Last updated: 2026-03-04
2021 Kia Sportage Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Kia Sportage scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 34 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Recalls
2
Complaints
34
Complaint Rate
3.8
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$462
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
11%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 5 in the Fourth generation (QL) (2017–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation Sportage (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Fourth generation (QL)
Should You Buy the 2021 Kia Sportage?
The 2021 Kia Sportage scores 76/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
With 34 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (11). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Kia Sportage, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2020 Kia Sportage for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $59 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (11%)
Cons
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2021 KIA Sportage frequently report issues related to vehicle... (11 complaints)
- ENGINE issues reported (6 complaints)
Compare 2021 Kia Sportage With
2021 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 78/100
2021 Toyota RAV4
Score: 73/100
2021 Honda CR-V
Score: 77/100
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 67/100
2021 Nissan Rogue
Score: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)
- ENGINE (6)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- TRAILER HITCHES (2)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Kia Sportage has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.8
per 10k soldSegment avg: 17
Safety Incidents
Crashes
3
Fires
5
Injuries
4
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Kia Sportage Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Kia Sportage. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
2021 Kia Sportage NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Kia Sportage Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$462
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2021 Kia Sportage
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Check for excessive engine oil consumption by inspecting oil levels between changes
- Inspect for any signs of engine block damage or unusual noises
- Verify all electrical components, including headlights and brake lights, are functioning properly
- Ensure the vehicle has updated anti-theft protection and consider additional security measures
- Inspect for any signs of previous fire damage or overheating under the hood
- Test the infotainment system for any display issues or touchscreen malfunctions
Check Any 2021 Kia Sportage's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 Sportage in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Kia Sportage with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2021 Kia Sportage Common Problems by Component
34 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 KIA Sportage frequently report issues related to vehicle security and oil consumption. Several complaints highlight the car's vulnerability to theft, with thieves reportedly able to easily bypass security features, leading to multiple incidents of theft and associated damage. Oil-related issues are also noted, with owners describing excessive oil consumption and instances of oil leakage, sometimes resulting in fires. These issues often appear at relatively low mileages, with one fire incident occurring after only 4,300 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of vehicles catching fire and one complaint involving a crash due to theft-related damage. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding both vehicle security and engine reliability.
ENGINE
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Kia Sportage frequently report issues with excessive engine oil consumption, often requiring additional oil between regular changes to prevent the engine from running low. Complaints typically describe the oil level dropping significantly within 1,500 to 3,000 miles after an oil change, with some owners finding the oil stick completely dry. This issue is reported at mileages ranging from approximately 75,943 to over 105,273 miles. Additionally, one owner experienced catastrophic engine failure with engine block pieces found in the cradle cover, while another reported a fire originating under the hood at around 19,920 miles. These issues pose potential safety risks, including engine failure and fire hazards, which prospective buyers should consider.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 KIA Sportage frequently report issues related to engine and engine cooling, with multiple complaints about excessive oil consumption and engine failures. Symptoms described by owners include low oil levels without warning lights and illuminated check engine lights, with some cases involving failed crankshafts and rocker arms. These issues typically arise at mileages ranging from approximately 41,000 to 117,000 miles. Notably, one complaint involves a vehicle fire resulting in injuries due to smoke inhalation, highlighting potential safety implications. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the possibility of engine-related problems at higher mileages.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 KIA Sportage report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving battery failure and malfunctioning lights. One owner describes a complete loss of headlight and brake light functionality, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. Another complaint highlights a persistent problem with the car alarm activating randomly. Additionally, an owner reports that their vehicle was stolen shortly after purchase, despite assurances of anti-theft protection, and later discovered potential engine issues after recovery. These complaints suggest problems with electrical components and security features, with significant safety implications due to lighting failures and possible theft vulnerability.
TRAILER HITCHES (2 complaints)
TRAILER HITCHES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Kia Sportage report issues related to trailer hitches, particularly concerning delays in recall repairs. One owner describes a serious incident where the vehicle lost motive power and emitted smoke from the hood, leading to a fire, with the vehicle reportedly having approximately 53,000 miles. This incident did not result in injuries, but it involved the fire department extinguishing the flames. Another owner mentions the recall notice but has not experienced any failure. The reports highlight significant safety implications, including potential fire hazards, linked to unresolved recall repairs.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Kia Sportage report issues with the power train, specifically involving unexpected loss of motive power. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling or losing power while driving, accompanied by illuminated warning lights. These incidents have been reported at mileages of approximately 10,000 and 35,000 miles. One report describes a collision with a shopping cart and another vehicle due to the loss of power, indicating potential safety implications. Used car buyers should be aware of these issues when considering this model.
EQUIPMENT (1 complaints)
EQUIPMENT
1 complaintThe 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintThe panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded on the highway. There were no other vehicles nearby that could have thrown any debris at my vehicle. The edges of the glass are pushed out as if the force came from inside the vehicle.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintWhile sitting in my driveway I heard a loud sound popping within the car but did not investigate immediately. I drove down the road and noticed that the car seemed to be noisy and there was a rattling sound within the headliner. I stopped to investigate and realized that the sunroof had exploded outward. Dealer denied responsibility. Car has been out of use for more than 3 weeks.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintThe contact's wife owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while he was driving in another vehicle following his wife's vehicle, the contact noticed that his wife's rear turn signals were not visible since the rear turn signal headlights were mounted on the bumper and was too low to be visible for larger vehicles such as a SUV following from behind. The dealer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact that they could not modify the rear turn signal assembly since it would void the warranty. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer of the issue but could not connect with a live representative. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact was concerned about the design of the rear taillight assembly. There was no failure.
When Do 2021 Kia Sportage Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Kia Sportage Years
Best Kia Sportage Years to Buy
The best Kia Sportage year is 2025 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (79/100) and 2024 (78/100).
Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
The worst Kia Sportage year is 2023 with a score of 67/100, primarily due to electrical system (56) issues. Also avoid 2018 (68/100).
2023
9 recalls · 257 complaints
2018
3 recalls · 147 complaints
Kia Sportage Reliability Score Trend
Kia Sportage reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Kia Sportage Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Sportage?
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sportage have?
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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