NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
This page covers 3 recalls, 380 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Kia Sportage.
21–23 mpg combined
10.2–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2013 Kia Sportage's complaint record by a wide margin, making up the bulk of what owners report. The most common theme is engine failure tied to oil consumption, owners frequently describe the engine burning through oil between changes at an accelerating rate, often without warning lights triggering in time. Many report a knocking or rattling sound that precedes the engine stalling or seizing, sometimes while driving at highway speeds. Some owners note the engine cuts out suddenly before dying completely. A smaller share of complaints involve the powertrain and hydraulic brakes, but those numbers are comparatively low and don't form a clear symptom pattern the way the engine complaints do. The oil consumption and knock-then-stall sequence is the defining complaint pattern for this model year.
380
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
22
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 KIA Sportage has 3 recalls, with two tied to fire risk: a fuel leak in engines that were previously replaced or repaired under an earlier recall campaign, and a separate issue where the anti-lock brake control module can catch fire while the vehicle is parked or moving.
The third recall involves internal engine bearing wear that can cause the engine to seize without warning, cutting power while driving and raising the risk of a crash. On the fire risk side, vehicles whose engines were previously replaced or had other warranty engine work done may have a fuel leak that, near an ignition source, can lead to an underhood fire. The brake system concern centers on the anti-lock brake and traction control module, which can overheat and ignite in the engine compartment regardless of whether the car is being driven.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause bearings inside the engine to wear out prematurely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.