2023 Kia Sportage

191 complaints on file, page 1 of 10.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Sep 14, 2026Divernon, ILUnknown or other

   The rear cargo window spontaneously shattered while car was parked. The car was taken for repair to Auto Glass Systems in Springfield Illinois. They do all the repairs for the Kia dealership locally. Upon inspection, they reported that the glass had no point of impact and was caused by an internal defect which was confirmed by the shatter pattern. They said they have had numerous repairs for the same spontaneous, shattering in Kia Sportage windows and suggested that we file a report.

   NHTSA complaint 11768224
2. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Sep 15, 2026Cohoes, NYPower train

   When driving at speeds slightly above 50 mph between 1,700 and 1,900 RPM, maintaining light pressure on the accelerator pedal causes a noticeable physical vibration and shaking throughout both the pedal and the vehicle. To mitigate these concerning symptoms, I intentionally have to press down harder on the gas pedal, which helps immediately stop the shaking. This issue has been occurring consistently over time. While it has not resulted in an accident so far, it could raise safety concerns. I have reported this condition to Kia Customer Care twice, but no appropriate action or resolution has been provided.

   NHTSA complaint 11764939
3. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Miami, FLVehicle speed control

   I am reporting a recurring and unresolved acceleration issue with my 2023 Kia Sportage. The vehicle intermittently continues to accelerate or maintains elevated RPMs even after I release the accelerator pedal. This has occurred multiple times and creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle does not decelerate as expected. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Kia dealership multiple times for the same concern. Several components have been replaced, including the throttle body, but the acceleration problem continues to occur. The issue has also been observed during a dealership visit. Because the problem continues despite repeated repair attempts, I would like to formally document and investigate this safety concern and provide a permanent resolution. I am increasingly concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11763894
4. Filed Sep 12, 2026Failure Aug 20, 2026Owasso, OKElectrical system

   My daughter’s 2023 Kia Sportage SX Prestige has an instrument cluster that intermittently goes completely black while the vehicle is being driven. When this occurs, the driver cannot see the speedometer, warning indicators, or other critical vehicle information. Ferguson Kia inspected the vehicle and documented that the “cluster side of screen [is] INOP.” The technician reset the screen, performed variant coding, verified systems were up to date, removed and inspected the head unit/connectors, verified pin tension and fuses, and found no DTC codes. The screen remained inoperative. Ferguson Kia diagnosed an “internal electrical failure” and recommended replacement of the head unit. I paid $199 for this diagnosis and was advised the replacement would cost approximately $10,000. I am concerned because Kia previously issued Safety Recall SC270/NHTSA Recall 23V-298 involving instrument clusters that may become blank in certain 2023 Kia Sportages. I understand this vehicle may not be included in that recall and may use a different instrument cluster. I am not claiming it is necessarily the identical defect. However, this is a documented blank instrument-cluster failure in the same model year that creates a similar safety hazard. I am reporting this because loss of the instrument cluster while driving prevents the driver from seeing critical driving and safety information. I am concerned that 2023 Sportages not included in the existing recall may also be experiencing blank instrument-cluster failures.

   NHTSA complaint 11763798
5. Filed Sep 3, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Decatur, TXCarry handle, Shell, Base, Other/i am not sure

   My child is [XXX] old, and as he has grown, I have noticed significant problems with the way he is positioned and supported in this car seat. He frequently sits too far forward and does not appear to have adequate support to keep his head and body in a safe, comfortable position.There have been multiple occasions during car rides when my child has choked or struggled because he is positioned so far forward. The design of the base does not seem to allow him to lean back sufficiently, which causes him to slump forward rather than remain properly supported. This is especially concerning when he falls asleep. His head falls completely forward, and the seat does not appear to provide adequate head, neck, or upper-body support to prevent this.This was not something I noticed when my child was younger. He previously tolerated the car seat without significant issues. However, as he has gotten bigger, the positioning and lack of support have become increasingly obvious. His discomfort has also increased considerably.I have also experienced a separate concern with the installation of the car seat. After connecting the base to the vehicle's lower anchors and tightening the straps as instructed, I have noticed that the straps gradually loosen slightly during a car ride. While the amount of movement may appear minor, I consider any loosening of the installation system during use to be a serious safety concern. A car seat base should remain securely installed throughout the entire trip and should not become less secure during normal use.The combination of these issues is extremely concerning to me as a parent. I purchased this product with the expectation that it would securely restrain and properly support my child during a vehicle crash or sudden stop. Instead, I have observed my child repeatedly being placed in a forward-slumped position, including while sleeping, as well as an installation component that appears to lose some tension during use. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

   NHTSA complaint 11761992
6. Filed Sep 3, 2026Failure Sep 3, 2026Alpine, ALUnknown or other

   I own a 2023 Kia Sportage Pro While driving to work, I heard an explosive sound that sounded like a gunshot on the top of my vehicle. I pulled over to see that my sunroof had exploded. I checked for any objects that may have hit it, and the only thing that was in the top of the roof was glass. Thankfully, my cover was closed on my sunroof for a glass would have been all over causing possible injury.

