2023 Kia Sportage
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
- 195
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2023
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 195 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 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
24% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving the vehicle yesterday, had no problems and then when making a right hand turn the vehicle completely locked up. The brakes and steering column locked and the vehicle completely shut done.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29
Also filed under Power train
Engine
19% · 38 reportsForward collision avoidance
18% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Show complaint excerpts
It would be easier to explain to someone over the phone as there are a lot of details. Phone number is 8135177176 kia did look at it after when I went in for oil Change as I tried to get ahold of corporate. I tried to explain to police also.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-12-08
On Aug 25th I was driving and the screens all shut off while driving, I didn't think anything of it, but a few hours later in ocala fl, cars had started breaking and slowing down, but then started again, but one lady had not started moving and I...
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-12-07
Service brakes
18% · 35 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact was driving a 2023 Kia Sportage loaner vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-11
Also filed under Air bags
Power train
10% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2022-09-23Electrical system22V651000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
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2022-12-28Air bags22V878000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC257.
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2023Complaint volume 195 complaints filed for this model year.
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2023-05-26Electrical system23V298000 Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
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2023-07-21Service brakes, hydraulic23V410000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC272.
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2023-09-28Power train23V531000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge.
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2024-03-15Structure24V025000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 38 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 36 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V651000 · Electrical system
- Recall 22V878000 · Air bags
- Recall 23V298000 · Electrical system
- Recall 23V410000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 23V531000 · Power train
- Recall 24V025000 · Structure
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2023 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Kia Sportage is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sportage have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.