Owners have reported 26 crashes and 18 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 KIA Sportage. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints56
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report that the 2023 Kia Sportage frequently experiences electrical system malfunctions, with common issues including the instrument cluster and infotainment system going blank, vehicles stalling, and unexpected acceleration. Many complaints describe the vehicle shutting down suddenly while driving, sometimes accompanied by a loss of braking and steering control. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some reports at around 5,000 miles and others exceeding 20,000 miles. Safety implications include two crashes and two injuries related to these electrical failures. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and their potential impact on vehicle safety and functionality.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints42
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several recurring issues with the 2023 KIA Sportage. A significant number of complaints involve the sunroof shattering spontaneously while driving, with no external impact noted. This issue is reported across various mileage ranges, without a clear pattern. Additionally, multiple owners describe engine stalling and electrical system failures, including the infotainment screen going blank, resulting in loss of vehicle control and requiring multiple restart attempts. Safety implications are evident, as there are reports of crashes due to backup camera and sensor failures, and instances of unintended vehicle movement. These issues may be of concern to potential buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints28
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent issues with the 2023 Kia Sportage's power train, with many describing sudden loss of acceleration, hesitation, and stalling while driving. Common symptoms include the vehicle entering limp mode, unresponsive acceleration, and jerking or hesitation when shifting gears, often occurring without warning lights. These issues typically arise at various mileage points, with some reports mentioning problems as early as 11,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes due to unintended gear retention and transmission failures. Buyers should be aware of these potential power train issues, especially concerning the vehicle's Shift-by-Wire system and transmission control logic.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints26
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2023 Kia Sportage commonly report issues with the service brakes, including problems with brake rotors warping and vibrations or pulsations while braking, often occurring around 5,000 to 23,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention increased braking distance and poor braking ability, with some reports of the brake pedal becoming stiff or the brakes leaking air. There are multiple reports of crashes, with some resulting in injuries, linked to brake failures or unintended acceleration while braking. Additionally, several owners note difficulties in obtaining recall repairs due to parts unavailability, which contributes to ongoing safety concerns. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues for prospective buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints21
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report two primary issues with the 2023 KIA Sportage's vehicle speed control: unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunctions. Unintended acceleration issues often occur while braking, leading to loss of control and, in some cases, crashes with injuries. Cruise control problems frequently involve the system setting itself to 110 mph regardless of the intended speed, requiring drivers to turn off the vehicle to reset the system. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 12,800 miles. The safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes and the potential for loss of control, making these problems critical for potential buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints16
ENGINE
Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2023 Kia Sportage, including stalling, engine failure, and misfiring. Complaints frequently mention the engine seizing or not starting, often without warning lights, and some describe the engine losing power or not engaging, particularly in hybrid models. These problems typically appear within a wide mileage range, from as low as 3,500 miles to over 75,000 miles. A crash is noted in one instance where the vehicle failed to accelerate, leading to a rear-end collision. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly regarding safety implications and the possibility of lengthy repair times.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints12
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2023 KIA Sportage frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with eight out of twelve complaints involving crashes and six reporting injuries. Common symptoms include airbags failing to deploy despite significant front-end or side impact damage, with no prior warning lights or messages indicating a malfunction. Complaints often occur at various mileages, ranging from as low as 450 miles to around 70,000 miles. The lack of airbag deployment in these incidents presents a significant safety concern, as owners describe injuries that might have been mitigated with airbag protection. Additionally, some owners report persistent airbag warning lights and unresolved airbag system faults, impacting their confidence in the vehicle's safety features.
Severity signals: 8 crash, 0 fire, 6 injury reports
Owner complaints7
STEERING
Owners of the 2023 KIA Sportage commonly report issues related to the steering system, particularly involving failed tie rods and steering rack and pinion failures, with occurrences noted around 27,000 to 31,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as steering wheel shaking, abnormal rattling sounds, and difficulties in handling, which can lead to safety concerns like loss of control. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the lane keeping assistance system, which reportedly causes the vehicle to veer unexpectedly, posing a potential safety risk. Some reports also highlight premature wear of the steering wheel cover material, affecting grip. These issues are significant for potential buyers to consider, especially given the safety implications and the mileage ranges at which they occur.
Owner complaints6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2023 KIA Sportage frequently report issues related to the Forward Collision Avoidance system, with several describing unexpected and forceful braking when no immediate threat is present. Complaints highlight incidents where the system misidentifies vehicles in adjacent lanes, leading to abrupt stops that have resulted in injuries. Additionally, the system's failure to engage in actual collision scenarios is noted, with one report involving a crash due to the system not activating as expected. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with one vehicle mentioned at 9,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of collision due to sudden braking and the system's failure to prevent accidents, presenting concerns for potential buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 KIA Sportage frequently report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system. Commonly described problems include defective fuel injectors and inaccurate fuel level readings, with symptoms such as vehicle hesitation during acceleration, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, and drastic drops in fuel range miles. Some owners mention a persistent "Check Hybrid System" warning and a strong smell of burned gasoline when operating in hybrid mode. These issues are noted in vehicles with as few as 1,200 miles. Safety implications are highlighted by reports of hesitation during acceleration, which has nearly led to collisions. This information is pertinent for potential buyers considering the vehicle's hybrid functionality and fuel system reliability.