   NHTSA complaint 11761797
7. Filed Aug 13, 2026Failure Aug 11, 2026New Caney, TXUnknown or other

   Main 12V electrical system failed completely. The engine stalled, the entire dashboard blacked out, and all auxiliary safety power was lost. The vehicle is currently located at Parkway Family Kia and is fully available for inspection. At rush hour freeway speeds, the engine stalled and total electrical failure occurred. Navigating across active lanes without engine power or power steering was extremely difficult. The total blackout killed my hazard lights, preventing me from warning other high-speed drivers. The dead car blocked an active lane on the feeder road, and an inattentive driver nearly struck my stalled, unlit vehicle. With zero hazards, I had to abandon the car and flee to the roadside to avoid a rear-end collision. Additionally, all passenger doors permanently locked, creating a severe entrapment hazard. Not yet. The vehicle was towed to Parkway Family Kia on Tuesday and is currently awaiting an official manufacturer diagnostic inspection by their service technicians. No advance symptoms prior to the day of the incident. At the moment of failure, the dash suddenly lit up with multiple warning lights. Within a tight 1 to 2-minute window, I completely lost power steering, making the vehicle extremely heavy and difficult to maneuver off the highway. Immediately after those 2 minutes, the dashboard and all electrical components went completely dark.

   NHTSA complaint 11756745
8. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure Jul 28, 2026Louisville, KYElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   I was driving the vehicle yesterday, had no problems and then when making a right hand turn the vehicle completely locked up. The brakes and steering column locked and the vehicle completely shut done. The dashboard lit up and the windows still worked but there was not power to the engine. Attempted to JUMP the car, unsuccessful, ultimately called a AAA who used a battery box and the car started. This happened once previously when the car was 6m-1year old and it spontaneously worked. I took for service told unclear what happened, no issues. The car gave no warning lights or indicators there was an issue. This was a very concerning and unsafe situation. I was in the middle of a busy intersection, making a right hand turn. again no warning or lights just vehicle shut down and unable to restart.

   NHTSA complaint 11753463
9. Filed Jul 22, 2026Failure Jul 22, 2026Fort Lauderdale, FLBody

   The roof strip above the driver side of the car is no longer attached and flew off somewhere. Unknown of the date it may have happened.

   NHTSA complaint 11752097
10. Filed Jun 30, 2026Failure Jun 25, 2026120,100 milesLaurinburg, NCEngine, Engine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH on the highway, the engine and oil check warning light was illuminated. The Kia App alerted the driver to check the engine when convenient. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 120,100.

    NHTSA complaint 11747362
11. Filed Jun 25, 2026Failure Jun 23, 2026Jacksonville, NCEngine

    It was roughly 2000 miles since my last oil change on my Kia Sportage. A spot of oil appeared in my driveway. I thought it could be from a delivery truck. I started parking my car in another spot and didn’t see anymore oil on the pavement. Three days later the low oil light came on. I had my car towed to a Mavis tire center they found that the oil drain plug was loose. They told me the car needed to go back to the dealership. They gave me a copy of a memo that they have sent to all of their shops reporting that NHTSA is investigating this problem with Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The Kia dealership is not concerned about this. The documentation for this service says last visit we did not tighten the drain plug properly and another shop confirmed that. Please check oil level, drain plug, and filter to ensure proper levels/tightness and report MISC drain plug was found loose. They observed it for two hours. They also noted that mileage coming into the shop was 61212 mileage, out of the shop was 61212. Please note they had not done previous oil change as noted in their documentation. I have a service contract with this Kia dealership where I bought the car. I stopped going there because they recommended that three of my brakes needed to be changed on March 4, 2025. In spring of 2025 I had two different mavis shops. Tell me that my brakes did not require changing. One set had 30% wear, the other set had only 20% wear. It is now June 25, 2026. My break still have not required being changed. That was not recommended Service today either.

    NHTSA complaint 11746544
12. Filed Jun 25, 2026Failure Apr 29, 2026Dallas, GAElectrical system, Seats

    Seat warmer started to catch on fire

    NHTSA complaint 11746500
13. Filed Jun 15, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2023canal winchester, OHService brakes

    I have had repeated failure/wear of my rotors on my 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige, starting at about 12k miles and recurring roughly every 3 months from there. I have had multiple dealers look at it and they keep blaming me for the problem. I am not a rough driver, I drive mostly freeway, do not brake constantly or hard unless absolutely needed, etc. The symptoms are that typical vibrating of the car when stopping and the brakes have been squeaking terribly since the first replacement, they have never not squeaked even though I asked them to address it. Neither the dealer or Kia Corporate are helpful, this is obviously a defect as multiple online forums talk about the issue consistently with this car. I had a case open with Kia to find the cause so I can stop fixing the system, but they were unsuccessful in doing so. I just want it to be fixed so I can stop wasting time and money, I bought a brand new car for the first time ever to avoid worrying about repairs for a while. Biggest regret ever and based on how I have been treated I will never buy Kia again.

