A dependable late Sportage
The 2021 Sportage drew about a sixth of the model average. Oil loss and engine lights are rare reports.
Updated November 2026 · based on 54 owner complaints and 2 recalls
61 84% below the Sportage average
2 free to fix at a dealer
Every Sportage year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Oil leak
Rare reports of sudden oil loss.
Fix: Leak repair $200 to $800
Engine
Trailer hitch recall
Recall 22V703 covers a trailer hitch harness.
Fix: Free under recall
Other
Recalls
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2021 Kia Sportage
- Confirm recalls 21V137 and 22V703 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2021 Sportage has 2 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check for oil leaks.Fresh oil or fuel under or around the engine means a leak. Small leaks are cheap to fix, but fuel and oil near hot parts are a fire risk.Owners filed 9 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2021 Sportage.
Questions
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?
A dependable late Sportage. The 2021 Sportage drew about a sixth of the model average. Oil loss and engine lights are rare reports.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sportage have?
2 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Sportage problems?
Oil leak; Trailer hitch recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2021 Kia Sportage SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.