Recalls ·2021 Kia Sportage AWD

2021 Kia Sportage AWD recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Sportage AWD; the most frequently affected component is trailer hitches. Owners filed 51 complaints, most often about engine. 2 recalls carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Among the 12 model years of this model in the database, 2021 ranks #9 for number of recalls.

Recalls2
Complaints51
Do-not-drive / park-outside2
Fires reported4in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (2)

Trailer hitchesCampaign 22V703000 · 19 Sep 2022

Park outside — fire risk

Problem: 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 and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Risk: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic — Control unit/moduleCampaign 21V137000 · 04 Mar 2021

Park outside — fire risk

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine20 · 50%
Unknown or other7 · 18%
Electrical system6 · 15%
Engine and engine cooling6 · 15%
Power train4 · 10%
Visibility/wiper2 · 5%
Fuel/propulsion system2 · 5%
Trailer hitches2 · 5%

When complaints were filed

20222
20235
20244
202512
202617

From owner complaints

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.

Unknown or other · May 2022 · NHTSA complaint record

I have experienced chronic and excessive engine oil consumption in my 2021 Kia Sportage S with the 2.4 L Theta II engine. Since around 80,000 miles, I have had to add oil every 2 weeks between oil changes to prevent the engine from running low. My vehicle now requires a complete engine replacement, estimated at…

Engine · Apr 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost all electrical and motive power. As a result, the vehicle collided with a shopping cart, causing it to collide with another vehicle. The check engine warning light was…

Power train · Oct 2023 · NHTSA complaint record

My vehicle is burning oil. In a little over 1500 miles after I get a oil change from the King Kia Dealership Service, my oil stick shows that the level of oil in my engine is none at all. When I check my oil, the stick, is absolutely dry. This has happened in the last 3 oil changes with my vehicle. There is no oil…

Engine · Dec 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Related pages

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.