What 182 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

This is a statement from my daughter: I was driving and noticed a vehicle stopped in front of me. When I attempted to brake, I could feel my brakes sink all the way to the floor. I also didn't receive an alert from the Front Collision Avoidance system or any assistance from the Automatic Emergency Braking system. The vehicle was a CPO that had always been serviced at the dealership. Because of various surgeries I have had, depending on the severity of the crash, I could have been paralyzed for life.

NHTSA ODI 11740925

Vehicle caught fire while idling unattended with seat warmers activated. The driver seat ignited and fire spread across the seats to the headrest in the backseats and sunroof area. No one was inside the vehicle at the time. Multiple eyewitnesses confirm no one was near the vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the incident. Police report confirms no arson or external cause. A campus officer noted the fire may be related to the seat heater system. Vehicle is currently undrivable due to severe interior fire damage.

NHTSA ODI 11725134

While actively parking, my car accelerated and slammed into a wall an arm's length away. The collision was impactful enough to cause my seatbelt to engage and slam into my sternum. While attempting to turn off the car, the computer system glitched, engaging all three different drive modes (N, R, D). The breaking command I gave the vehicle was ignored, and the vehicle accelerated into the parking garage wall. No front collision assist or safety feature engaged. The vehicle is currently at a repair shop with the damage cost totalling $17K. The MFR recently inspected the car in Decemeber when the lease expired and I purchased the vehicle. Prior to that in October, the car came to a full stop and turned off on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11721553

I was involved in a motor vehicle collision where my vehicle sustained significant front-end damage and was later declared a total loss by my insurance company. Despite the severity of the impact, the front airbags did not deploy. The impact was primarily to the front of the vehicle, and the damage required extensive repairs, exceeding the threshold for a total loss. I was wearing my seatbelt at the time of the crash. The failure of the airbag system to deploy raised serious safety concerns, as airbags are intended to provide occupant protection in frontal crashes of this nature. I experienced physical discomfort after the incident and believe the lack of airbag deployment increased the risk of injury. There were no warning lights or messages related to the airbag or restraint system prior to the crash. The vehicle had not shown any prior airbag or safety system faults. The vehicle is currently available for inspection and has been reviewed by the insurance company. I am reporting this incident to request investigation into a potential airbag system malfunction that could pose a safety risk to other drivers

NHTSA ODI 11713494

On November 15, I was traveling with my mother and seated in the front passenger seat of a 2023 Kia Sportage while she was driving approximately 65 mph on the interstate when the vehicle struck a deer. The impact caused significant front-end damage, including the bumper, radiator area, and underbody components. I was wearing a seatbelt. Despite the severity of the collision and the high rate of speed, neither the driver nor passenger airbags deployed. No airbags deployed in any position in the vehicle. I sustained injuries, including a right shoulder sprain and having the wind knocked out of me, and required medical care. As a result of this crash, my mother developed post-traumatic stress symptoms, including fear of driving and anxiety related to the accident. The component that failed appears to be the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)/airbag system, which did not deploy in a crash that should have met deployment thresholds. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure put our safety at risk by leaving us without the primary restraint protection designed to prevent head, chest, and upper body injuries in a high-speed frontal collision. The issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. The vehicle has been seen by insurance, but no airbag system inspection or explanation has been provided. There were no airbag warning lights or dashboard messages prior to the crash. If there were any faults stored in the system, they were not displayed to the occupants. I believe this is a serious safety defect involving airbag non-deployment.

NHTSA ODI 11712825

Incident Date: [XXX] Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Component(s): Power Train (Automatic Transmission Shifter), Electrical System (Instrument Cluster/Display), Back Over Prevention (Rearview Camera) Description of Incident: On [XXX], while performing a low-speed maneuver in Pittsburgh, PA, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic Shift-by-Wire (SBW) logic failure resulting in a collision. After shifting the rotary gear selector from Reverse to Drive, the transmission failed to engage the selected gear and remained in Reverse without any auditory or haptic warning to the driver. Simultaneously, the Rear View Monitor (RVM) experienced a "system hang," continuing to display the rear camera feed and blocking the instrument cluster’s gear-position indicator. Due to this dual failure—unintended gear retention and display latency—the vehicle traveled in an unintended direction (Reverse) while I attempted to accelerate forward, leading to a property damage accident. Post-Incident Documentation: The vehicle was presented to Performance Kia (Moosic, PA) on 12/19/25. Technician #957 confirmed the software logic was corrupted and performed a "Clear and Relearn of Adaptive Values" to reset the Transmission Control Module (TCM). This diagnostic confirms that the vehicle was operating with failed control logic. Safety Risk: The failure of the Shift-by-Wire system to accurately execute gear changes, combined with the instrument cluster's failure to provide real-time gear position as required by FMVSS No. 102, creates an unreasonable risk of collision and injury. I was never notified of Recall SC270 or SC275, which address similar software and hydraulic failures in this model year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11711230

