2023 Kia Sportage Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 45 3 crash

“While backing up, the vehicle’s rear camera and sensors failed to alert me to a low object. There was no audible warning, and the object was below rear window visibility. This resulted in a dent to the trunk. The camera system typically provides audio warnings, but it was silent during this event. I am concerned this could indicate a defect in the backup safety system. There have been similar recalls put out for other Kia models in this year which concerns me even more that I had this issue and that my car does not have a recall out.”
NHTSA complaint #11667212, 2025 · crash

“I had an incident happen in September 2023. As usual, I parked my car in Reverse (R), and after that, I shifted it into Park (P). Then, I released the brake, and the car unexpectedly reversed, resulting in an incident where my bumper got dented. Later, I found out that others had experienced the same problem. I'm confused whether it was due to the brake or shifting into Park. They told me there is a brake booster problem as well. However, I'm puzzled as to how it happened since there's been a recall for other models in the same family group as my KIA. Since that day, I've been following up wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11583200, 2022 · crash

“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. I have a screen shot on the original day where it shows in the Kia app that the problem was showing in the app at 10 am because it had not updated since then and it was around 10 pm.”
NHTSA complaint #11496619, 2022 · crash

Electrical System 44 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“I was parked in a spot outside the Service Department of John Kennedy Ford, waiting for my son, who was getting his car serviced. I couldn't see the door of the Service Department, so I decided to move to a position in which I could see my son exit the Department. I put the car into Reverse to exit the spot and it accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed backwards, striking two cars parked outside the Service Department, pushing them into other vehicles in the parking area. I put the car into drive to pull away from the cars I impacted and the car accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of…”
NHTSA complaint #11710944, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Vehicle caught fire while idling unattended with seat warmers activated. The driver seat ignited and fire spread across the seats to the headrest in the backseats and sunroof area. No one was inside the vehicle at the time. Multiple eyewitnesses confirm no one was near the vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the incident. Police report confirms no arson or external cause. A campus officer noted the fire may be related to the seat heater system. Vehicle is currently undrivable due to severe interior fire damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11725134, 2026 · fire

“Incident Date: [XXX] Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Component(s): Power Train (Automatic Transmission Shifter), Electrical System (Instrument Cluster/Display), Back Over Prevention (Rearview Camera) Description of Incident: On [XXX], while performing a low-speed maneuver in Pittsburgh, PA, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic Shift-by-Wire (SBW) logic failure resulting in a collision. After shifting the rotary gear selector from Reverse to Drive, the transmission failed to engage the selected gear and remained in Reverse without any auditory or haptic warning to the driver. Simultaneously, the…”
NHTSA complaint #11711230, 2025 · crash

Engine 37 2 crash 1 injury

“I was parked in a spot outside the Service Department of John Kennedy Ford, waiting for my son, who was getting his car serviced. I couldn't see the door of the Service Department, so I decided to move to a position in which I could see my son exit the Department. I put the car into Reverse to exit the spot and it accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed backwards, striking two cars parked outside the Service Department, pushing them into other vehicles in the parking area. I put the car into drive to pull away from the cars I impacted and the car accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of…”
NHTSA complaint #11710944, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, when she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not accelerate as required, and she was rear-ended, causing her vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The vehicle was towed to the repair facility; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that after research she discovered there was a recall and she had not received the recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V410000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacture…”
NHTSA complaint #11531542, 2023 · crash

“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. The dashboard lit up and the windows still worked but there was not power to the engine. Attempted to JUMP the car, unsuccessful, ultimately called a AAA who used a battery box and the car started. This happened once previously when the car was 6m-1year old and it spontaneously worked. I took for service told unclear what happened, no issues. The car gave no warning lights or indicators there wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11753463, 2026

Service Brakes 34 7 crash 3 injury

“My Kia Sportage suddenly unintentionally accelerated hitting the building in front of me. As I was parking my vehicle at Dunkin Donuts, pressing on the car brake, the car did the opposite of braking and accelerated and hit the building. My vehicle didn't stop until it hit the building. Witness was there and police was called.”
NHTSA complaint #11546480, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, attempting to merge onto the roadway, and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to decelerate. As a result, the vehicle crashed into semi-truck on the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The driver was transported to an area hospital and treated for whiplash and back pain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who did not diagnose the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact re…”
NHTSA complaint #11540084, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On the morning of May 16 2023 while making a turn at 17 th Avenue and Bayshore Drive my car continued to accelerate in spite of me trying to brake. I was projected into a stone wall and knew I was going to crash . I crashed into the wall,all my airbags were deployed and the car smelled like smoke. My accelerator got stuck and was sideways .I was unable to get out of the car from inside but a Good Samaritan had opened the door from the outside and I crawled under the airbags and got out . The car did not go on fire but was still on when I was able to then turn it off . Police were called and I…”
NHTSA complaint #11525243, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Forward Collision Avoidance 24 7 crash 4 injury

