Worst 2021 Kia Sportage Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Engine & Cooling
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia Sportage.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | 3 | 59,960 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | 1 | 70,000 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbags | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 1 | — | — | — |
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.
Recalls for 2021 Kia Sportage
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~450,818 vehicles.
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.
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.
Other Kia Sportage Years
2021 Kia Sportage — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Kia Sportage?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Sportage?
How safe is the 2021 Kia Sportage?
Does the 2021 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Sportage?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
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.
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