Home › Kia › Sportage › 2023
2023 Kia Sportage: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2023 Kia Sportage has 308 owner complaints and 7 recalls on file with NHTSA, more recalls than any other Sportage model year listed[1][2]. Electrical, engine and brake complaints are among the largest named groups, so check that every recall repair has been done[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 308 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Kia Sportage[1]. Of these, 28 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 18 injuries, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts of the car. The counts are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Here are the biggest component groups:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system[3] | 85 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 69 |
| Engine[4] | 68 |
| Brakes[5] | 48 |
| Power train[9] | 38 |
| Speed control[10] | 36 |
| Forward collision avoidance[11] | 35 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[12] | 23 |
Electrical system. This is the largest named group, with a median mileage at failure of 15,500[3]. In a sample of complaints we read for this group, owners describe dash or infotainment screens that glitch, go blank or reboot. Others describe a hybrid system warning followed by a sudden loss of power, and several warning lights or driver-assist features cutting out at once[3].
Engine. The median mileage at failure is 47,000[4]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe the engine stalling, shutting off or losing power while driving, and a smaller number mention a low oil warning light[4].
Brakes. Brake complaints include 8 crashes and 3 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 9,000[5]. In the sample we read, some owners describe a brake warning message, a soft pedal or longer stopping. Others say they could not get the brake recall repair because parts were not yet available[5]. See the recalls section below.
Power train. In the sample we read, owners describe transmission slipping, hesitating or failing, and sudden loss of acceleration while driving[9].
Complaints naming forward collision avoidance include 8 crashes and 4 injuries[11]. Speed control has 3 crashes and 2 injuries[10].
We read only a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups, so these themes show what some owners say, not how common each problem is.
Recalls
NHTSA lists seven recalls for the 2023 Sportage. Newest first:
- Tow hitch harness screen (25V874). About 5,046 vehicles may be affected[13]. This covers 2023 to 2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid models[13] and 2024 to 2025 Sportage vehicles with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory[13]. A software error can make the instrument panel screen fail. Then it may not show the speedometer or warning lights, which raises crash risk. Dealers replace the harness control module for free[13].
- Roof molding (24V025). About 101,049 vehicles may be affected[14]. The roof molding may loosen and fall off. That can create a road hazard for other drivers. Dealers inspect the molding and replace or secure it for free[14].
- Idle Stop & Go oil pump (23V531). About 39,765 vehicles across several Kia models may be affected[15]. The pump controller may have damaged electrical parts that cause the pump to overheat, which raises fire risk. Kia says to park the car outdoors and away from buildings until the repair is done. Dealers inspect and replace the controller as necessary, for free[15].
- Brake booster (23V410). About 98,944 vehicles may be affected[16]. A part inside the brake booster can shift and leak vacuum. That can reduce power brake assist and lengthen stopping distance. Dealers inspect and replace the booster as necessary, for free[16].
- Instrument cluster (23V298). About 108,936 vehicles across several Kia models may be affected[17]. The cluster may show nothing when the car starts. Then warning lights and tire pressure information are missing, which raises crash risk. Dealers update the software for free[17].
- Side curtain air bags (22V878). About 76,918 vehicles may be affected[18]. The side air bags may have been installed with a twist, so they could open the wrong way in a crash, which raises injury risk. Dealers inspect and reinstall them as necessary, for free[18].
- Alternator terminal nut (22V651). About 19,701 vehicles may be affected[19]. A nut on the alternator battery terminal may loosen. That can cause an engine stall or an electrical surge, which raises crash and fire risk. Dealers inspect and tighten it as necessary, for free[19].
Recall coverage can depend on the exact car, so check the VIN on NHTSA.gov before assuming a recall applies or has been done.
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the version. The annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L gas, front-wheel drive[20] | 25 / 32 / 28 | $2,400 |
| 2.5L gas, all-wheel drive[21] | 23 / 28 / 25 | $2,700 |
| Hybrid, front-wheel drive[6] | 42 / 44 / 43 | $1,550 |
| Hybrid, all-wheel drive[22] | 38 / 38 / 38 | $1,750 |
The Plug-in Hybrid is rated at 35 MPGe combined with 430 miles of range[23].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive SUV 5 stars overall, 5 stars in frontal and side tests, and 4 stars for rollover[7]. Its rollover risk is 16.9%[7]. The front-wheel-drive SUV is rated 5 stars for frontal and side tests only[24]. The Plug-in Hybrid is not rated[25][26].
