2021 Kia Sportage
2 recalls · 41 complaints · Safety Score D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/21/2026 | Engine | The engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage failed while being driven at highway speeds on US 131 in Michigan. The car was taken... | No | No |
| 04/19/2026 | Engine | On March 4, 2026, the engine in my 2021 Kia Sportage malfunctioned while I was driving on a local road on Long Island, N... | No | No |
| 04/12/2026 | Engine | I was driving only going around 35 miles and the car went from no check engine light to flashing check engine light I ha... | No | No |
| 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 |
Most Complained-About Components
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Kia Sportage has 2 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA. Total complaints filed: 41.
The 2021 Kia Sportage has a Safety Score of 38/100 (Grade D). 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 D. This vehicle has a below-average safety record, review the specific recalls and complaints below. 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%).
Source: NHTSA vehicle recall database, 2026.