2021 Kia Sportage Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 26 engine complaints for the 2021 Kia Sportage, 51% of its 51 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 65,000. There are 4 fire reports and 2 injuries tied to this component, and no related recall is listed.
- Engine complaints
- 26
- 51% of 51
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 65,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine compartment smoke or fire, sometimes while parked or shortly after shutting off the vehicle.
- Several describe excessive oil consumption, with oil levels dropping far below normal between changes despite no visible leak.
- Some report catastrophic engine failure on the road, including a seized engine, a failed crankshaft and rocker arm, or engine block pieces found in the cradle cover.
- Others noticed check engine and low oil warning lights before the vehicle lost power or would not accelerate above a low speed.
- One complaint mentions knock sensor and camshaft position sensor fault codes linked to possible timing chain failure.
When 2021 Kia Sportage engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 20, 2022, latest Aug 20, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 Kia Sportage
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Sportage model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2021 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA records 26 engine complaints for the 2021 Sportage, which is 51% of all 51 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia Sportage engine?
- No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for this engine complaint category.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 65,000 miles.
- Have there been fires or injuries linked to the engine?
- Yes, NHTSA data shows 4 fire reports and 2 injuries associated with engine complaints on the 2021 Sportage, with 0 crashes reported.
- What kinds of engine failures do owners describe?
- Owners describe excessive oil consumption, smoke or fire near the engine, sudden loss of power, and catastrophic failures involving the crankshaft, rocker arm, or engine block.