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)

25 of 380 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters

Aug 14, 2025BrakesEngine

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 manufacturer opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11680633

Jan 9, 2025BrakesFire

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.

NHTSA ODI 11635109

Nov 5, 2024BrakesElectrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11623681

Sep 4, 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 unavailable. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11612486

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

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

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

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 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, 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

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

Aug 9, 2016Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE ROTORS. WHILE HAVING AN INSPECTION PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND CALIBERS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.

NHTSA ODI 10894355

Mar 31, 2016BrakesEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES WERE MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND WERE RUSTING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS NEEDED AND THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI 10852709

Jan 28, 2015BrakesEngineFuel system

WHEN YOU CLIMB HILLS LIKE THE ONE ON INTERSTATE 20 OR A SMALL INCLINE IN OUR DRIVEWAY THE CAR WANT GO THE GAS IS MASHED TO THE FLOOR AND INSTEAD OF THE CAR SPEEDING UP IT SLOWS DOWN. DOING 80 I-20 START UP HILL SLOWS DOWN TO BELOW 60MPH. WHEN YOU TO START OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY OR FROM A STOP SIGN YOU JUST BARLEY MASH THE GAS THE CAR TAKES OFF LIKES ITS GOING TO THE FIRE. DRIVE THE CAR 2 1/2 MILES AND IT WILL USE 3/4 TANK OF GAS. BRAKES GRAB WHEN ROADS ARE NOT WET THEY ARE DRY AS THE DESERT. 01-28-2015 JT'S KIA, THE PLACE WE BOUGHT IT FROM, SAID, "THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY DID NOT DO ANY WORK TO THE CAR 01-28-2015 GOT THE CAR BACK FROM JT'S THEY DID DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE BRAKES AND THE GAS BECAUSE THE BRAKES ARE TIGHTER THAN THEY WERE BEFORE WE TOOK IT TO THEM AND THE GAS HAND DOESN'T MOVE LIKE IT DID. IT STILL LOSES POWER GOING UP HILLS ON I-20 BUT NOT AS BAD AS IT DID OF COURSE THEY WEREN'T ANY AS STEP AS THE ONE AROUND EXIT 11 THE GRAINTEVILLE EXIT. THE CAR HAS A PROBLEM PLEASE HELP US I DON'T WANT MY MOTHER OR MY 14 YR OLD DAUGHTER HURT OR KILLED BECAUSE THIS IS THE ONLY TRANSPORTATION WE HAVE AND MY 84 YR OLD MOTHER WHOM BOUGHT THIS CAR AND IS SCARED TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE SHE IS AFRAID THAT SHE & OR MY 14 YR DAUGHTER IS GOING TO BE HURT REAL BAD OR MAYBE EVEN KILLED IN THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP US. PLACE OF PURCHASE JT'S KIA 230 KILLIAN COMMONS PARKWAY COLUMBIA, SC 29203 (803) 509-5555 THE OWNER [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *TR

NHTSA ODI 10679564

Oct 16, 2014BrakesCrash1 injury

KIA SPORTAGE 2013 PLATE. COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE ON APPROACH TO JUNCTION DESPITE PUMPING BRAKE PEDAL. RESULTED IN CRASH AND INJURIES SUSTAINED. MALFUNCTION OF ABILITY TO DEACTIVATE CRUISE CONTROL BY APPLYING BRAKE IN ADDITION, ON ONE OCCASION. CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION. HAVE INFORMED MANUFACTURER. AWAITING INVESTIGATION OUTCOME. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10645000

May 7, 2014Brakes

AFTER AROUND 13/14K MILES, THE FRONT BRAKES BEGAN TO MAKE EXTREME NOISES LIKE VERY LOUD SANDPAPER AGAINST METAL WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE. AFTER THE CAR RAN A LITTLE BIT, THEY WOULD STOP BUT THEN IT PROGRESSED TO A CONSTANT EMBARASSING NOISE. I HAVE HAD IT BACK THREE TIMES IN WHICH THEY EITHER CLEANED OR SPRAYED THE ROTORS. THIS LAST VISIT THEY HAVE EVEN PUT A GRAPHITE BASE ON THEM. TWO WEEKS SINCE THEY DID THAT APPLICATION, HERE I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THEY TELL ME THE BRAKES ARE STILL GOOD. THEY WANTED TO GIVE ME A GOODWILL REPLACEMENT ON THE ROTORS AND PADS BUT WANTED ME TO SIGN OFF THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE FURTHER CLAIMS. WHAT IF MY PROBLEM IS NOT THE PADS OR ROTORS? I HAVE OWNED 5 KIA'S SINCE 2009 AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM ON ANY OF THEM. WHEN I NOW APPLY THE BRAKES HARD, I GET AN INTERNAL GRINDING NOISE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10587061

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 →