“I was parked in a spot outside the Service Department of John Kennedy Ford, waiting for my son, who was getting his car serviced. I couldn't see the door of the Service Department, so I decided to move to a position in which I could see my son exit the Department. I put the car into Reverse to exit the spot and it accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed backwards, striking two cars parked outside the Service Department, pushing them into other vehicles in the parking area. I put the car into drive to pull away from the cars I impacted and the car accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of…”
NHTSA complaint #11710944, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My Kia Sportage suddenly unintentionally accelerated hitting the building in front of me. As I was parking my vehicle at Dunkin Donuts, pressing on the car brake, the car did the opposite of braking and accelerated and hit the building. My vehicle didn't stop until it hit the building. Witness was there and police was called.”
NHTSA complaint #11546480, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 ended up hitting her I didn't have no warning telling me I was getting close to a car nor did it break at all like it's supposed to. It beeps when you park but now on dec 5 a truck cut me off and it I couldn't break fast enough but the car is equipped with safety features that aren't working and now I'm injured and they won't total my car because it's…”
NHTSA complaint #11496407, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 18 1 crash

“Incident Date: [XXX] Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Component(s): Power Train (Automatic Transmission Shifter), Electrical System (Instrument Cluster/Display), Back Over Prevention (Rearview Camera) Description of Incident: On [XXX], while performing a low-speed maneuver in Pittsburgh, PA, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic Shift-by-Wire (SBW) logic failure resulting in a collision. After shifting the rotary gear selector from Reverse to Drive, the transmission failed to engage the selected gear and remained in Reverse without any auditory or haptic warning to the driver. Simultaneously, the…”
NHTSA complaint #11711230, 2025 · crash

“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. The dashboard lit up and the windows still worked but there was not power to the engine. Attempted to JUMP the car, unsuccessful, ultimately called a AAA who used a battery box and the car started. This happened once previously when the car was 6m-1year old and it spontaneously worked. I took for service told unclear what happened, no issues. The car gave no warning lights or indicators there wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11753463, 2026

“Frequently while driving my 2023 Kia shortage Hybrid will accelerate on its own. This happens randomly while driving straight as well as making turns. My suv also has a vary hard time driving uphill. If im driving at 25 mph when approaching the hill, my car then gradually drops down to 10-15 mph.This is extremely scary especially when driving with my children in the car. I haven’t owned the vehicle for a year and don’t know why it’s performing this way.”
NHTSA complaint #11708121, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 12 1 crash 1 injury

“On the morning of May 16 2023 while making a turn at 17 th Avenue and Bayshore Drive my car continued to accelerate in spite of me trying to brake. I was projected into a stone wall and knew I was going to crash . I crashed into the wall,all my airbags were deployed and the car smelled like smoke. My accelerator got stuck and was sideways .I was unable to get out of the car from inside but a Good Samaritan had opened the door from the outside and I crawled under the airbags and got out . The car did not go on fire but was still on when I was able to then turn it off . Police were called and I…”
NHTSA complaint #11525243, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Purchased the vehicle 2nd hand January 29th 2025. Since then she has been in and out of multiple shops including Kia. Check engine light, loss of power on fwy, shifting/brake changes from a stop. From jerking, lunging, studder, taking off fast, not wanting to go at all. I was on these dips that I encounter almost daily and the collision warning went off. There wasnt anything in front of me. 2 weeks later I was cut off and had to swerve to avoid. Collision warning DID NOT go off. Driving on the fwy and the gas pedal pulled away from my foot as if it was accelerating. Kia has done a hard carbon,…”
NHTSA complaint #11709113, 2025

“Check Hybrid System warning keeps coming on. Dealer can't find a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11704461, 2025

