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ProblemsByVin Index / 2021-KIA-SPORTAGE / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2021 Kia Sportage owner complaints

54 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 3 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. 19 of them are reproduced below in full, most recent first, grouped by category.

engine 11 complaints shown

24 total in this category · severe · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
11/04/2025 ODI #11697338.0

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 settleme

10/12/2025 ODI #11692991.0

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

10/02/2026 103,916 mi ODI #11768470.0

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 had been added to the engine three times. A dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, opened a case, and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 103,916.

10/02/2025 70,000 mi Fire ODI #11690967.0

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

09/29/2026 ODI #11767666.0

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)

09/26/2026 ODI #11767184.0

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.

09/26/2024 100,000 mi ODI #11616707.0

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil light and engine warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming excessive engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft and rocker arm. The contact was informed that the crankshaft and the rocker's arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

08/22/2025 ODI #11682391.0

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!

08/14/2025 117,000 mi ODI #11680688.0

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.

08/11/2026 ODI #11756338.0

The hose connected on the antifreeze leak into the engine compartment

08/07/2025 41,000 mi ODI #11679132.0

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.

other 3 complaints shown

12/05/2022 ODI #11496058.0

Remote start my car walked out to a puddle of oil. All the oil ran out. Had 400 mile left before oil change was due.

11/11/2021 Crash ODI #11440172.0

On 01/04/2021 my son [XXX] purchased New 2021 Kia Sportage LX. On 10/15/2021 this car was stolen In West Allis Wisconsin parked in front of his work place. On 10/21/2021 police found the car abended on the north side of Milwaukee with substantial damage totaling $9,705.66. This car has been towed to [XXX] for repairs. Because of shortage of part and lots of damage it might take up to 4 months or longer to fix it. Starting on 11/15/2021 [XXX] will have to pay $50.00 a day or more for rental car to be able to get to work. Kia should be held responsible for designing a car with a key starting ignition that the tiffs can start the car jamming a screwdriver in the ignition. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

08/04/2022 ODI #11477673.0

My Kia can be easily broken into and stolen. In January of this year I was in Denver for military assignment and I locked my car at night however a their was able to break into my car by popping off the driver side lock and then basically hot wiring the car. Eventually I got my car back after it was repaired but then again someone broke back Into my car using the same method. However, I had a steering lock so they could not drive away. The security and safety features on my care are worthless and do not provide the security a modern car should.

powertrain 3 complaints shown

4 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
10/16/2023 ODI #11550184.0

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. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

09/16/2026 ODI #11764717.0

Severe structural manufacturing defect in my 2021 Kia Sportage. A physical hole has formed in the floorboard on the driver side directly next to the pedals, creating an immediate risk of a catastrophic accident. The vehicle also has chronic failure of the air conditioning system, documented by Sunset Kia of Sarasota as a leaking evaporator. This prevents the windshield from defrosting during heavy Florida rains, severely impairing visibility. Dealer confirmed these hazards under a signed repair order on June 3 2026, but Kia Corporate closed case 25175676 without any physical technical inspection, leaving an unsafe vehicle on the road.

07/24/2026 ODI #11752678.0

On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician notes show DTC P1326 was stored — the Knock Sensor Detection System code associated with connecting rod bearing wear on Kia's Theta II engine family. The technician performed an audible knock check only (none heard) and cleared the code. The vehicle was found approximately 2.5 quarts low on oil due to an internal turbo oil leak. The dealer's notes state the code "may be related" to low oil — hedged language, not confirmed causation. The dealer confirmed the turbo failure but has not performed a bea

airbags 1 complaint shown

12/18/2020 9,500 mi Crash ODI #11384033.0

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 was provided. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lo for body work repairs. The vehicle was towed to werner Kia 2755 w tennessee st, tallahassee, fl 32304 (850) 632-4044 where diagnosed the transmission, cooler, and radiator needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 9,500. The VIN was not available.

equipment 1 complaint shown

10/05/2022 17,614 mi ODI #11487970.0

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side tire was punctured. The contact stated that while using the factory OEM jack to raise the vehicle to change the tire, the jack fractured causing the vehicle to collapse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting the replacement jack. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact left a voicemail but had not received a response. The failure mileage was 17,614.

Showing 19 of 54 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Kia/Sportage#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-10-25. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.