Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 21, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

51 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
27

Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 2 mention an injury.

fluid leaks 7sudden stalling 7premature wear 6
A recent report: The hose connected on the antifreeze leak into the engine compartment

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11756338 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
11

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 3fire 2
A recent report: 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…
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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 /36000 miles! Please advise me.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751282 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
1

Most reports here involve fire.

fire 1
A recent report: The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The…
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The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and rolled before coming to a stop. The contact noticed smoke exiting from the hood compartment. The contact grabbed his five-year-old daughter out of the vehicle safely. The contact stated the vehicle was in flames. The fire department and the police department came to the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire. No police or fire reports were filed. No injuries were sustained. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11567595 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
3

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 1
A recent report: My Kia can be easily broken into and stolen. In January of this year I was in Denver for military assignment and I locked my car at night however a their was able to break into my car by popping off…
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My Kia can be easily broken into and stolen. In January of this year I was in Denver for military assignment and I locked my car at night however a their was able to break into my car by popping off the driver side lock and then basically hot wiring the car. Eventually I got my car back after it was repaired but then again someone broke back Into my car using the same method. However, I had a steering lock so they could not drive away. The security and safety features on my care are worthless and do not provide the security a modern car should.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11477673 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
1

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 1
A recent report: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A UNKNOWN VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTS OF FIRE. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A UNKNOWN VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTS OF FIRE. THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND NECK AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LO FOR BODY WORK REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WERNER KIA 2755 W TENNESSEE ST, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32304 (850) 632-4044 WHERE DIAGNOSED THE TRANSMISSION, COOLER, AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11384033 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
4

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 4
A recent report: Severe structural manufacturing defect in my 2021 Kia Sportage. A physical hole has formed in the floorboard on the driver side directly next to the pedals, creating an immediate risk of a…
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Severe structural manufacturing defect in my 2021 Kia Sportage. A physical hole has formed in the floorboard on the driver side directly next to the pedals, creating an immediate risk of a catastrophic accident. The vehicle also has chronic failure of the air conditioning system, documented by Sunset Kia of Sarasota as a leaking evaporator. This prevents the windshield from defrosting during heavy Florida rains, severely impairing visibility. Dealer confirmed these hazards under a signed repair order on June 3 2026, but Kia Corporate closed case 25175676 without any physical technical inspection, leaving an unsafe vehicle on the road.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764717 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
4

Most reports here involve fire.

fire 1
A recent report: See attached document for complaint.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758286 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 51 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2020 and 2026, roughly 9 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.