Air Bags 11 7 crash 6 injury

“On November 15, I was traveling with my mother and seated in the front passenger seat of a 2023 Kia Sportage while she was driving approximately 65 mph on the interstate when the vehicle struck a deer. The impact caused significant front-end damage, including the bumper, radiator area, and underbody components. I was wearing a seatbelt. Despite the severity of the collision and the high rate of speed, neither the driver nor passenger airbags deployed. No airbags deployed in any position in the vehicle. I sustained injuries, including a right shoulder sprain and having the wind knocked out of…”
NHTSA complaint #11712825, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed through an intersection, the vehicle was struck on the passenger side front quarter panel by another vehicle that had failed to yield. As a result, the vehicle spun out of control through the intersection before coming to a complete stop, causing the driver to hit her head on the driver's side window. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11651092, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned all 3 lanes on the highway. The vehicle hit a retaining wall, the vehicle bounced back, spun around, and faced oncoming traffic head-on. An oversized trailer crashed into the contact's vehicle head-on and pushed the vehicle into the middle lane, where it came to a stop. The driver’s and passenger’s side air bags did not deploy. Unknown if any warning lights were illuminated. However, the vehicle's system contacted 911. A police report was filed. The contact was taken to the hospital via…”
NHTSA complaint #11670932, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Back Over Prevention 11 3 crash

“While actively parking, my car accelerated and slammed into a wall an arm's length away. The collision was impactful enough to cause my seatbelt to engage and slam into my sternum. While attempting to turn off the car, the computer system glitched, engaging all three different drive modes (N, R, D). The breaking command I gave the vehicle was ignored, and the vehicle accelerated into the parking garage wall. No front collision assist or safety feature engaged. The vehicle is currently at a repair shop with the damage cost totalling $17K. The MFR recently inspected the car in Decemeber when…”
NHTSA complaint #11721553, 2026 · crash

“While backing up, the vehicle’s rear camera and sensors failed to alert me to a low object. There was no audible warning, and the object was below rear window visibility. This resulted in a dent to the trunk. The camera system typically provides audio warnings, but it was silent during this event. I am concerned this could indicate a defect in the backup safety system. There have been similar recalls put out for other Kia models in this year which concerns me even more that I had this issue and that my car does not have a recall out.”
NHTSA complaint #11667212, 2025 · crash

“I parked my car. It reversed slowly and hit a wall made of metal net. I started my car, drove a little forward, and parked it again. The car is now parked as normal. I took my car to the dealer and informed them about a brake problem. They verified that it was a brake booster problem. The repair process took 21 days. I am currently attempting to claim the accident, but the Kia company is providing various reasons for potential denial.”
NHTSA complaint #11554455, 2023 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 9 3 crash 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving forward into a parking space at a very slow speed and while pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove over the stop bump and a curve before crashing into a building wall. During the crash, the contact sustained a head injury which later required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was driven away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11545121, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On the morning of May 16 2023 while making a turn at 17 th Avenue and Bayshore Drive my car continued to accelerate in spite of me trying to brake. I was projected into a stone wall and knew I was going to crash . I crashed into the wall,all my airbags were deployed and the car smelled like smoke. My accelerator got stuck and was sideways .I was unable to get out of the car from inside but a Good Samaritan had opened the door from the outside and I crawled under the airbags and got out . The car did not go on fire but was still on when I was able to then turn it off . Police were called and I…”
NHTSA complaint #11525243, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated after his wife stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle accelerated independently and caused to crash the vehicle ahead of them. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.”
NHTSA complaint #11502359, 2023 · crash

Lane Departure 8 1 crash 1 injury

“driving on the highway in the left lane with driver assist engaged. crashed into car driving in the right lane when the kia driver assist turned off without warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11549129, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving on the highway and encountered a slick spot. The lane keeping assist and braking caused the car to veer to left to try to stay in the lane, which in turn caused the car to spin around twice. The car need to turn in the direction of the spin which was not possible because the lane assist was controlling the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #11667074, 2025

“Multiple times I have reported all of my cluster lights come on randomly while driving. They are distracting and it's difficult to tell if the systems are actually working. The dealership claims it's a rear sensor however they refuse to fix it due to my car appears to have been hit. There's no damage to my vehicle any where. Now I have to wait for the lights to come on again before I can take it to another dealership and have it reassessed.”
NHTSA complaint #11646989, 2025

Visibility 7

“I had gotten my windshield replaced by safelite last year. On a cold day while driving to work, I went to adjust my rearview mirror and the rearview mirror came off from the windshield. It completely detached. I was adjusting it as I would any other time I adjusted the rear view mirror. This obviously left me in a lurch because I had to go to work. So I drove without a rear view mirror until I could get a replacement after the work day. This is obviously a dangerous situation to be in. I reached out to safelite because they have a lifetime warranty. They informed me that they will not cover…”
NHTSA complaint #11740567, 2026

