2013 Kia Sportage
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 381
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
79% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 381 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 123 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 132 |
| 2017 | 401 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 161 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 192 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
79% · 301 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I have a Kia Sportage Ex 2013 and this motor vehicle has a fire and explotion in the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-29
Vehicle engine caught fire during use
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-14
The engine of my vehicle caught on fire while I was driving. The accident happened July 10TH. As of October 29TH I am still awaiting its repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-29
Service brakes
7% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
We were driving down the road and heard a whine. About 2 minutes later there was a pop in both front wheels locked we could not move and we cannot get them to…
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-29
Also filed under Suspension
Kia Sportage 2013 plate. Complete brake failure on approach to junction despite pumping brake pedal. Resulted in crash and injuries sustained. Malfunction of ability to deactivate cruise control by applying brake in addition, on one occasion.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-16
Electrical system
6% · 22 reportsPower train
5% · 18 reportsEngine and engine cooling
4% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing crankcase (pcv).
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2013Complaint volume 381 complaints filed for this model year.
-
I
2017-05-18Recall queryClosed 2021-12-22 Scope and Timeliness
-
R
2017-06-20Engine and engine cooling17V224000 Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
-
R
2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS)...
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
-
I
2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
-
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
-
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
-
R
2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 301 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V224000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Kia Sportage is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 79% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Sportage have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.