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 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 | 131 |
| 2017 | 399 |
| 2018 | 163 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 160 |
| 2021 | 50 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 190 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2026 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: electrical system — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20260729
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
19% of complaints: engine — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY19% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20221208
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, 20221207
18% of complaints: service brakes — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact was driving a 2023 Kia Sportage loaner vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230911
Also filed under AIR BAGS
9% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive).
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 22V651000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V878000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V298000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V410000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V531000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2023 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (46 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V651000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V878000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V298000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V410000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V531000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V025000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.