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

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH on the highway, the engine and oil check warning light was illuminated. The Kia App alerted the driver to check the engine when convenient. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 120,100.

NHTSA ODI 11747362

It was roughly 2000 miles since my last oil change on my Kia Sportage. A spot of oil appeared in my driveway. I thought it could be from a delivery truck. I started parking my car in another spot and didn’t see anymore oil on the pavement. Three days later the low oil light came on. I had my car towed to a Mavis tire center they found that the oil drain plug was loose. They told me the car needed to go back to the dealership. They gave me a copy of a memo that they have sent to all of their shops reporting that NHTSA is investigating this problem with Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The Kia dealership is not concerned about this. The documentation for this service says last visit we did not tighten the drain plug properly and another shop confirmed that. Please check oil level, drain plug, and filter to ensure proper levels/tightness and report MISC drain plug was found loose. They observed it for two hours. They also noted that mileage coming into the shop was 61212 mileage, out of the shop was 61212. Please note they had not done previous oil change as noted in their documentation. I have a service contract with this Kia dealership where I bought the car. I stopped going there because they recommended that three of my brakes needed to be changed on March 4, 2025. In spring of 2025 I had two different mavis shops. Tell me that my brakes did not require changing. One set had 30% wear, the other set had only 20% wear. It is now June 25, 2026. My break still have not required being changed. That was not recommended Service today either.

NHTSA ODI 11746544

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the infotainment screen was turned off. The contact stated that the vehicle became operable after approximately two minutes. The contact stated the failure was recurrent. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 11743585

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

Frequently while driving my 2023 Kia shortage Hybrid will accelerate on its own. This happens randomly while driving straight as well as making turns. My suv also has a vary hard time driving uphill. If im driving at 25 mph when approaching the hill, my car then gradually drops down to 10-15 mph.This is extremely scary especially when driving with my children in the car. I haven’t owned the vehicle for a year and don’t know why it’s performing this way.

NHTSA ODI 11708121

My 2023 Kia Sportage AWD has several ongoing safety issues that have been happening for over a year. The car stalls or hesitates at low speeds and during acceleration. I hear grinding or whining noises from the front end and drivetrain. My brakes wore out very early and still feel inconsistent, and the automatic braking acts unpredictable. The AWD system sometimes feels unstable when I try to accelerate. The tire pressure warning light comes on often even when the tires are fine. These issues happen randomly and make the car feel unsafe to drive. I am reporting this for safety investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11701844

Initially in May 25, my Sportage started accelerating on its own, unprompted, up to 4500 RPMs many times and also hesitated. In 6/25 the info screen, (whole dash) went black 4-5 x’s for about 3minutes while driving 60 mph on bypass. Beginning of July, Siri didn’t work and said it was inaccessible, and also the navigation said it was not updated however, when I pulled into the dealer, all of a sudden it worked? On 7/23 I was turning into apt complex and had no brakes! I had slowed to about 20mph, car behind me, and couldn’t make that turn so I coasted up to next entrance and was able to turn in. Fortunately, I was able to stop in my handicap pkg spot. I had already made appt for the initial issues at the dealer, Moyer Kia in Lebanon, for first week of August, but immediately called them on 724 and explained the absence of breaks! They told me to get car there right away, so I did. I gave a list of all above info, they were able to give me a loaner, Kia G6. This was very inconvenient for me as most of my back is fused and I provide transport for my [XXX] /o mom w/Walker, but I can’t go w/o a car! Moyer has had my car since 7/24,. With the exception of need for miles on the loaner communication was poor. I tried to reach Kia Corp multiple x’s to no avail. I was told by Brian at dealer that my case had been escalated to the national safety board and they were advised not to touch my car pending investigation. So it sat there for months I got a message from Kia Connect that my battery was dead, more communication than I had received throughout this whole experience! Last week, Thursday I had called corp who said they sent me an email on 1023 to tell me nothing is wrong with my car, they also emailed the dealer. I hadn’t checked email, nor did they call, so I didn’t know, dealer called me on Friday to come and get my car, but first they had to grind the rust off of rotors, recharge the battery and would I like them to inspect it?, NOTHING IS WRONG? THIS CAR is NOT SAFE!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11700174

On [XXX] the vehicle randomly went into limp mode. Wouldn't restart until it was jumped. Previous to this, the vehicle had already done this twice before. Exact dates unknown. On [XXX], the vehicle went into system check while I was driving it on 3 different occasions. The car shuts down by itself. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11685704