    NHTSA complaint 11744137
14. Filed Jun 11, 2026Failure May 17, 202648,000 milesRaleigh, NCElectrical system, Engine

    The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the infotainment screen was turned off. The contact stated that the vehicle became operable after approximately two minutes. The contact stated the failure was recurrent. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11743585
15. Filed May 29, 2026Failure May 11, 2026Owensboro, KYAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings, Service brakesCrash

    This is a statement from my daughter: I was driving and noticed a vehicle stopped in front of me. When I attempted to brake, I could feel my brakes sink all the way to the floor. I also didn't receive an alert from the Front Collision Avoidance system or any assistance from the Automatic Emergency Braking system. The vehicle was a CPO that had always been serviced at the dealership. Because of various surgeries I have had, depending on the severity of the crash, I could have been paralyzed for life.

    NHTSA complaint 11740925
16. Filed May 28, 2026Failure Mar 3, 2026Boston, MARearview mirrors/devices

    I had gotten my windshield replaced by safelite last year. On a cold day while driving to work, I went to adjust my rearview mirror and the rearview mirror came off from the windshield. It completely detached. I was adjusting it as I would any other time I adjusted the rear view mirror. This obviously left me in a lurch because I had to go to work. So I drove without a rear view mirror until I could get a replacement after the work day. This is obviously a dangerous situation to be in. I reached out to safelite because they have a lifetime warranty. They informed me that they will not cover replacement because a small piece of glass came off of the windshield which according to them means it must have been a result of force.

    NHTSA complaint 11740567
17. Filed May 22, 2026Failure Apr 1, 2026Port Huron, MIUnknown or other

    I have a 2023 Kia Sportage I purchased and I was driving one day and my entire cars power shut off & so did the engine while I was driving on the highway going 70mph + and when I’m driving on the regular roads as well I’ve almost gotten into an accident over this issue already once when I went to go take it into Jeffery Kia in Roseville Michigan and asked for it to be looked at i was immediately dismissed and they would not look at my car at all so then I called summit place Kia in Clinton Township where I told them what was happening I then had to wait two weeks before I could even get my car in to be seen by them when it was seen by them they did ever test on it and said that everything came back good but they knew obviously something was wrong with it because it acted up for them as well they documented it then said they were going to call corporate and see what they should do next so today I got a call and a voicemail basically saying they still don’t have a diagnosis for my vehicle they’re just going to order some new parts and put them on there and hope that they work

    NHTSA complaint 11739573
18. Filed May 14, 2026Failure May 8, 202658,901 milesJacksonville, FLArm

    The contact’s daughter owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. While the owner was reversing from the driveway, the driver’s side wheel collapsed outside of the wheel well at a 90-degree angle. While inspecting the failure, the contact became aware that a bolt for the upper knuckle was missing from the strut bar used to connect the control arm to the wheel bearing, causing the wheel to collapse outwards. There was rust where the bolt was missing. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the missing bolt was confirmed; however, a cause for the failure was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,901.

    NHTSA complaint 11737789
19. Filed Apr 27, 2026Failure Jun 9, 2025Warminster, PASeats

    Within just two years of normal use, the front driver-side leather seat in my vehicle has developed multiple cracks. I contacted the dealer and was dismissively told this obvious defect is considered “normal wear and tear” and therefore not covered under warranty. I then contacted Kia customer service, only to be told they “do not handle warranty issues” and that everything is the dealer’s responsibility. This complete lack of accountability is unacceptable. If Kia’s so-called “leather” seats cannot last more than two years, then the product is clearly substandard. Had I known the materials were this poor and customer support would be this unhelpful, I would never have purchased a Kia—let alone paid extra for a leather interior. Between the low-quality materials and the ineffective customer service, this has been an extremely disappointing ownership experience.

    NHTSA complaint 11734114
20. Filed Apr 21, 2026Failure Aug 31, 2023Littleton, COService brakes

    Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Issue: Service Brakes / Premature Rotor Failure / Grinding Within approximately six months of purchasing my vehicle new, I experienced brake grinding and premature rotor failure. This condition has reoccurred multiple times despite repair attempts at authorized Kia dealerships, including rotor replacement under a Technical Service Bulletin. Multiple dealerships acknowledged the issue. A Kia service manager advised that factory brake and rotor components are prone to premature failure and stated that reinstallation of original parts would likely result in recurrence. They recommended aftermarket brake components to correct the defect. Despite this acknowledgement, Kia America has failed to provide a permanent fix and continues to rely on reinstalling the same materials associated with repeated failures. The defect remains unresolved and presents an ongoing safety risk due to compromised braking performance. This issue appears consistent with known defect patterns affecting Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured between 2022–2024, with widespread consumer complaints reporting premature brake wear, grinding, vibration, and repeated rotor failure. I am submitting this complaint due to the safety implications of repeated brake failure, Kia’s failure to implement a corrective remedy, and the risk posed to drivers and the public.

    NHTSA complaint 11732669