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 PER YEAR
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 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 394 |
| 2018 | 158 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 153 |
| 2021 | 46 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 182 |
| 2024 | 64 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
79% of complaints: engine — 300 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
6% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 19 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Scope and Timeliness
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
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
Engine Fires
Loss of Motive Power
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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
WORST YEARS
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.