“While driving on a highway at approximately 5:00 p.m., a loud explosion occurred. My husband said it sounded like we were shot. Once we pulled over, we discovered the panoramic sunroof had exploded. We immediately pulled off on the nearest exit and drove the car right back to the dealer. While my husband drove the car, I researched sunroof explosions and found several complaints of other Kia cars with panoramic sunroofs that had exploded. Upon arrival at the dealership, the service department was closed, but we were able to bring the car inside the garage since it was raining. There was…”
NHTSA complaint #11645514, 2025

“I have had several problems with the windshield of my Kia Sportage. First off, it has a terrible glare or distortion while driving at night. I think it has to do with the elements inside the windshield. Secondly, the windshield cracks with even the slightest hit from anything on the road. I have had my car for 5 months and have received 6 chips to my windshield. Two of them happened when another vehicle was driving the opposite direction down the road. Three of them happened when I didn’t have a car or anything anywhere around me. One of them happened when an 18 wheeler was driving next to me…”
NHTSA complaint #11518123, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 6

“After owning our car for about a year when we started noticing abnormal pitting and chips in our windshield. I inquired to the dealership I bought it from and they said it was normal. Consequently the pits, chips and cracks got worse at an alarming rate. I took pictures from when the worst crack started and from February 2025 to August 2025 the crack has spread to 3/4 of my windshield. The windshield also rattles and whistles where the beginning of the crack is.”
NHTSA complaint #11684978, 2024

“Engine failure problem. Also, windshield just cracked for no reason and continously spreading”
NHTSA complaint #11583915, 2024

“The front windshield glass is very brittle compared to any other vehicle glass. This allows for frequent chips and cracks that are very costly to repair/replace.”
NHTSA complaint #11582655, 2024

Seats 5 1 fire

“Vehicle caught fire while idling unattended with seat warmers activated. The driver seat ignited and fire spread across the seats to the headrest in the backseats and sunroof area. No one was inside the vehicle at the time. Multiple eyewitnesses confirm no one was near the vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the incident. Police report confirms no arson or external cause. A campus officer noted the fire may be related to the seat heater system. Vehicle is currently undrivable due to severe interior fire damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11725134, 2026 · fire

“I purchased this car from a dealership. After getting home, I realized the rear safety head restraints were missing. After multiple attempts to contact and ask for this to be fixed, I don't get returned calls and have not received the replacement head restraints. I was NOT notified at the time of purchase these were missing. I will not let passengers sit in my rear seat without these safety headrests.”
NHTSA complaint #11729982, 2026

“Within just two years of normal use, the front driver-side leather seat in my vehicle has developed multiple cracks. I contacted the dealer and was dismissively told this obvious defect is considered “normal wear and tear” and therefore not covered under warranty. I then contacted Kia customer service, only to be told they “do not handle warranty issues” and that everything is the dealer’s responsibility. This complete lack of accountability is unacceptable. If Kia’s so-called “leather” seats cannot last more than two years, then the product is clearly substandard. Had I known the materials we…”
NHTSA complaint #11734114, 2025

Steering 5

“The contact’s daughter owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. While the owner was reversing from the driveway, the driver’s side wheel collapsed outside of the wheel well at a 90-degree angle. While inspecting the failure, the contact became aware that a bolt for the upper knuckle was missing from the strut bar used to connect the control arm to the wheel bearing, causing the wheel to collapse outwards. There was rust where the bolt was missing. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the missing bolt was confirmed; however, a cause for the failure was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac…”
NHTSA complaint #11737789, 2026

“Multiple service repairs to replace failed tie rods on front passenger side, both inner and outer, vehicle mileage ranging from 27000 to 31000. Ultimately yesterday, vehicle was in for another inner tie rod replacement when it was found that steering rack and pinion failed on vehicle at 31000~ miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11548606, 2023

“The AWD/4WD is failing in multiple 2023 sportages. I have a 2023 Sportage X-Pro that was purchased 12/30/2022. Current mileage is 7,731. The viscous coupling is faulty/failing in these vehicles. The sensor does come on in the car. The dealer has deemed the car “unsafe to drive”. The vehicle has been at the dealership since 8/29/2023. Currently the car has been dispatched to 4 different Kia master technicians for diagnosis, but no repairs have been done and no additional communication from the dealer service department. I spoke to Kia consumer services and they didn’t care one bit.”
NHTSA complaint #11544630, 2023

