What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2021 KIA Sportage

Typical pattern

9.2% of complaints about the 2021 KIA Sportage came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2021 vehicle — around the middle of the 159 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 4.7 yr in service. The most-reported system is engine (21 complaints), typically at 5.3 yr or about 100,000 miles.

Complaints
65
Median age at failure
4.7 yr
Median mileage
55,000 n=14
Crash / fire / tow
20% of reports
Safety recalls
2 2 do not drive

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Engine
21 reports · 100,000 mi
5.3 yr
14.3%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

22V703000 2022-09-19 Do not drive
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.

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

21V137000 2021-03-04 Do not drive
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

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.

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

In owners’ own words

Engine mileage not reported 2.3 yr in service
Remote start my car walked out to a puddle of oil. All the oil ran out. Had 400 mile left before oil change was due.
Engine 100,000 mi 4.0 yr in service
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 independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft and rocker arm. The contact was informed that the crankshaft and the rocker's arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine mileage not reported 4.7 yr in service
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.

Other Sportage model years

202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011200920082006200520022001200019991998

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