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NHTSA Vehicle Research

2021 Kia Sportage Research

Free safety data straight from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recalls, consumer complaints, and crash test ratings — everything you need before you buy.

2 Recalls
47 Complaints
5★ Safety Rating
FREE Gov Data

🛡️ NCAP Crash Test Safety Ratings

Year Overall Front Crash Side Crash Rollover
2021

⚠️ NHTSA Recalls (2)

The following safety recalls have been issued by NHTSA for the Kia Sportage. If you own this vehicle, check your VIN at our VIN lookup tool or NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is affected.

2021 Model Year (2 recalls)

Campaign #21V137000 04/03/2021
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.

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

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.

Campaign #22V703000 19/09/2022
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.

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

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.

💬 Consumer Complaints (47)

Real complaints filed with NHTSA by Kia Sportage owners. These reports help identify common issues and potential safety concerns.

Most Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE 14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2
TRAILER HITCHES 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE 1
2021 model • UNKNOWN OR OTHER • 01/01/2026

The infotainment center screen in my 2021 Kia Sportage is DELAMINATING. The uv gel adhesive that holds the screen is failing. This is a known widespread safety issue as many controls are handled through the infotainment touch screen as well as the screen displaying the back up camera visability. You should force Kia to fix this problem past 3 years…

2021 model • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM • 02/15/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, a "Battery Discharge Warning" message was displayed, which disappeared once the vehicle was driven. The contact then stated that on several occasions after the vehicle sat unoperated for a day, the engine failed to start. The contact's husband jump-started the vehicle on multiple occasions…

2021 model • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING • 06/24/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the drain plug detached, and oil started leaking from the oil pan. The accelerator was depressed, but the vehicle failed to move and stalled while driving on the highway. The vehicle failed to restart. The oil light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was…

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