Total Complaints
447 filings
KIA SPORTAGE · model year
447 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2013KIASPORTAGE carries 447 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 6 crashes, 35 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 SPORTAGE is engine with 299 filings, followed by unknown or other (27) and electrical system (22). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2013 SPORTAGE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
447 filings
Crashes Reported
6 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 299 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 27 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 19 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 13 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6 |
| SUSPENSION | 6 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4 |
| AIR BAGS | 4 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| WHEELS | 2 |
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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 pi
My engine failed due to the knock sensor recall a known issue on my 2013 Kia Sportage the recall is supposed to provide a lifetime warranty but I was denied coverage because the failure happened before I was able to perform the update as I was a new owner to the car and was unaware of the recall at the time I have been going back and forth with the kia dealership for almost 8 months now 4 of those the car was at the dealership because they said I had to pay a $170 the fee for them to inspect the car to see if kia would repair it or not it which I was told I would get a full report when I finally was able to pick my car up I was told the claim was denied "due to recall not being performed" and that's literally all the paper said no report no details nothing I do t understand why I had to pay $170 for something they could have just told me because they knew the recall hadn't been completed at the time of entry and why did it take 4months of my car being there just to tell me that just fo
KIA America has rejected my appeal for an Engine replacement through the Recall , I had the KSDS, Knock Sensor Installed by North Town KIA 3900 Sheridan Drive Amherst NY , May 7 2021. The warranty I received mentioned to keep oil and filter changed every 7500 miles with 5 w 20 oil . The oil was changed by Myself and I have receipts every 5k miles or less. I was turned down for what KIA tech line said Insufficient maintenance . As in they are calling me a liar . I bought 5w 20 full Synthetic oil and filters on 12 occasions from Walmart that Fit my 2013 KIA Motor The weight was recommended by KIA and the Filters rated at 10K miles . Have worked on My cars since I was [XXX] old have thousands of dollars in tools. I do what ever maintenance that is still possible to do on newer cars . Brakes , Filters Fluid changes tire rotations Ect . If KIA would have mentioned in the Warrenty you need to take Videos I would have . Why are not receipts enough? Also the way the oil looks rite now ?? Cl
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the daughter collided with another vehicle after the vehicle aggressively merged in front of her. The collision was at the front driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The contact added that the collision threw her daughter forward and backward, and the contact's daughter sustained neck, shoulder, and lower back injuries, and surgery on her neck was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The vehicle was then towed to a body shop. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
While driving in the carpool lane, the engine briefly cut-out and than a rattling sound was heard. We decided to immediately exist the free way at a left-side car pool exit as a precaution. Immediately after exiting, the car went into a complete stall. Had we remained on the freeway, we would have been stranded in the fastest lane with no shoulder and with traffic approaching from the rear at 70mph. Thus we likely avoided catastrophe. There was no warning light. The problems was later determined to be caused by a manufacturer defect resulting in a connecting rod bearing failure. Pursuant to a class action settlement the engine was replaced. I'm writing to let others know that this is a potentially life-threatening danger and that the knock sensor recall does not adequately address this. Also, the dealer mischaracterized the symptoms on the engine warranty invoice, misstating the narrative above, wrongly stating "customer states CEL started flashing when driving after light appea
Have been denied replacement of 2013 Kia Engine due to insufficient records. The KSDS had been installed May 7, 2021. Was told because I did my own maintenance and I have receipts and dates when the maintenance was done reason for being denied. I used 5W 20 full synthetic motor oil which was over and above what the car called for and a new oil filter every time which shows on my receipts. Obvious by looking at the vehicle that it was in good shape and maintained well for being a 2013. When I presented this to Kia, they said that they have in writing that you canât do this. All it says is that they recommend service being done by a Kia dealer . this is when I found out about the Magnus and Moss warranty act of 1975. I kept a log of service done in my car from 5, 16 2019 until present. The car just stopped in the middle of the city street. It gave no warning sensor did not work. It did not slow the car down.. my wife called AAA and had it towed to the closest dealer . Again, I have re
my vehicle, 2013/ SL Sportage recently suffered catastrophic engine failure. I received a renotification from Kia regarding the software updates. Barely a week, [XXX], my engine seized in traffic due to rod failure which the software update could have prevented according to Metro Kia of Madison. I was also told by the same Kia authorized dealer that the repair would cost me $11,000 out of pocket in addition to the diagnostic fees of $210.87. I also contacted Kia Consumer Affairs at 1-800-333-4542 regarding this issue, but the representative told me that the defect is my responsibility as the owner of the vehicle. I think this is absurd and unacceptable. Iâm a student who relies on this vehicle to commute to school. With the semester beginning and winter approaching, I canât imagine being left without safe transportation which places me in a severely disadvantaged position. I cannot and should not bear financial responsibility for a defect Kia has already acknowledged. INFORMATIO
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while coming to a gas station rest stop, making a left turn to the fuel pump, the vehicle lost power and coasted to the fuel pump. There were no warning lights illuminated. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which had a warranty extension for the engine to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to replace the engine and referred the contact to another mechanic to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the timeframe for the engine coverage extension had been exceeded, and the HECU not been replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manu
Mileage: 50,000
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while coming to a gas station rest stop, making a left turn to the fuel pump, the vehicle lost power and coasted to the fuel pump. There were no warning lights illuminated. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which had a warranty extension for the engine to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to replace the engine and referred the contact to another mechanic to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the timeframe for the engine coverage extension had been exceeded, and the HECU not been replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manu
Mileage: 50,000
See attached document for complaint.
