2013 Kia Sportage

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Kia Sportage
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Sportage Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 1995: 56 complaints 1995 1996: 57 complaints 1997: 181 complaints 1998: 303 complaints 1999: 284 complaints 1999 2000: 304 complaints 2001: 228 complaints 2002: 234 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2003 2005: 68 complaints 2006: 111 complaints 2007: 77 complaints 2008: 98 complaints 2008 2009: 80 complaints 2010: 20 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 392 complaints 2012 2013: 380 complaints 2013 2014: 122 complaints 2015: 146 complaints 2016: 130 complaints 2016 2017: 394 complaints 2018: 158 complaints 2019: 68 complaints 2020: 153 complaints 2020 2021: 46 complaints 2022: 42 complaints 2023: 182 complaints 2024: 64 complaints 2024 2025: 49 complaints 2026: 19 complaints 2026
2013: 380 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199556
199657
1997181
1998303
1999284
2000304
2001228
2002234
20034
200568
2006111
200777
200898
200980
201020
2011181
2012392
2013380
2014122
2015146
2016130
2017394
2018158
201968
2020153
202146
202242
2023182
202464
202549
202619

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 79%

79% of complaints: engine — 300 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I have a Kia Sportage Ex 2013 and this motor vehicle has a fire and explotion in the road.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231229

VEHICLE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DURING USE

NHTSA ODI report, 20181114

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, 20181029

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5%

5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 19 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
POWER TRAIN 5%

5% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3%

3% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

2013 — complaint volume: 380
I 20170518 — RQ (closed 20211222)

Scope and Timeliness

R 20170620 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 17V224000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190117 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (300 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 2021 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2012 ■ 2000

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.