The Lemon Index2021 Kia Sportage.
The 2021 Kia Sportage is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 22 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 24, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 21 to 26 mpg combined. The best Kia Sportage year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 54 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Sportage year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 13K to 85K miles on the car (13 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- trailer hitches 2022
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.
- brakes 2021
The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 68 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
- Technical service bulletin: front view camera replacement and software upgrade installation -…
- AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sportage SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Sportage SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Remote start my car walked out to a puddle of oil. All the oil ran out. Had 400 mile left before oil change was due.
2021 Kia Sportage owner · NHTSA complaint 11496058
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 24; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Sportage year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Sportage problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (18%), transmission & drivetrain (9%) and trailer hitches (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sportage have?
2 safety recalls (latest: trailer hitches). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Sportage get?
21 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Kia Sportage have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Kia Sportage cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Kia Sportage have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Sportage year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2022 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works