Notable Issues

2013 KIA SPORTAGE Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Sportage. This model year has 380 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

380
Complaints
5
Crashes
22
Fires
6
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
3
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2013 Kia Sportage Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
314
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
Fires:19
Injuries:1
#2
27
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
Fires:3
#3
25
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:1
Fires:2
Injuries:1

Considering a 2013 Kia Sportage?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Kia Sportage. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems314219β€”
Uncategorized Issues2713β€”
Brake System2512β€”
Electrical Faults22β€”5β€”
Hydraulic19β€”1β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain18β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System7β€”3β€”
Structural Problems6β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures6β€”1β€”
Airbag Malfunctions42β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration4β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”1β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”1β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 380 most recent complaints

Engine ProblemsApr 26, 2026

Claim #25921274 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally dispute Kia’s denial of warranty coverage for the engine failure in my 2013 Kia Sportage. Per communication with customer care, Kia denied my claim on the basis of β€œexcessive mileage between oil changes.” However…

Structural ProblemsApr 2, 2026

Driver side door will not open from the outside. Handle no longer operates.

Engine ProblemsDec 14, 2025

My engine failed due to the knock sensor recall a known issue on my 2013 Kia Sportage the recall is supposed to provide a lifetime warranty but I was denied coverage because the failure happened before I was able to perform the update as I was a new owner to the car and was unawa…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 21, 2025

KIA America has rejected my appeal for an Engine replacement through the Recall , I had the KSDS, Knock Sensor Installed by North Town KIA 3900 Sheridan Drive Amherst NY , May 7 2021. The warranty I received mentioned to keep oil and filter changed every 7500 miles with 5 w 20 o…

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashNov 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the daughter collided with another vehicle after the vehicle aggressively merged in front of her. The collision was at the front driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The c…

Engine ProblemsOct 11, 2025

While driving in the carpool lane, the engine briefly cut-out and than a rattling sound was heard. We decided to immediately exist the free way at a left-side car pool exit as a precaution. Immediately after exiting, the car went into a complete stall. Had we remained on the f…

Engine ProblemsOct 7, 2025

Have been denied replacement of 2013 Kia Engine due to insufficient records. The KSDS had been installed May 7, 2021. Was told because I did my own maintenance and I have receipts and dates when the maintenance was done reason for being denied. I used 5W 20 full synthetic motor o…

Engine ProblemsAug 18, 2025

my vehicle, 2013/ SL Sportage recently suffered catastrophic engine failure. I received a renotification from Kia regarding the software updates. Barely a week, [XXX], my engine seized in traffic due to rod failure which the software update could have prevented according to Metro…

Brake SystemAug 14, 2025

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…

Tire IssuesJul 23, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

Electrical FaultsJul 23, 2025

I bought my car and then I received a letter stating that it had 1 recall. I called KIA to schedule the recall and they said there are 4 in total. I told them to get them all done because the closes KIA is about 45 min from my house. I took it in KIA called me said everything was…

Engine ProblemsJun 25, 2025

Engine failure

Engine ProblemsJun 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light …

Electrical FaultsπŸ”₯ FireMay 16, 2025

In 2022, my 2013 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a spontaneous engine compartment fire while parked. I was unaware of any existing recalls at the time. The vehicle was stationary and turned off when the incident occurred. I extinguished the fire myself. There was no crash …

Brake SystemπŸ”₯ FireJan 9, 2025

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 ve…

Electrical FaultsJan 8, 2025

I received a recall notification last year, I live about an hr and a half away from the nearest Kia dealer, so I wasn’t able to get my car in to be inspected until last spring at the Kia in Medford. Then I got another notice in the mail stating my vehicle was amongst the ones tha…

Electrical FaultsDec 13, 2024

Problem with the BCM, my signal lights, headlights and beeper is not working. My power lock doesn't work nor my beeper

Engine ProblemsDec 4, 2024

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND WENT AROUND A SEMI AND ALL OFTHE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND SHE ALMOST GOT HIT BY THESEMI SHE HAD JUST PASSED. NEXT DAY TOWED IT TO KIA AND THE SAID THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP BUT THATTHE ENGINEWAS NOT WARRENTY BECAUSE IT HAD NOT THROWN A KNOCK SENSEOR CO…

Brake SystemNov 5, 2024

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.…

Engine ProblemsNov 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminat…

Page 1 of 19

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Kia Sportage.

Recalls for 2013 Kia Sportage

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Sportage. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

18V907000Invalid Date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

17V224000Invalid Date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

23V652000Invalid Date
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

2013 Kia Sportage β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2013 Kia Sportage reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. The 2013 Kia Sportage has 380 NHTSA owner complaints, 5 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (314 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (314 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (27 complaints). #3: Brake System (25 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2013 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

The 2013 Kia Sportage has 5 crash-related complaints and 22 fire reports out of 380 total NHTSA complaints. 6 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2013 Kia Sportage have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Kia Sportage. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2013 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

The 2013 Kia Sportage has notable issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2013 Kia Sportage

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.