KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID · model year

2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID

139 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2023KIASPORTAGE HYBRID carries 139 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2023 SPORTAGE HYBRID is electrical system with 26 filings, followed by vehicle speed control (20) and engine (19). 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 1 active recall campaign, 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 38 investigation files overlapping the 2023 SPORTAGE HYBRID, and 1 remain open. 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.

139
Complaints
5
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

139 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20
ENGINE19
UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
POWER TRAIN13
SERVICE BRAKES11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
STEERING2
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST2
SEAT BELTS1

Recalls (1)

23V29800026/04/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information wh

Recent Complaints

20260126VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The vehicle frequently fails to engage gas engine when depressing gas pedal to any degree. A full push of the gas pedal does not result in gas engine engagement. This has happened over 15 ties since the recall computer update last summer (2025). This creates extreme danger because the operator expects the full power of the engine to engage when pulling out of intersections or crossing oncoming traffic, but the engine does not engage causing a slow, creeping acceleration from the electric motor only. I took it into the Kia dealer and they found nothing wrong. No warning lights occur when the malfunction happens. And no check engine lights occur either. The only correction is to fully turn the vehicle off and back on. Doing that resets everything back to normal. This malfunction usually occurs within the first 25-30 minutes of vehicle operation.

20260126POWER TRAIN

The vehicle frequently fails to engage gas engine when depressing gas pedal to any degree. A full push of the gas pedal does not result in gas engine engagement. This has happened over 15 ties since the recall computer update last summer (2025). This creates extreme danger because the operator expects the full power of the engine to engage when pulling out of intersections or crossing oncoming traffic, but the engine does not engage causing a slow, creeping acceleration from the electric motor only. I took it into the Kia dealer and they found nothing wrong. No warning lights occur when the malfunction happens. And no check engine lights occur either. The only correction is to fully turn the vehicle off and back on. Doing that resets everything back to normal. This malfunction usually occurs within the first 25-30 minutes of vehicle operation.

20260126ENGINE

The vehicle frequently fails to engage gas engine when depressing gas pedal to any degree. A full push of the gas pedal does not result in gas engine engagement. This has happened over 15 ties since the recall computer update last summer (2025). This creates extreme danger because the operator expects the full power of the engine to engage when pulling out of intersections or crossing oncoming traffic, but the engine does not engage causing a slow, creeping acceleration from the electric motor only. I took it into the Kia dealer and they found nothing wrong. No warning lights occur when the malfunction happens. And no check engine lights occur either. The only correction is to fully turn the vehicle off and back on. Doing that resets everything back to normal. This malfunction usually occurs within the first 25-30 minutes of vehicle operation.

20260120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely”, followed by loss of acceleration and shutdown of the 12V system, rendering the vehicle unable to drive. These incidents occurred on both freeways and local roads. To avoid a collision, I was forced to activate hazard lights, pull over, shut the vehicle off, and attempt recovery using the 12V reset procedure or an external jump starter. The issue has persisted despite multiple dealer inspections and repairs and presents a serious safety risk.

20260120FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely”, followed by loss of acceleration and shutdown of the 12V system, rendering the vehicle unable to drive. These incidents occurred on both freeways and local roads. To avoid a collision, I was forced to activate hazard lights, pull over, shut the vehicle off, and attempt recovery using the 12V reset procedure or an external jump starter. The issue has persisted despite multiple dealer inspections and repairs and presents a serious safety risk.

20260120UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely”, followed by loss of acceleration and shutdown of the 12V system, rendering the vehicle unable to drive. These incidents occurred on both freeways and local roads. To avoid a collision, I was forced to activate hazard lights, pull over, shut the vehicle off, and attempt recovery using the 12V reset procedure or an external jump starter. The issue has persisted despite multiple dealer inspections and repairs and presents a serious safety risk.

20260111ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ev battery system threw up back back to earnings and codes of overcharge and then all lights on dash came on started beeping and then dash went red saying check hybrid system , hybrid system failure stop vehicle. Engine wouldn’t kick back on. I had literally just left my local Kia for a routine checkup and there report is nothing is wrong. Even tho I’ve called them now a few times about it shaking and idling super hard and going limp very often. Towed back to Kia and they have now had it for 4 days and still no results.

20260111ENGINE

Ev battery system threw up back back to earnings and codes of overcharge and then all lights on dash came on started beeping and then dash went red saying check hybrid system , hybrid system failure stop vehicle. Engine wouldn’t kick back on. I had literally just left my local Kia for a routine checkup and there report is nothing is wrong. Even tho I’ve called them now a few times about it shaking and idling super hard and going limp very often. Towed back to Kia and they have now had it for 4 days and still no results.