I was parked in a spot outside the Service Department of John Kennedy Ford, waiting for my son, who was getting his car serviced. I couldn't see the door of the Service Department, so I decided to move to a position in which I could see my son exit the Department. I put the car into Reverse to exit the spot and it accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed backwards, striking two cars parked outside the Service Department, pushing them into other vehicles in the parking area. I put the car into drive to pull away from the cars I impacted and the car accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed forwards, striking a curb in front of the showroom, causing my car to veer into two new cars on the lot, sideswiping the last car and veering my car into a lamppost along The Fairway. The collision caused my car to stop, causing the Driver airbag to deploy. At no time did the forward collision avoidance system cause the car to brake itself. When the car was moving, the engine was revving at maximum RPM. I wasn't able to control the vehicle. The policed officer who investigated the scene said he did not see any interference from the floor mat, which he said is a common cause. Upon reviewing the activities leading up to the crash, I recalled attempting to use the remote start feature of the vehicle, which had been operating flawlessly. However, on this day, it took 3-4 attempts to get the vehicle to start remotely, possibly indicating a computer flaw. I was injured; no one else was. The vehicle is in the State Farm lot awaiting interrogation by KIA.

NHTSA ODI 11710944

The contact owned a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned all 3 lanes on the highway. The vehicle hit a retaining wall, the vehicle bounced back, spun around, and faced oncoming traffic head-on. An oversized trailer crashed into the contact's vehicle head-on and pushed the vehicle into the middle lane, where it came to a stop. The driver’s and passenger’s side air bags did not deploy. Unknown if any warning lights were illuminated. However, the vehicle's system contacted 911. A police report was filed. The contact was taken to the hospital via ambulance due to sustaining severe injuries to the left shoulder, collapsed lung, chest abrasions, nerve damage to the abdominal area, nerve damage to the lower back, and a brain injury. The contact recently had surgery on her left shoulder. The vehicle was towed to a local towing yard. The insurance company was contacted and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact hired an attorney who hired an engineer to check the black box inside the vehicle and found that nothing was recorded. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. 

NHTSA ODI 11670932

While backing up, the vehicle’s rear camera and sensors failed to alert me to a low object. There was no audible warning, and the object was below rear window visibility. This resulted in a dent to the trunk. The camera system typically provides audio warnings, but it was silent during this event. I am concerned this could indicate a defect in the backup safety system. There have been similar recalls put out for other Kia models in this year which concerns me even more that I had this issue and that my car does not have a recall out.

NHTSA ODI 11667212

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed through an intersection, the vehicle was struck on the passenger side front quarter panel by another vehicle that had failed to yield. As a result, the vehicle spun out of control through the intersection before coming to a complete stop, causing the driver to hit her head on the driver's side window. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The driver was evaluated by EMT on scene but declined to be transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver later transported herself to an area hospital and was treated for a concussion, neck pain, bruising, and various minor cuts to the knees. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11651092

I had an incident happen in September 2023. As usual, I parked my car in Reverse (R), and after that, I shifted it into Park (P). Then, I released the brake, and the car unexpectedly reversed, resulting in an incident where my bumper got dented. Later, I found out that others had experienced the same problem. I'm confused whether it was due to the brake or shifting into Park. They told me there is a brake booster problem as well. However, I'm puzzled as to how it happened since there's been a recall for other models in the same family group as my KIA. Since that day, I've been following up with KIA, but they are asking for a police report and insurance information. I'm still driving the car in the same condition until they repair it, and they have only replaced the brake booster. This incident marks the second time my brake booster has needed repair. Thanks.

NHTSA ODI 11583200

I parked my car. It reversed slowly and hit a wall made of metal net. I started my car, drove a little forward, and parked it again. The car is now parked as normal. I took my car to the dealer and informed them about a brake problem. They verified that it was a brake booster problem. The repair process took 21 days. I am currently attempting to claim the accident, but the Kia company is providing various reasons for potential denial.