I bought my car and then I received a letter stating that it had 1 recall. I called KIA to schedule the recall and they said there are 4 in total. I told them to get them all done because the closes KIA is about 45 min from my house. I took it in KIA called me said everything was done that I could go pick up my car. Then on 7/19/25 I am driving in the highway and my car stops accelerating I pull over turn off my car let it cool off and turn it back on. It moves and the moment I try to accelerate it the car stops again. Thank God I was able to arrive to a gas satiation at an exit and not have someone crash into me. I tried jump starting it and nothing. I tried turning it on again and smoke stated coming out from the engine. I had to tow the car to my house. I called my mechanic to check it and 3 codes showed up (C1611, C1612, C1613). I called KIA to let them know the codes and that I needed them to tow my car to their dealership. They proceed to inform me that 1 of the recalls were not
I bought my car and then I received a letter stating that it had 1 recall. I called KIA to schedule the recall and they said there are 4 in total. I told them to get them all done because the closes KIA is about 45 min from my house. I took it in KIA called me said everything was done that I could go pick up my car. Then on 7/19/25 I am driving in the highway and my car stops accelerating I pull over turn off my car let it cool off and turn it back on. It moves and the moment I try to accelerate it the car stops again. Thank God I was able to arrive to a gas satiation at an exit and not have someone crash into me. I tried jump starting it and nothing. I tried turning it on again and smoke stated coming out from the engine. I had to tow the car to my house. I called my mechanic to check it and 3 codes showed up (C1611, C1612, C1613). I called KIA to let them know the codes and that I needed them to tow my car to their dealership. They proceed to inform me that 1 of the recalls were not
Engine failure
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
In 2022, my 2013 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a spontaneous engine compartment fire while parked. I was unaware of any existing recalls at the time. The vehicle was stationary and turned off when the incident occurred. I extinguished the fire myself. There was no crash involved, but the damage rendered the vehicle inoperable. I later discovered that this exact vehicle is subject to Recall 23V652000, related to an electrical short in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can result in an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving. As of now, the recall remains open and unrepaired under this VIN. I was never notified of this critical safety recall before the incident. Kiaâs authorized dealer in Puerto Rico (MOTORAMBAR) confirmed the recall but declined responsibility for the damage already caused, offering only the standard fuse replacement. I have submitted a written complaint to Kia and am now documenting this safety failure with NHTSA. Th
In 2022, my 2013 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a spontaneous engine compartment fire while parked. I was unaware of any existing recalls at the time. The vehicle was stationary and turned off when the incident occurred. I extinguished the fire myself. There was no crash involved, but the damage rendered the vehicle inoperable. I later discovered that this exact vehicle is subject to Recall 23V652000, related to an electrical short in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can result in an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving. As of now, the recall remains open and unrepaired under this VIN. I was never notified of this critical safety recall before the incident. Kiaâs authorized dealer in Puerto Rico (MOTORAMBAR) confirmed the recall but declined responsibility for the damage already caused, offering only the standard fuse replacement. I have submitted a written complaint to Kia and am now documenting this safety failure with NHTSA. Th
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while at a stop light, smoke was present from the vents inside the cabin. Later, while attempting to park more smoke was coming from under the hood and the neighbor also witnessed flames coming from the front of the vehicle. No further information was available. The contact indicated that the fire self extinguished and no fire department was contacted. The cause of the fire was not determined and the vehicle was not yet towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 218,000.
Mileage: 218,000
I received a recall notification last year, I live about an hr and a half away from the nearest Kia dealer, so I wasnât able to get my car in to be inspected until last spring at the Kia in Medford. Then I got another notice in the mail stating my vehicle was amongst the ones that needed the HECU recall service done. I called the Kia dealer in Eugene and the earliest they could get me in was August 2024. A day or two before my long awaited appointment, they called to inform me that the part was on back order and that they would call me once it became available again. I havenât received any communication from them as of yet. My car has been mostly parked since then and Iâve been borrowing a friends vehicle because I donât want to risk my daughter and iâs safety. I received another notice from the corporate of Kia, stating I havenât gotten it done and they strongly urge me to get it taken care of, Iâve tried booking another appointment online twice and thereâs no availabi
Problem with the BCM, my signal lights, headlights and beeper is not working. My power lock doesn't work nor my beeper
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND WENT AROUND A SEMI AND ALL OFTHE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND SHE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THESEMI SHE HAD JUST PASSED. NEXT DAY TOWED IT TO KIA AND THE SAID THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP BUT THATTHE ENGINEWAS NOT WARRENTY BECAUSE IT HAD NOT THROWN A KNOCK SENSEOR CODE. WE HAVE MAINAINED THIS VEHICLE AND GOTTEN THE UPDATE FOR THE KNOCK SENSOR AND WERE ABOUT TO GIVE IT TO OUR SON AND GET OURSELVES ANOTHER KIA. DONT THINK THATS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW THATI KNOW KIA DOES NOT STAND BEHINDE THEIR PRODUCT OR CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the infotainment system was intermittently inoperable. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mileage: 68,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.