Engine and size
EPA lists the 2023 Sportage with a 1.6L 4-cylinder rated at 177 hp[27] and a 2.5L 4-cylinder rated at 188 hp[28].
Sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2023 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 | 2 |
| 1996 | 57 | 3 |
| 1997 | 181 | 3 |
| 1998 | 303 | 3 |
| 1999 | 284 | 3 |
| 2000 | 304 | 2 |
| 2001 | 228 | 0 |
| 2002 | 234 | 1 |
| 2005 | 68 | 3 |
| 2006 | 111 | 1 |
| 2007 | 77 | 2 |
| 2008 | 98 | 3 |
| 2009 | 80 | 3 |
| 2010 | 20 | 2 |
| 2011 | 181 | 6 |
| 2012 | 392 | 5 |
| 2013 | 381 | 3 |
| 2014 | 124 | 3 |
| 2015 | 146 | 2 |
| 2016 | 134 | 2 |
| 2017 | 402 | 4 |
| 2018 | 164 | 3 |
| 2019 | 71 | 2 |
| 2020 | 162 | 2 |
| 2021 | 54 | 2 |
| 2022 | 46 | 1 |
| 2023 | 308 | 7 |
| 2024 | 107 | 3 |
| 2025 | 73 | 1 |
| 2026 | 38 | 1 |
| 2027 | 1 | 0 |
NHTSA lists 308 complaints and 7 recalls for 2023[2]. Only 2017 (402), 2012 (392) and 2013 (381) have more complaints, so 2023 ranks fourth by complaints[2]. Seven recalls is the most of any Sportage model year on file. The next highest are 2011 with 6 and 2012 with 5[2].
The years on either side look much quieter. 2022 has 46 complaints and 1 recall, and 2024 has 107 complaints and 3 recalls[2].
Should you buy a used 2023 Sportage?
This model year has a long recall list and a high complaint count for a Sportage[1][2]. Each recall lists a free dealer repair, so check the VIN on NHTSA.gov and ask for proof that each one was done. Electrical, engine and brake complaints are among the largest named groups, and some owners describe stalling or power loss[3][4][5], though our data cannot tell you which version or trim a complaint came from. Safety ratings are strong for the all-wheel-drive SUV[7]. A used 2023 can be reasonable if the recall work is documented and a mechanic checks the electrical and brake systems.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sportage?
- Of 308 NHTSA complaints, the largest named groups are the electrical system with 85, the engine with 68 and brakes with 48[1][3][4][5]. One complaint can name several groups, and the reports are unverified.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sportage have?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls, covering a tow hitch harness screen, roof molding, an oil pump, the brake booster, the instrument cluster, side curtain air bags and an alternator nut[13][14][15][16][17][18][19].
- What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Sportage get?
- The 2.5L gas Sportage is rated 28 MPG combined with front-wheel drive[20] and 25 MPG with all-wheel drive[21]. The Hybrid is rated 43 MPG combined with front-wheel drive[6] and 38 MPG with all-wheel drive[22].
- Is the 2023 Kia Sportage safe?
- NHTSA rates the all-wheel-drive SUV 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for rollover[7]. The Plug-in Hybrid is not rated[25][26].
- Is 2023 a good year for the Kia Sportage?
- By NHTSA counts, 2023 has 308 complaints and 7 recalls, while 2022 has 46 complaints with 1 recall and 2024 has 107 complaints with 3 recalls[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 308 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Kia Sportage (28 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 18 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Sportage model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 85 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 68 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 48 complaints name the brakes component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Sportage Hybrid FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 42 city / 44 highway / 43 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 69 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 38 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 36 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 35 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 25V874, filed December 17, 2025: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V025, filed January 18, 2024: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V531, filed July 31, 2023: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid / Lubricant › Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V410, filed June 7, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V298, filed April 26, 2023: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V878, filed November 28, 2022: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V651, filed August 29, 2022: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Sportage FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 32 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Sportage AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Sportage Hybrid AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 38 city / 38 highway / 38 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular Gas and Electricity: 35 MPGe combined, 430 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2023 Kia Sportage with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 177 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2023 Kia Sportage with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 188 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SPORTAGE AWD 4DR SUV: length 183 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,543 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SPORTAGE FWD 4DR SUV: length 183 in, width 74 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,373 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov