2021 Kia Sportage engine problems
20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Kia Sportage — 42% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“On June 14, 2026, the driver experienced sudden rough engine running followed immediately by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer, which has performed all prior maintenance. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. Technician…”
filed Jul 24, 2026
“While I was driving in the interstate my car when in limp mode while I was trying to pass a semi. I had my children in the car and was stranded on the side of the road. No warning lights ever came on before hand. My mechanic said it was a problem with my engine and it’s common in Kia’s in but doe…”
filed May 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
SC340_TSB_R5 · Emissions · issued Apr 4, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / QL) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_QL103 · Emissions · issued Dec 19, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
SC340_TSB_R3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 10, 2025
Engine problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 6 | 12% |
| 2024 Sportage | 9 | 14% |
| 2023 Sportage | 37 | 20% |
| 2022 Sportage | 20 | 44% |
| 2020 Sportage | 71 | 45% |
| 2019 Sportage | 35 | 51% |
| 2018 Sportage | 86 | 54% |
| 2017 Sportage | 219 | 55% |
| 2016 Sportage | 58 | 45% |
| 2015 Sportage | 84 | 58% |
| 2014 Sportage | 71 | 58% |
| 2013 Sportage | 300 | 79% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia Sportage
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.