Home · 2013 Kia Sportage Phev · Complaints

What 380 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Sportage Phev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (380)Crash / fire / injury (28)Engine (300)Brakes (25)Electrical system (22)Transmission & drivetrain (18)Engine & cooling (14)Fuel system (9)Body & structure (6)Suspension (6)Airbags (4)Speed control (4)

Newest first · 380 complaints · page 2 of 16

May 9, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11587888

Apr 25, 2024BrakesEngine

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start, and the vehicle became undrivable. 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 local dealer was not 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 unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11585137

Apr 17, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11583680

Apr 5, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11581386

Apr 3, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580894

Apr 3, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580970

Apr 2, 2024BrakesElectrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an electrical short circuit to the battery and starter. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a burning odor near the engine compartment. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,864.

NHTSA ODI 11580742

Apr 2, 2024Electrical system

Hecu needs to be replaced. This is a dangerous recall and it has almost been one year and it hasn't been resolved because the parts arent available.. I have children in my car and they tell me a fire could start while driving or parked. So, they will see the urgency in getting this part to us, after people have died? I am really upset that this is not being taken seriously when peoples lives could be at stake.

NHTSA ODI 11580809

Mar 29, 2024SuspensionBrakesDriver assistanceFire

We were driving down the road and heard a whine. About 2 minutes later there was a pop in both front wheels locked we could not move and we cannot get them to unlock

NHTSA ODI 11580042

Mar 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

I had my vehicle in for a recall from Kia PI2103 for Kia to update the software in my Kia Sportage. Which was to install software that could help my engine from failing. This was performed on January 19th 2024. Along with this recall they were supposed to extend my warranty to 15 yrs 150,000 miles. Shortly after aout 500 miles later and a few weeks my engine developed a knocking noise. I took back to the dealer that performed the recall to have it diagnosed. They advised that it needs and engine and is part of the campaign but they needed to get prior authorization. After a month went by Kia determined because I never took the key tag out of the car that I would not be getting a new engine for not meeting the requirements. How they determined this is when a service advisor is making a repair order they use window tags to locate cars. Well, the advisor rather than using a new window tag used the one that was sitting on my seat. I would like Kia to honor their extended coverage and replace my engine at no charge. Attached is proof I had KSDS and also a copy of the Kia techline that the service manager gave me to show the reason.

NHTSA ODI 11576748

Mar 10, 2024Engine

the engine on my 2013 kia sportage is under recall and the dealer is refusing to replace the engine after it locked up due to issues that kia was having with their engine i bought the suv brand new and this should be covered

NHTSA ODI 11576433

Feb 9, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11571006

Feb 6, 2024EngineFuel system

My daughter has a 2013 Kia Sporage. Last week she was driving and the engine kept cutting off on the highway. She has had the recalled engine replaced last year and has 33,000 miles on it. When we took it to be checked out the guy said it could be the timing chain. The dealership said that was unlikely. It sounds like it’s not getting gas, so we put fuel injector cleaner in and it still isn’t running.

NHTSA ODI 11570386

Jan 31, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11569011

Jan 30, 2024Brakes

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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11568758

Jan 29, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made a tapping sound, and then the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was engine oil leaking onto the ground while driving, with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lower bearing, push rod, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a Product Improvement Campaign to update the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software had previously been performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer denied the engine replacement due to the vehicle have a Salvage Title. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11568502

Jan 25, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11567740

Jan 17, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his son was driving 45 MPH, he observed a loud noise coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that code: P1326 (KSDS – Possible bearing wear) was retrieved using a handheld diagnostic machine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,000.

NHTSA ODI 11565963

Jan 17, 2024Brakes

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11566108

Jan 5, 2024Brakes

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 local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11563714

Dec 29, 2023EngineCrashFire

I have a Kia Sportage Ex 2013 and this motor vehicle has a fire and explotion in the road.

NHTSA ODI 11562489

Dec 16, 2023Engine

On December 13, 2023, at 7:30am I noticed that the check engine light was on in my vehicle. I recently received an Important Safety Recall letter notice on November 14, 2023, regarding a defect with the safety of kia motor vehicles that were manufactured between 2011-2013, in which the defect can result in an engine compartment fire. I currently have a 2013 Kia Sportage so once I saw the check engine light, I was concerned due to the notice I received. I decided to take my vehicle to my nearest kia dealership per the WARNING that states that if you experience illumination of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) take the vehicle to the nearest dealership as soon as possible. I took my vehicle to the 7050 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 location. I informed Rep that my check engine light was turned on. The Rep then stated that diagnostic testing can be done on the vehicle, but it would be $175.00. I stated to the Rep “NO”, I then informed rep that I have a Recall on my vehicle regarding the engine and I have a warranty due to the defect on the engine. I was then informed that I do have a warranty and that I would be good to go in which the car was covered. After it was confirmed that there was a Safety Recall and Warranty along with a statement from the Rep confirming that everything would be taken care of. I provided rep the keys to my vehicle around 8:00am and was informed that the mechanic would have to keep my car overnight to sufficiently diagnose the problem. I later talked to the service manager that stated the previous rep was out and it would cost $655 for the vehicle to be fixed. I informed him that I have a warranty that should cover the cost. I was later informed that the part is not covered under the warranty. I informed him that I do not want the service and he then stated that I would have to pay for the diagnostic testing for the car in the amount of $155.00. I was then told I would have to wait another day until the worker came in. I had to pay $100

NHTSA ODI 11560482

Nov 22, 2023BrakesFuel system

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gas cap. The contact was informed that the gas cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred after a month. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the gas cap was replaced a second time, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he recently received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated the vehicle was scheduled for a appointment at the dealer in several days. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11556412

Nov 21, 2023BrakesEngine

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, the contact became aware of an abnormal burning odor. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. 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 local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not 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 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11556306

Oct 7, 2023Engine

I was driving to my destination on the local highway when my car began to make a noise like a knocking sound, I kept driving so I can get over and get to a street where I can pull over safely. The car started smoking, I can see it through my rear view mirrors, I begin to panic because my car seem to be slowing down and cars are going around me. At this point I was able to pull over, as I was pulling over the car came to stop on its own and completely shutdown. I contacted my insurance and had it towed to my mechanic who determined the engine needed to be replaced. I take good care of my car, there were no warning signs, no lights on in my car indicating that the car was in distress. I contacted Kia and explained what happened, I had to pay out of pocket to have it towed to Kia. I’m currently waiting for them to inspect it.

NHTSA ODI 11548851

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Working with the data? Download all 380 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Kia Sportage Phev verdict →