Does the 2021 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sportage, the most recent reported on September 19, 2022 (Trailer hitches). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sportage?

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (23 complaints), followed by unknown or other (14).

How many 2021 Kia Sportage complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 54 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2021 Kia Sportage recalls and problems

2 recalls and 54 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Sportage.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Kia Sportage recalls

Trailer hitches

NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · reported September 19, 2022 · Kia America, Inc. · 70,887 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · reported March 4, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 379,931 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine23
Unknown or other14
Engine and engine cooling7
Electrical system6
Power train4
Exterior lighting2
Fuel/propulsion system2
Trailer hitches2
Visibility/wiper2
Air bags1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 2, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 103,916 miles
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…

Sep 29, 2026 · Engine
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 […]. 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…

Sep 26, 2026 · Engine
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.

Sep 16, 2026 · Structure
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…

Aug 20, 2026 · Vehicle speed control
See attached document for complaint.

Sportage model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2018	3	165	7	12
2019	2	71	3	3
2020	2	164	11	13
2021	2	54	3	7
2022	1	46	6	2
2023	6	193	24	1
2024	3	75	7	0

Across all years, the 2017 Sportage has the most complaints (403). All Kia Sportage years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Kia Sportage have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sportage, the most recent reported on September 19, 2022 (Trailer hitches). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sportage?: Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (23 complaints), followed by unknown or other (14).
How many 2021 Kia Sportage complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 54 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 2, 2026.