The engine light has turned on, I have taken it to different shops and they can’t find the issue

NHTSA ODI 11684282

Purchased a CPO Sportage XPro April 2025. As I am unfamiliar with the mechanisms of Kia, unbeknownst to me, my engine revved the first week of purchase. Since this incident, the engine has revved while braking on [XXX] while driving down a city street. The next incident occurred on [XXX] , while exiting the highway and coming to a stop. My passenger, who happens to be a mechanical engineer asked if bumped the gears for the engine to revv as it did, which I did not. The fourth occurrence was [XXX], while driving city streets and coming to a stop. I contacted Kia after the [XXX] incident and they drove the car and could not duplicate my safety concern. When the engine revvs while braking, there are no malfunction warnings messages and goes back to normal within 30 seconds or when I shift back to park and drive. As the safety issue is intermittent, not sure if there is a scheduled duplication of the occurrence. Nonetheless, in review of several complaints via NHTSA, I see a similarities in NHTSA Campaign 23-V-410 and wondering the applicability to my Sportage despite no recalls. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11680283

The issue appears to involve the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system or the transmission fluid/lubricant pump. The vehicle jerks or hesitates when accelerating from a stop, as if struggling to shift properly. The check engine light comes on repeatedly. This issue is ongoing, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The jerking and hesitation when trying to drive, especially from a stop or when merging into traffic, poses a safety risk to myself and others. The delayed or unpredictable response could easily lead to an accident in high-traffic areas, intersections, or when making turns. Yes. The issue has been observed multiple times. The check engine light has returned even after replacing the O2 sensors, and a trusted mechanic believes the problem may be transmission-related. However, the Kia dealership claims there are no active recalls tied to my VIN, even though publicly available information lists powertrain- and fluid pump-related recalls for my vehicle's year and model. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Kia corporate. I reached out to the local dealer, who denied any applicable recall. I am submitting this complaint in hopes of an official review and inspection by the manufacturer or NHTSA to determine if the issue qualifies for safety recall intervention. Yes. The check engine light first appeared months ago, which led to replacement of the O2 sensors. Shortly after the replacement, the light returned, and the car began jerking while trying to drive or accelerate from a stop. These symptoms have persisted and appear to be worsening.

NHTSA ODI 11667091

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument cluster went black, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that before being able to pull over, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the instrument cluster and wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the vehicle started stalling while stopped for traffic lights. The contact stated that when the vehicle stalled, the instrument cluster showed several unknown warning lights. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer was not able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666269

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11661120

After starting the vehicle, backup camera and infotainment screen would not work. Car shut off and would not restart with “check system” message. Vehicle had to be towed.

NHTSA ODI 11628990

The infotainment screen remained blank while in reverse. I wasn’t able to detect pedestrians or objects while backing up. After driving less than a mile, the infotainment screen started to work. After stopping at a stop sign, an “air flap warning” light appeared, then the vehicle stalled shutting completely off while in drive. It cranked after the 3rd attempt. We returned home and parked. Around thirty minutes later, the car would not start and my brother had to boost the vehicle, but we decided not to drive it. The vehicle stalled last week while making a left turn into oncoming traffic, but the dealership stated that they could not duplicate the problem!

NHTSA ODI 11628718

On November 25, 2024, the dash and infotainment screen went blank while at the traffic light. A few seconds later the car stalled shutting completely off while making a left turn onto Cox Rd in Evans, GA. We were able to coast out of traffic and came to a complete stop on the side of the road. We attempted to restart the vehicle and multiple warnings appeared on the dash such as check forward safety system, two cars colliding, check blind spot safety system, traction?, ABS, lane departure, seat belts, Auto Hold, and other symbols not understood. On the second attempt, the vehicle restarted and more warning symbols appeared as soon as it was put in drive. The vehicle was shut off and restarted again with no warnings. We proceeded and drove it to Kia of Evans for service. The service Rep reported that the vehicle was driven 5 miles and they were not able to duplicate this issues. The infotainment screen has blanked out several times since purchase and this is the second time the vehicle has stalled at a traffic light. On this incident, this could have been a traffic situation turning left and losing power into oncoming traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11627855

Purchased vehicle used 11/18/2023. Two days later vehicle went into limp mode on the highway. No brakes. Engine continued to shut off. Towed to dealer. Replaced injector. 11000 miles. 12/27/23 Vehicle was returned. 11/14/2024 Vehicle went into limp mode. Engine would not run. Vehicle was blowing white smoke thru exhaust. Another highway incident. Towed to dealership. This condition is very dangerous on the highway not only for me, my family and other motorist. As of today the vehicle is still at dealership. Do not have the repair orders or my car.

