2021 KIA SPORTAGE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Sportage. This model year has 41 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2021 Kia Sportage Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia Sportage. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 21 | — | 4 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 41 most recent complaints
The engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage failed while being driven at highway speeds on US 131 in Michigan. The car was taken to the closest gas station where the oil was checked and it was determined that 5 quarts were needed to reach the dipstick's full line. The fact that the car h…
On March 4, 2026, the engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage malfunctioned while I was driving on a local road on Long Island, NY. The check engine light illuminated, the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally, and the steering wheel became heavy and difficult to turn at the sam…
I was driving only going around 35 miles and the car went from no check engine light to flashing check engine light I had it taken to a show and was told the rod bears where grinding away and putting metal in the oil which is what the 2017-2019 model of the engines had the same p…
Catastrophic fire started in fast food restaurant drive through, but able to drive to the parking lot before it became engulfed in flames.
I am filing a complaint regarding a 2021 Kia Sportage that experienced catastrophic engine failure, leaving the vehicle non-drivable despite regular maintenance and documented oil changes. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership, located at 402 NJ-35, Keyport, NJ 0…
The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car stopped working. Also at the body shop i was told some wires were cut.
smoke coming from the 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 …
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 chang…
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…
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 c…
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 …
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 mecha…
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.
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 …
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.
Drivers side roof drip molding trim on roof detached and flew off of car while driving on interstate
BATTERY DIED, FOB DIDNT WORK 2 TIMES HAD TO HV TOWED, RIGHT FRONT LIGHT SEEMS AS IT HAS A SHORT, OVERHEATED OUT OF NOWHERE, NOW ALL HEADLIGHTS AND BACKLIGHT INCLUDING BRAKE LIGHT NO LONGER WORK. VERY UNSAFE AND UNABLE TO DRIVE. EVERYTHING IN THE RECALL HAS HAPPENED EXCEPT FOR CAT…
Kia Sportage 2021- The service department at the dealership ran basic inspection of fault codes and found fault in system for knock sensor and camshaft b position sensor. These codes have relation to engine failure or possible timing chain failure. My safety was put at risk as I…
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 independe…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Kia Sportage.
Recalls for 2021 Kia Sportage
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Sportage. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Kia Sportage — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Kia Sportage has 41 NHTSA owner complaints, 3 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (21 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sportage?▾
#1: Engine Problems (21 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (13 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Sportage?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Kia Sportage?▾
The 2021 Kia Sportage has 3 crash-related complaints and 7 fire reports out of 41 total NHTSA complaints. 4 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Kia Sportage have any recalls?▾
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Kia Sportage. The largest issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Sportage?▾
The 2021 Kia Sportage has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2021 Kia Sportage
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.