NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Sportage scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 45 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Kia Sportage presents a complex safety profile. While federal crash-test results are strong, its defect record is a notable concern, pulling its overall NHTSA Safety Index score to 75/100, placing it in the Average band. This assessment is significantly influenced by two recall campaigns, one of which includes a park-outside directive. Prospective owners should carefully consider the implications of these recalls against the positive crash-test performance.
The 2021 Kia Sportage received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Sportage ranks 94 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 75 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 45 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 94 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Sportage?
The 2021 Kia Sportage's Safety Index of 75 out of 100 places it in the Average band, a two-point decrease from the 2020 model's 77. This decline is largely attributable to the defect record component, which earned a low 6 out of 20 points. Two recall campaigns, both issued with park-outside directives, significantly influenced this score, signaling elevated risk within NHTSA's classification system. Of particular concern is the braking system recall, which addresses the hydraulic electronic control unit across 2017-2021 Sportage vehicles and was issued early in the 2021 model year. Crash protection, by contrast, is a genuine strength, with 61 out of 70 points. This is anchored by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star score in side-impact tests. The avoidance technology score of 7.5 out of 10 reflects standard lane departure warning, though forward collision warning remains an optional feature for this generation. The 45 reported owner complaints, including 7 alleging fire-related incidents, underscore the importance of the defect record score, even in the presence of strong crash-test results.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Sportage perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Kia Sportage earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side-impact protection was a perfect 5 stars, the strongest result across categories for this model. Frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk was 15 percent, with a dynamic tip test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15645
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Kia Sportage has two recall campaigns, and both carry park-outside or do-not-drive directives. The first, issued in March 2021, targets the hydraulic electronic control unit in the antilock braking and traction control system on certain 2017-2021 Sportage vehicles. The second, issued in September 2022, involves trailer hitches across a range of Kia models including this one.
TRAILER HITCHES22V703000
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.
Reported 2022-09-19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE21V137000
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 cont
Reported 2021-03-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has logged 45 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Sportage. Alleged issues are concentrated in the Engine category, which accounts for 19 reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at 13 and Engine And Engine Cooling plus Electrical System at 5 each. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
45 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Sportage?
The 2021 Sportage has been subject to two recall campaigns, both of which include a "park outside" directive. Prospective owners of a used 2021 Sportage should verify that all open recalls have been addressed, obtaining written confirmation of their resolution.
- The 2021 Sportage carries two park-outside recall campaigns, including one targeting the hydraulic electronic control unit in the antilock braking and traction control system, a safety-critical component that prompted the directive.
- The Safety Index fell two points from the 2020 model year, from 77 to 75, with the defect record sub-score of 6 out of 20 being the primary drag on an otherwise competitive crash-protection result.
- NHTSA recorded 45 unverified complaints for this model year, with 7 alleged fire-related reports and 19 complaints concentrated in the Engine category, making powertrain allegations the dominant complaint theme for this specific year.
- Forward collision warning is listed as optional, not standard, on the 2021 Sportage, meaning individual vehicles on the used market may or may not be equipped with this crash-avoidance feature, and buyers should verify fitment on any specific unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Sportage places
The 2021 Kia Sportage qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Sportage safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Sportage crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Kia Sportage, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Kia Sportage crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Kia Sportage earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Sportage have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Kia Sportage, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Sportage?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 45 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Sportage. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sportage years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15645), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sportage 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 94 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.