NHTSA ODI 11554455

driving on the highway in the left lane with driver assist engaged. crashed into car driving in the right lane when the kia driver assist turned off without warning.

NHTSA ODI 11549129

My Kia Sportage suddenly unintentionally accelerated hitting the building in front of me. As I was parking my vehicle at Dunkin Donuts, pressing on the car brake, the car did the opposite of braking and accelerated and hit the building. My vehicle didn't stop until it hit the building. Witness was there and police was called.

NHTSA ODI 11546480

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving forward into a parking space at a very slow speed and while pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove over the stop bump and a curve before crashing into a building wall. During the crash, the contact sustained a head injury which later required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was driven away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545121

The contact was driving a 2023 Kia Sportage loaner vehicle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and pressing the brake pedal the braking system malfunctioned and the brake pedal extended to the floor causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash, the vehicle sustained front-end damage but the air bag did not deploy. Also, during the crash, the second vehicle was pushed into the rear of a third vehicle. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The cause of the failures was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the crash. The manufacturer has not yet contacted us. The failure mileage was 450.

NHTSA ODI 11543768

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH a second vehicle suddenly crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. During the crash, no air bags deployed and the driver sustained minor neck and back injuries which did not require medical treatment. No police report was taken. The vehicle was later driven to the home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 6,000.

NHTSA ODI 11542699

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle however, the brakes was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle started spinning and landed in a ditch and struck a wooden fence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,887.

NHTSA ODI 11541532

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, attempting to merge onto the roadway, and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to decelerate. As a result, the vehicle crashed into semi-truck on the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The driver was transported to an area hospital and treated for whiplash and back pain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who did not diagnose the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V410000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA ODI 11540084

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle collided with another and the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the impact was on the driver's side of the vehicle. The air bag warning light was not illuminated. The driver sustained head and back injuries. Medical treatment was needed and a police report was taken. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11537240

I was driving a highway distance of 374 Miles mostly two lanes hwy. While driving I had my collision warning, distance between car indicator and adaptive cruise control in use. It did not happen all the time however when it did it was a violent stop. While driving 75 mph. The car recognized there was another vehicle in the other lane. It would give the warning sign and even if I tap the break it would slam on brake so hard that my passenger burn herself with coffee and the rest of us went towards the wind shield. Thank goodness for seat belts. There were 3 people in the car including myself.This happen 1 with AdA cruise control. I disengaged that feature but left the other features on. It happen two more times while returning home with just collision warning and . I am driving about 75 mph. Car doesn't recognized all the cars passing, then all of a sudden the collision warning comes is activated with a fast beep. As if it just saw the car and before I am able to tap the break it slams on break. I have taken it to the dealership and they could not duplicate it. Instead they turn off the feature. I told them it was on the highway , over 75mph, with other traffic. They indicated it was me and not the machine. If it was someone following me while this happened. At the rate of speed I was going and abruptly stopping. I would have died. Or been seriously injured. My car is not fixed. I DO NOT feel safe.

NHTSA ODI 11532259

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, when she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not accelerate as required, and she was rear-ended, causing her vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The vehicle was towed to the repair facility; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that after research she discovered there was a recall and she had not received the recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V410000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11531542

On the morning of May 16 2023 while making a turn at 17 th Avenue and Bayshore Drive my car continued to accelerate in spite of me trying to brake. I was projected into a stone wall and knew I was going to crash . I crashed into the wall,all my airbags were deployed and the car smelled like smoke. My accelerator got stuck and was sideways .I was unable to get out of the car from inside but a Good Samaritan had opened the door from the outside and I crawled under the airbags and got out . The car did not go on fire but was still on when I was able to then turn it off . Police were called and I was checked at the hospital .

NHTSA ODI 11525243

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated after his wife stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle accelerated independently and caused to crash the vehicle ahead of them. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.

NHTSA ODI 11502359

It would be easier to explain to someone over the phone as there are a lot of details. Phone number is 8135177176 kia did look at it after when I went in for oil Change as I tried to get ahold of corporate. I tried to explain to police also. I have a screen shot on the original day where it shows in the Kia app that the problem was showing in the app at 10 am because it had not updated since then and it was around 10 pm.

NHTSA ODI 11496619