2013 Kia Sportage Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 26 brakes complaints for the 2013 Kia Sportage, 7% of all complaints filed for that model year, with a median mileage at failure of 52,500 miles. A related recall (23V652000) covers the hydraulic brake system, with some owners reporting delayed parts availability.
- Brakes complaints
- 26
- 7% of 381
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 52,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners describe complete or partial brake failure, including pumping the pedal with no response, in at least one case leading to a crash and injuries.
- Some report a sudden pop or bang at the front wheels followed by both front brakes locking up and the vehicle unable to move.
- Multiple owners report loud grinding or sandpaper-like noise from the front brakes, sometimes tied to warped rotors that caused violent shaking when braking.
- Several owners report the ABS warning light illuminating during driving, in one case linked to a failed gas cap rather than the brake system itself.
- A cluster of owners report receiving recall notice 23V652000 for the hydraulic brake system but say replacement parts were not available at the dealer for an extended period.
- A few complaints mention smoke or fire from the engine bay or vents that owners associated with the brake system, though the link to brakes is unclear from the reports.
When 2013 Kia Sportage brake complaints were filed
First complaint May 7, 2014, latest Aug 14, 2025.
Brakes recalls for the 2013 Kia Sportage
- 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.
Brakes complaints by Sportage model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA lists 26 brakes complaints for the 2013 Kia Sportage, which is 7% of the 381 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Kia Sportage?
- Yes. Recall 23V652000, reported 2023-09-25, covers the hydraulic service brakes and advises owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is done.
- At what mileage do brake problems tend to show up on the 2013 Sportage?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 52,500 miles for brakes complaints on the 2013 Sportage.
- Have brake issues on the 2013 Sportage caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 1 injury among the brakes complaints for the 2013 Sportage, along with 2 fire reports.
- Is the 2013 Sportage worse for brake complaints than other Sportage years?
- The 26 brake complaints (7% share) for 2013 are lower than 2016's 38 complaints (29% share) and 2015's 32 complaints (22% share), based on NHTSA's model-year breakdown.