage?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 18 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 69,584 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 69,584 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Sportage has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Kia Sportage?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 43 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Kia/Sportage. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.