20260111POWER TRAIN

Ev battery system threw up back back to earnings and codes of overcharge and then all lights on dash came on started beeping and then dash went red saying check hybrid system , hybrid system failure stop vehicle. Engine wouldn’t kick back on. I had literally just left my local Kia for a routine checkup and there report is nothing is wrong. Even tho I’ve called them now a few times about it shaking and idling super hard and going limp very often. Towed back to Kia and they have now had it for 4 days and still no results.

20251209VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Vehicle flashed with a "check hybrid system. Stop safely" warning and then forced me to slow until my vehicle stopped - I could no longer press the gas pedal. I was on a highway and luckily was able to pull over safely before the vehicle came to a complete stop, but that was not guaranteed. I ended up being towed to a Kia Dealership where they informed me this was an issue under recall, but that recall is not listed on your system nor was I ever informed of the recall by the manufacturer.

20251209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle flashed with a "check hybrid system. Stop safely" warning and then forced me to slow until my vehicle stopped - I could no longer press the gas pedal. I was on a highway and luckily was able to pull over safely before the vehicle came to a complete stop, but that was not guaranteed. I ended up being towed to a Kia Dealership where they informed me this was an issue under recall, but that recall is not listed on your system nor was I ever informed of the recall by the manufacturer.

20251209FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle flashed with a "check hybrid system. Stop safely" warning and then forced me to slow until my vehicle stopped - I could no longer press the gas pedal. I was on a highway and luckily was able to pull over safely before the vehicle came to a complete stop, but that was not guaranteed. I ended up being towed to a Kia Dealership where they informed me this was an issue under recall, but that recall is not listed on your system nor was I ever informed of the recall by the manufacturer.

20251029HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. The contact noticed that the coolant level was low, and additional coolant was added. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loss of fluid. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The message “Hybrid System Failure” was displayed. The vehicle was restarted after several minutes. While driving, the vehicle stalled, and the contact was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to retrieve any fault codes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While driving in the center lane, the vehicle stalled. The driver turned on the hazard lights while coasting to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manu

Mileage: 1,500

20251029ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. The contact noticed that the coolant level was low, and additional coolant was added. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loss of fluid. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The message “Hybrid System Failure” was displayed. The vehicle was restarted after several minutes. While driving, the vehicle stalled, and the contact was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to retrieve any fault codes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While driving in the center lane, the vehicle stalled. The driver turned on the hazard lights while coasting to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manu

Mileage: 1,500

20251013POWER TRAIN

Fails to move when going from stopped to apply gas and moving forward there is a large delay and weak power. Shakes when idles and is really forcful switching from gas to battery or battery to gas,

20251013ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fails to move when going from stopped to apply gas and moving forward there is a large delay and weak power. Shakes when idles and is really forcful switching from gas to battery or battery to gas,

20251013FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fails to move when going from stopped to apply gas and moving forward there is a large delay and weak power. Shakes when idles and is really forcful switching from gas to battery or battery to gas,

20251006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On October 3rd, 2025 I was driving at approximately 15mph when my dash started to flash red while beeping. It displayed a message that stated "Check Hybrid System" Within 15 seconds the car shut off. There was no power to utilize the flashers to warn drivers behind me. The abrupt stop caused a near collision and left my car stranded in an intersection. After about 5 minutes I was able to utilize the 12v battery reset button and get the car safely to the side of the road. My car had an all points inspection in September and no issues were noted at that time. I searched 3 websites, including NHTSA, and all noted I had 0 recalls on my vehicle. However, there were multiple reports of this happening to other 2023 Kia Sportage owners over the past 2 years. Some reported that this happened to them on the highway. On October 6th, 2025 I took my car to the dealership to be serviced. Upon check-in the advisor stated I had 2 active recalls on my vehicle. (Safety Recall: Hybrid Control Unit Sw Up

20251001POWER TRAIN

February 2024 (27,813 mi): Vehicle lost acceleration while driving, would not transition from EV to engine mode, entered limp mode. Dealer replaced high-pressure fuel pump under warranty after consulting Kia Tech Line (case #[XXX]). September 2025 (58,000 mi): Vehicle will not start without manually resetting 12v battery module integrated in hybrid battery system. Pattern suggests hybrid control system defects, not resolved by previous repair. Car has now been with dealer for 4+ days figuring out this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20251001VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

February 2024 (27,813 mi): Vehicle lost acceleration while driving, would not transition from EV to engine mode, entered limp mode. Dealer replaced high-pressure fuel pump under warranty after consulting Kia Tech Line (case #[XXX]). September 2025 (58,000 mi): Vehicle will not start without manually resetting 12v battery module integrated in hybrid battery system. Pattern suggests hybrid control system defects, not resolved by previous repair. Car has now been with dealer for 4+ days figuring out this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Compare 2023KIASPORTAGE HYBRID to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID have?
The 2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID has 139 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID?
Yes, the 2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID?
The most-complained component for the 2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 26 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and ENGINE.
Is the 2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.