2021 Kia Sportage
2 recalls · 38 complaints · Safety Score C
Recall History
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 & Remedy
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.
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 a...
Consequence & Remedy
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.
Recent Complaints
| Date | Component | Description | Crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/06/2026 | Engine | Catastrophic fire started in fast food restaurant drive through, but able to drive to the parking lot before it became e... | No | Yes |
| 04/04/2026 | Engine | I am filing a complaint regarding a 2021 Kia Sportage that experienced catastrophic engine failure, leaving the vehicle ... | No | No |
| 03/20/2026 | Unknown or Other,engine | The oil is mixing with the gas and their was smoke coming from the engine after that the engine has seized and the car s... | No | Yes |
| 03/17/2026 | Engine | smoke coming from the engine. | No | No |
| 11/04/2025 | Engine | I have experienced chronic and excessive engine oil consumption in my 2021 Kia Sportage S with the 2.4 L Theta II engine... | No | No |
| 10/12/2025 | Engine | My vehicle is burning oil. In a little over 1500 miles after I get a oil change from the King Kia Dealership Service, my... | No | No |
| 10/02/2025 | Engine and Engine Cooling,electrical System | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed on the free... | No | Yes |
| 08/22/2025 | Engine | My car has been burning oil way too quickly! I got the 10,000 mile oil to see if it way maybe that and by 3,000 miles th... | No | No |
| 08/14/2025 | Engine and Engine Cooling | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ve... | No | No |
| 08/07/2025 | Engine and Engine Cooling | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the contac... | No | No |
Most Complained-About Components
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Kia Sportage has 2 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA. Total complaints filed: 38.
The 2021 Kia Sportage has a Safety Score of 40/100 (Grade C). This score factors in recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash and fire reports (20%), and trend direction (10%).
The 2021 Kia Sportage received a Safety Score of C. This vehicle has an average safety record. There are 3 crash reports on file. There are 7 fire reports.
Contact your nearest Kia dealership to schedule a free recall repair. You can also check your specific vehicle by VIN at NHTSA.gov. Manufacturers are required by law to fix recall-related defects at no cost.
Safety Score is calculated from recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash/fire reports (20%), and safety trend (10%).