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2021 Kia Sportage

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Sportage.

The 2021 Sportage is a model that carries a 5.1‑qt oil capacity and is approved for 5W‑30, 5W‑40 or 5W‑20 viscosity in its engine. It records 46 total owner complaints, with the engine again the most frequent complaint area and only two recalls documented. That figure sits far below the model’s peak of 394 complaints in 2017 but remains above the historic low of four complaints in 2003, indicating a modest improvement in reliability for the 2021 year.

Model year2026 2025 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.1 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-40 / 5W-20OEM · verified

Lug nut torque80.0-94.0; Parking Brake: 79.0-94.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 124R · 600 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 124R · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tire size225/55R18 98VOEM · verified

Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	176.4 in
Overall width	73.2 in
Overall height	65 in
Wheelbase	105.1 in
Curb weight	3739 lb
Track (front / rear)	63.4 / 63.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Sportage of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.9–9.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.90 sec — 2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2023	PHEV X-Line Prestige 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec	6.90 sec	15.20 sec	261 hp	AWD
2023	PHEV X-Line Prestige 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec	7.00 sec	15.20 sec	261 hp	AWD
2023	PHEV X-Line Prestige 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec	7.10 sec	15.30 sec	261 hp	AWD
2023	HEV SX Prestige 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec	7.20 sec	15.50 sec	227 hp	AWD
2023	HEV SX Prestige 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec	7.30 sec	15.60 sec	227 hp	AWD
2023	HEV SX Prestige 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec	7.40 sec	15.60 sec	227 hp	AWD
2023	HEV SX Prestige 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec	7.70 sec	15.80 sec	227 hp	AWD
2023	X-Pro Prestige 2.5L I-4	8.60 sec	16.50 sec	187 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.1 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 5W-20 engine oil, GL-5 · 75W-85 in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 80.0-94.0; Parking Brake: 79.0-94.0 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0-33.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	8.2 qt
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.0 qt
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 · DOT 4
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 · DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil	GL-5 · 75W-85
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	0.63 qt

Engine torques

Cylinder Head Instructions	Use new bolts only.
Engine Flywheel Bolts	87.0-94.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	87.0-94.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14.0-17.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14.0-17.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	36.0-40.0 ft-lbs
Main Bearings	Use new bolts only.
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	25.0-33.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug	Final Drive: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug	Final Drive: 36.0-51.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill Plug	Final Drive: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug	Final Drive: 36.0-51.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	80.0-94.0; Parking Brake: 79.0-94.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	Use a new gasket: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	Use a new gasket: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	Use a new gasket: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	Checking Speed: 640 in Neutral rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	Checking Speed: 100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)	Speed-Up Speed: 660 in Neutral rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)	Speed-Up Speed: 100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	Checking Speed: 640 in Neutral rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	Checking Speed: 100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)	Speed-Up Speed: 660 in Neutral rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)	Speed-Up Speed: 100 rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity	1.16-1.27 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	30
Oil Capacity	3.72-4.38 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	124R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	48

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	70.0-75.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	Pressure must be > 42.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	Pressure must be > 42.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque	16.0-23.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	58.0-72.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque	6.3
Minimum Pad Thickness	Disc: 0.079"; Drum: 0.039" in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front: 1.040; Rear: .33 /; Front: 1.040; Rear: .33
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation	.0002"
Maximum Rotor Runout	Front: .0016; Rear: .0012
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front: .921; Rear: .330

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

34.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-82°

34–38 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

24.0-27.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-95°, Step 3: 90-95°

24–27 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs at 105,500 mi.

Every 6,000 mi	Air Intake System (inspect) · Intercooler (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 7,500 mi	Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Fuel Tank (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
At 30,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 mi	Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 105,500 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Kia Sportage sits in a period of relatively low complaint activity, with 46 complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations, compared to 156 complaints in 2020 and 182 in 2023. Across the 2020‑2022 window, the recall count remains steady at two for 2021, falling to one in 2022, while the investigation count drops from two to zero. The 2021 model’s top complaint areas—Engine (14), Unknown Or Other (10), Engine & Engine Cooling (3), and Unknown Or Other,Engine (2)—mirror the broader trend of engine‑related issues that peaked in 2017 (394 complaints) and have since subsided. Fire complaints (7) and crash complaints (3) are modest, indicating fewer safety‑related concerns than the 2023 spike in crash complaints (182). Given the decline in both complaints and recalls relative to surrounding years, the 2021 Sportage represents a comparatively reliable choice, making it a solid year to consider for purchase.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

3 involved a crash · 7 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20’21’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 46 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine14

Unknown Or Other10

Engine & Engine Cooling3

Unknown Or Other,Engine2

Trailer Hitches2

Electrical System1

Fuel/Propulsion System1

Engine & Engine Cooling,Electrical System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V137000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/ModuleReported 04/03/2021

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… 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…

22V703000Trailer HitchesReported 19/09/2022

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 68 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
CS2312_TSB_R2	2026-06-08	Structure	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_ELE422	2026-05-27	Electrical System	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM…
SC340_TSB_R5	2026-04-03	Engine	VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT…
SC340_OWNR_NQ5_105	2026-03-17	Electrical System	VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 105) - This…
SC340_TSB_R4	2026-03-05	Electrical System	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Sportage. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 124R battery Vehicles taking 5.1 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Sportage take?

5.1 qt of Models Equipped with Turbo: 5W-30 is preferred. 5W-40 may be used if 5W-30 is unavailable. Models without Turbo: 5W-20 is preferred. 5W-30 can be used if 5W-20 is unavailable. 10W-30 can be used for all models above 0°F., per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Sportage have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.