2023 Kia Sportage Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 Sportage years
The 2023 Kia Sportage has 190 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 100, and ranks worst (1st) of 16 model years, with a verdict of Avoid. Six recalls cover the brakes, electrical system, transmission, structure, and airbags.
- Complaints
- 190
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 24 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 14 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25 city / 32 hwy
Top 2023 Kia Sportage problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other49 (26%)
- Engine46 (24%)
- Electrical System45 (24%)
- Brakes34 (18%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras33 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain19 (10%)
- Fuel System14 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers13 (7%)
- Airbags11 (6%)
- Structure & Body10 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report the forward collision system and screens shutting off unexpectedly while driving, leading to failure to warn or brake before a crash.
- Some describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, including at a stop or while turning, resulting in a collision.
- Brake pedals reportedly went to the floor or failed to slow the vehicle, with median failure mileage at 26,887 miles, sometimes causing the vehicle to spin or leave the road.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in side-impact and low-speed crashes, in some cases with injuries reported.
- One owner reported the accelerator became stuck during a turn, followed by a crash and smoke smell from the vehicle.
2023 Kia Sportage recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V025000Jan 18, 2024Structure & Body101,049 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 23V531000Jul 31, 2023Transmission & Powertrain39,765 vehiclesPark Outside
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pump
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.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
- NHTSA 23V410000Jun 7, 2023Brakes98,944 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
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.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2023 Kia Sportage fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 32 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,300
- 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.
2023 compared with other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 Sportage has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest (worst) among all 16 model years covered, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Sportage years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 46 (24% share), followed by Electrical System issues at 45 (24%), Brakes at 34 (18%), and Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 33 (17%).
- Does the 2023 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists six recalls for the 2023 Sportage, covering roof molding detachment, an Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller issue (park outside advised), a brake booster vacuum leak, an instrument cluster software issue, twisted side curtain airbags, and a loose alternator terminal nut.
- How many crashes and injuries were reported for the 2023 Kia Sportage?
- NHTSA data shows 24 crashes, 14 injuries, 1 fire, and 0 deaths reported among the 190 complaints for the 2023 Sportage.
- How does the 2023 Sportage compare to other Sportage model years?
- The 2023 Sportage ranks 1st worst of 16 model years with a Complaint Index of 100, while years like 2019 (index 7) and 2022 (index 20) rank as Best.