How common are engine problems in the 2013 Kia Sportage?

Engine complaints make up 314 of 381 total complaints filed for the 2013 Sportage, or 82% of all complaints for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Sportage engine?

Yes. Recall 17V224000 covers 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles for machining errors that caused premature bearing wear inside the engine. A second recall, 18V907000, covers a fuel pipe inspection for vehicles that already had an engine replaced under that or other campaigns.

At what mileage do 2013 Sportage engines typically fail?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 100,000 miles for engine complaints on the 2013 Sportage.

Do 2013 Kia Sportage engine failures cause fires?

NHTSA lists 19 fires and 2 crashes among the reported engine complaints for the 2013 Sportage, with 1 injury reported.

Is the engine problem worse in the 2013 Sportage than other years?

Yes, relative to other Sportage model years. The 2013 model's 82% engine complaint share is among the highest, close behind the 2012 model at 84%.

2013 Kia Sportage Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 314 of 381 complaints (82%) filed for the 2013 Kia Sportage, the highest share among Sportage model years. Owners report engine seizures, stalling, oil leaks, and fires, often near 100,000 miles. Two related recalls cover engine bearing wear and fuel pipe issues.

Engine complaints: 314; 82% of 381
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 19
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 100,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine seizes suddenly at highway speeds due to connecting rod or rod bearing failure, sometimes rupturing the oil pan and spraying oil onto hot exhaust parts.
Vehicle stalls or loses power while driving 40-70 mph, followed by smoke or visible flames coming from the engine bay.
Owners describe hearing a loud bang, boom, or knocking noise from the engine right before it fails or catches fire.
Oil leaks from the engine appear alongside a burning smell or gasoline odor from the oil dipstick.
Engine fires start with no prior warning light, check engine light, or noise, catching drivers by surprise.
Electrical failures accompany some engine seizures, including the vehicle going dead at speed or the starter frying.

When 2013 Kia Sportage engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 20, 2013, latest Sep 15, 2026.

314 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q2 (27).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Kia Sportage

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.

Engine complaints by Sportage model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20058 (12%)
200630 (27%)
200717 (22%)
200822 (22%)
200911 (14%)
20103 (15%)
201189 (49%)
2012331 (84%)
2013314 (82%)
201474 (61%)
201586 (59%)
201665 (50%)
2017234 (59%)
2018100 (61%)
201940 (57%)
202085 (53%)
202126 (51%)
202222 (48%)
202346 (24%)
202413 (18%)
202511 (22%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2013 Kia Sportage?: Engine complaints make up 314 of 381 total complaints filed for the 2013 Sportage, or 82% of all complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Sportage engine?: Yes. Recall 17V224000 covers 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles for machining errors that caused premature bearing wear inside the engine. A second recall, 18V907000, covers a fuel pipe inspection for vehicles that already had an engine replaced under that or other campaigns.
At what mileage do 2013 Sportage engines typically fail?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 100,000 miles for engine complaints on the 2013 Sportage.
Do 2013 Kia Sportage engine failures cause fires?: NHTSA lists 19 fires and 2 crashes among the reported engine complaints for the 2013 Sportage, with 1 injury reported.
Is the engine problem worse in the 2013 Sportage than other years?: Yes, relative to other Sportage model years. The 2013 model's 82% engine complaint share is among the highest, close behind the 2012 model at 84%.