2021 Kia Sportage: Common Problems, Recalls and Vehicle Data

What the public data shows

The public record for the 2021 Kia Sportage lists 50 complaints. Engine-related complaints number 23, the largest single group in that total, followed by 16 filed under an "other" category and smaller numbers tied to electrical and drivetrain concerns. The more notable item in this year's record is an open investigation, AQ23002, concerning the service brakes. An open investigation means regulators are examining a pattern and asking questions - it is not a finding that a defect exists, and it may close without action. A second, separate investigation into the engine, DP22003, has already been closed. Two recall campaigns are on file for this model year, one covering service brakes, hydraulic and one covering trailer hitches - each tied to a fire risk noted in the manufacturer's consequence statement. With only two campaigns spread across two different systems, the recall record here is not concentrated in one area. Separately, service bulletins - which are dealer repair guidance rather than recalls - show a heavy concentration in the electrical system, with 25 of the 46 total bulletins tied to that system. That volume suggests dealers were given repeated guidance on electrical symptoms, though a bulletin does not confirm how many vehicles were actually affected. As with any complaint database, these counts reflect how often issues were reported to NHTSA, not a measured defect rate across all Sportage owners.

50 complaints on file with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation, grouped into CarTold's broad component categories.

Most frequently reported, by the specific component NHTSA logged each complaint under (not CarTold's category groupings above):

• ENGINE — 15 complaints (30%)
• UNKNOWN OR OTHER — 11 complaints (22%)
• ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — 3 complaints (6%)
• TRAILER HITCHES — 2 complaints (4%)
• UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — 2 complaints (4%)
• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — 1 complaint (2%)

TRAILER HITCHES

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.

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Opened 2023-11-17

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,…

ENGINE

Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complai…

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