NHTSA ODI 11626639

on [xxx], I was told MY 2023 Kia Sportage has an engine Failure. The car needs a new engine. The car has been in the shop for over 30 days. I went to the Kia Oursman of Alexandria VA to get an update on the car. I was told they don't know what's wrong with the engine. The only thing they know is there is a defect in the engine where the engine is misfiring. I was told they can't tell me anything yet about the engine. They have my car in the shop for over 30 days, and they still can't tell me what's wrong with it except that it has an engine defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11616782

The engine shut completely off after stopping at a traffic light with a message “auto stop not working.” There was another message, but I wasn’t able to capture it due to trying to restart the vehicle in the midst of traffic. The engine restarted after two attempts.

NHTSA ODI 11615876

There were two incidents where the engine sounded sluggish and was difficult to start over the past two weeks (7/22/24 & 7/30/24). After speaking with Kia Service Rep three days ago, an appointment was made to check the battery. On yesterday and today (8/1/24), the engine would not start at all or even make a sound although the air conditioner and radio would work. I had to get the vehicle jumped off to drive it to the service department. After the Service Rep checked the battery, they couldn’t find anything wrong and stated the battery was o.k.

NHTSA ODI 11605994

After driving my normal route, I stopped at a red light, before light went green, the car shut off. No lights on the dash, completely blank. The car was in drive, and foot was on the brake. There was no brake lights, flashers would not operator, the horn did not work and I could not move the car. The car was dead. After a few minutes stranded the car decided to start again. This has happened no less than 6x since I have owned this vehicle in similar situations. I have taken it to the Kia dealership where I purchased it and it has been inspected and kept for days multiple times with the result always being "nothing is wrong"

NHTSA ODI 11585672

I had my vehicle take to Coughlin Kia in Dublin Ohio on [XXX] and got my vehicle back on [XXX]. The service center at Coughlin claimed I had bad gas, they took it upon themselves to approve services I did not approve of. When I got my vehicle back on [XXX] I found wires under my hood and caps left under my hood as well. Then on 4/26/24 my vehicle started having problems, my vehicle would have the RPMS jumping from 500 to 1,000 while sitting in park and driving. Not once did I ever mess with my vehicle under the hood. I notice this problem getting worse as the days went on. On 4/23 my vehicle wasn't getting any better, the engine was shaking while sitting in park and it was shaking the whole car. On [XXX] on my way back from a lunch break my car stalled out and stopped in the middle of traffic. I called Great Lakes dealership in Columbus Ohio, and have my vehicle taken there. My vehicle declined in speed while moving on a high speed highway. Putting my safety and my families safety at risk. Kia won't own up to any mistakes, they claim this as bad fuel and I have been putting high octane gas in my vehicle. I do believe my vehicle was messed with by someone at the Coughlin Dealership and now I'm facing safety issues I can't drive my vehicle because its unsafe and my vehicle has only 23,600 miles on it. I'm highly disappointed I reached out to the director of operations Michele Cameron and she refuses to respond back to me and return my phone calls. I can't get anyone from Kia Corporation to respond back to me. I was told by Kia Connect that they wouldn't provide me a tow truck last night when my vehicle was on the side of a busy highway. I have warranty on my vehicle and I get free tows and was told they couldn't provide one. No safety vehicle would sit with us on the highway to make sure we were safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11585412

Engine failure problem. Also, windshield just cracked for no reason and continously spreading

NHTSA ODI 11583915

The vehicle was towed to KIA in Mobile AL Engine approximately 25K miles engine had to be replaced manufacturing problem. They did everything to not have to do repairs They said they would but now after I paid they will not pay for my rental promptly they keep making excuses and giving an unreason time frame I will never again buy KIA and I don't think I will ever see that money

NHTSA ODI 11566597

I turned on the car and put the car in Reverse and when I let the brake go the car went forward instead of going backward. It does not do this everytime. It just happened once or twice. I believe this is related to another problem I have with the car which is… when I press the start button it sometimes sputters and has a hard time turning on. Lights come on at times. Warning lights come on when the problem is happening but that’s all. I’ve taken the car to Kia and they cannot find the problem since lights and issue is not showing when I go there.

NHTSA ODI 11554571