Structure 5

“The roof strip above the driver side of the car is no longer attached and flew off somewhere. Unknown of the date it may have happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11752097, 2026

“I was driving and heard a loud pop like a gunshot and then the sound of glass breaking. When I inspected, the sunroof had just shattered for no reason. All the edges of the sunroof have a shatter line along them with no damage in the middle of the glass”
NHTSA complaint #11730818, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the passenger’s side roof molding was missing from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was determined that the roof molding needed to be replaced; however, he had to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V025000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11694172, 2025

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who determined that the fuel injector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, while at the dealer, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (POWER TRAIN), but later while driving, the message "Low Engine Oil" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11702679, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel, the electronic fuel cap door failed to immediately open, and the contact was unable the to insert the nozzle into the filler neck. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11669197, 2025

Wheels 2

“Purchased a brand new 2023 Kia Sportage and at 10,000 miles my brakes felt like they were worn out, the car had a wobbling to it and a grinding sound. Took it into the dealer and they told me my brakes and rotors are worn out. They wanted $900.00. I complained to the manager and he said they would do it as a courtesy. Now again at 20,000 I am having the same issue. Again took it back and they told me they need to talk to me about my braking habits! Also they said they will do it again as a courtesy, which I am extremely grateful! But I do not want to change out my brakes and rotor every 10,000…”
NHTSA complaint #11590607, 2024

“The AWD/4WD is failing in multiple 2023 sportages. I have a 2023 Sportage X-Pro that was purchased 12/30/2022. Current mileage is 7,731. The viscous coupling is faulty/failing in these vehicles. The sensor does come on in the car. The dealer has deemed the car “unsafe to drive”. The vehicle has been at the dealership since 8/29/2023. Currently the car has been dispatched to 4 different Kia master technicians for diagnosis, but no repairs have been done and no additional communication from the dealer service department. I spoke to Kia consumer services and they didn’t care one bit.”
NHTSA complaint #11544630, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH on the highway, the engine and oil check warning light was illuminated. The Kia App alerted the driver to check the engine when convenient. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was co…”
NHTSA complaint #11747362, 2026

Equipment 1

“I purchased a brand new 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line March 23, 2022. When I turned the A/C on, very warm air was blowing from the vents even though A/C button was on and temperature was set to low meaning cold air. The air rapidly became burning hot to the point it would burn your hands when placed by the vents to test the air. I had to shut it off. Opening the windows did not help, the weather was in the 90’s, and summer had arrived!! It was like driving in a sauna trying to breath. I took it to the dealer, problem reproduced. Service contacted Kia engineers; they suggested replaci…”
NHTSA complaint #11467545, 2022

Exterior Lighting 1

“After driving my normal route, I stopped at a red light, before light went green, the car shut off. No lights on the dash, completely blank. The car was in drive, and foot was on the brake. There was no brake lights, flashers would not operator, the horn did not work and I could not move the car. The car was dead. After a few minutes stranded the car decided to start again. This has happened no less than 6x since I have owned this vehicle in similar situations. I have taken it to the Kia dealership where I purchased it and it has been inspected and kept for days multiple times with the resul…”
NHTSA complaint #11585672, 2024

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“We purchased a new 2023 Kia Sportage a month ago (January). There are several issues we’ve encountered. One week after purchase, the doors on the vehicle would lock on it’s own and we weren’t able to unlock them. The key fob nor trying to unlock the doors manually would not work. At times, we weren’t able to lock or unlock the doors and had to do it remotely from the Kia app on the phone. I spoke with the salesperson and manager from the dealership on two separate occasions. I was told to change the batteries in the key fobs, but the problem continues. The second issue is that we noticed the…”
NHTSA complaint #11507139, 2023

Seat Belts 1

“The driver seatbelt buckle does not stay buckled in. It is not attaching correctly. I have to push in the red button and then put the buckle in. Sometimes this will secure, other times I have to repeat the steps or it will come out while I am driving. I am concerned that if there was an accident the accident would not work correctly. I called to schedule an appointment and the dealership was also concerned. They checked recalls and there are none. They are unable to get my vehicle looked at until the end of June which is almost a month away.”
NHTSA complaint #11523871, 2023

Suspension 1

“Excessive body roll causes instability and loss of control. While driving on the interstate at normal speeds, driving over bumps such as bridge joints cause instability. Dealer investigated concern but stated this is normal on all sportage.”
NHTSA complaint #11590175, 2024