2021 Kia Sportage: reliability, problems and cost to own
Good choiceAbout average
It scores 59 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $13,637 to own, including $2,190 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Kia Sportage.
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Where repair money is likely to go
Engine & cooling$1,409
Transmission & drivetrain$373
Electrical system$115
Driver-assist & stability$84
Body, glass & interior$63
Steering$49
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
Recalls
Trailer HitchesSep 19, 2022 · campaign 22V703000
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 el
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/ModuleMar 4, 2021 · campaign 21V137000
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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Not especially. It scores 59 out of 100, about average for compact and small SUVs; the 2015, 2016 and 2019 scored better.
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?
It scores 59 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is about average. Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,190 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
How much does a 2021 Kia Sportage cost to own?
About $13,637 over 5 years: $3,601 in lost value, $2,190 in repairs and $7,846 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $15,219 today.
What are the best years of the Kia Sportage?
Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (69/100) and the 2017 worst (12/100).