This page covers 10 recalls, 275 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Kia Sportage.
25–43 mpg combined
5.5–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
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 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2023 Kia Sportage draws the most complaints around the engine and electrical system, with a notable cluster tied to the hybrid powertrain. Owners of the hybrid variant frequently report a sudden loss of drive power while underway, often accompanied by a "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dash. The engine continues running in these episodes, but pressing the accelerator produces little or no movement, leaving drivers stranded or coasting. The vehicle speed control category adds to the hybrid concern, with owners describing abrupt, unintended power interruptions during normal driving. Brake complaints appear across multiple reports as well, with owners describing grinding and premature rotor wear arriving within the first several months of ownership.
275
Total Complaints
27
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
15
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Kia Sportage has 10 recalls, the most serious being three separate fire risks: a wiring short in the rear seat heater on fold-and-dive seat models, a loose alternator terminal nut that can cause an electrical surge, and an oil pump controller that can overheat.
On the safety equipment side, side curtain airbags on some vehicles were twisted during installation and can deploy incorrectly in a crash, raising the risk of injury. The brake booster diaphragm can shift out of position and leak vacuum internally, reducing power brake assist and extending stopping distances. Several recalls involve the instrument cluster going blank at startup, leaving the driver without speedometer readings, warning lights, or tire pressure information. One of these cluster failures is tied specifically to vehicles equipped with a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory, where a software error causes the screen to go dark or reboot while driving. Roof molding on certain vehicles can also loosen and shed onto the road, creating a hazard for traffic behind.
At a glance
What can fail
The tow hitch harness control module software may cause the instrument cluster to restart while driving, making the speedometer, warning lights, and other vehicle information temporarily unavailable.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
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 →
Kia will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will inspect and replace the tow hitch harness control module if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the tow hitch harness can cause the 4.2-inch instrument panel screen to stop working, affecting vehicle controls and displays.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module at no cost to restore instrument panel function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof molding can loosen and detach from the vehicle roof.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump may have damaged electrical components that cause the pump to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned, causing an internal vacuum leak that reduces power brake assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster screen may stay blank when you start the vehicle, preventing you from seeing the odometer, warning lights, and vehicle status information.
What the fix does
Kia will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will update your instrument cluster software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The digital instrument cluster screen may go blank when you start the vehicle, leaving you without dashboard information or tire pressure warnings.
What the fix does
Your dealer will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to restore normal display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation, which could prevent them from working properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the side curtain air bags and reinstall them if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bracket that holds the folding rear seats can damage the wiring for the rear seat heater, potentially causing the wiring to short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinforce the rear seat heater wire harness to prevent damage from the bracket.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut connecting the alternator's positive battery terminal can loosen, potentially causing the engine to stall or creating an electrical surge.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
