2023 Kia Sportage recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2023 Kia Sportage and 193 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (48), electrical system (45), engine (38). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2023 ranks #11 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (171). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
Recalls 6
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2023 Kia Sportage. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Structure · body · roof and pillars
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
Power train · automatic transmission · fluid/lubricant · pump
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC272.
Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Problem: 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 when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Air bags · side/window · curtain
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation.
Risk: A twisted air bag can deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC257.
Electrical system · alternator/generator/regulator
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
On Saturday,XXX, my vehicle was serviced (oil change and tire rotation) at Berwyn Kia, [XXX]. Shortly after leaving the dealership, I noticed a vibration that developed into a thumping noise from the right rear, worsening at highway speed. I pulled over and found three lug nuts missing from the right rear wheel, and most of the remaining lug nuts could be turned by hand. The wh…
Power lose while accelerating (Especially on the highway), misfire causing rough idle. Code reading P0301 for fuel injector in cylinder 1. Kia is aware of this issue and has a TSB out for it however will not cover for the cost to replace the fuel injectors. Because of this issue my car does get up to speed in an appropriate amount of time causing a safety concern no only for me…
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 numero…
Safety ratings
2023 Kia Sportage SUV AWD
2023 Kia Sportage SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2023 Kia Sportage.
Sportage AWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Sportage FWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2023 Kia Sportage, most recently for structure · body · roof and pillars (01/18/2024). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sportage?
Based on 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (48), electrical system (45), engine (38).
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage safe?
The 2023 Kia Sportage earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2023 a good year for the Kia Sportage?
The 2023 ranks #11 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (171). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings for the 2023 Kia Sportage range from 25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2023 Kia Sportage in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SPORTAGE, Sportage.