Kia Sportage 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Sportage 2021 and 54 complaints filed by owners. 2 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 60% fewer complaints than the average Kia Sportage from 2016–2025 (135 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Kia Sportage 2021? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Sportage 2021
Trailer hitch
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 2022-09-19 !
Owners are advised to park it outside and away from structures until repaired (fire risk).
What happens
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.
Consequence
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Brakes (hydraulic)
NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · 2021-03-04 !
Owners are advised to park it outside and away from structures until repaired (fire risk).
What happens
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.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
54 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
3 with a crash · 7 with a fire · 4 injuries
Most reported problems on the Kia Sportage 2021
- Engine: 23 (43% of complaints)
- Engine and cooling: 7 (13% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 6 (11% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 4 (7% of complaints)
- Wipers: 2 (4% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Kia Sportage 2021
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Check coolant level and color, the temperature gauge on the test drive and leaks under the engine.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Sportage SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2021 Kia Sportage SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Kia Sportage recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 133 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 401 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 164 complaints
- 2019 : 2 recalls · 70 complaints
- 2020 : 2 recalls · 162 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 54 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recalls · 46 complaints
- 2023 : 6 recalls · 192 complaints
- 2024 : 3 recalls · 73 complaints
- 2025 : 1 recalls · 52 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Sportage 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Sportage 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Sportage 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (23 of 54 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).