2013 Kia Sportage Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 Sportage years
The 2013 Kia Sportage has 381 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 80, ranking 4th worst of 16 model years. Engine problems dominate at 82% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 100,000, plus three recalls including an engine bearing recall.
- Complaints
- 381
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 22
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 27 hwy
Top 2013 Kia Sportage problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine314 (82%)
- Other27 (7%)
- Brakes26 (7%)
- Electrical System22 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (5%)
- Fuel System9 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (2%)
- Structure & Body7 (2%)
- Airbags4 (1%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (1%)
What owners report
- Engine catches fire or produces smoke and flames while driving on the highway, sometimes preceded by a loud cracking noise.
- Vehicle stalls suddenly at highway speed and later shows oil leakage and an illuminated check engine light.
- Rod bearing failure seizes the engine, which is accompanied by smoke and, in one case, a fried starter.
- Electrical system fires occur under the hood both while driving and while parked, in one instance with the gas pedal becoming unresponsive.
- Complete brake failure has been reported despite repeated pumping of the brake pedal, leading to a crash.
- Airbags failed to deploy during a crash involving a guard rail and being T-boned by another vehicle.
2013 Kia Sportage recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
- NHTSA 17V224000Mar 31, 2017Engine618,160 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
2013 Kia Sportage fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Compared with other Sportage model years, the 2013 ranks poorly. NHTSA lists 381 complaints and a complaint index of 80, making it the 4th worst of the 16 model years covered.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Kia Sportage?
- Engine problems account for 82% of complaints (314 of 381), with a median failure mileage of 100,000 and 19 reported fires.
- Does the 2013 Kia Sportage have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two engine-related recalls (17V224000 and 18V907000) covering bearing wear from machining errors and a related fuel pipe inspection, plus a separate brake recall (23V652000).
- How does the 2013 Sportage compare to other years?
- The 2013 (complaint index 80, Avoid) ranks worse than 2011 (47, Good), 2014 (13, Best), and 2019 (7, Best), but better than 2023 (100, Avoid) and 2017 (93, Avoid).
- How many fires have been reported for the 2013 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA data shows 22 fire-related complaints for the 2013 Sportage, most tied to the engine and electrical system problem areas.