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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2023 Kia Sportage: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2023 Kia Sportage? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 173 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.

173
Complaints
23
Crashes
1
Fires
14
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
6
Recalls

2023 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2023 Kia Sportage trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

38
MPG City
23–42 range
38
MPG Hwy
28–44 range
38
MPG Combined
25–43 range
233
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
πŸ’°Saves $3,000 vs. avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2023 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2023 Kia Sportage SUV AWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

16.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

16.9% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optionalβœ“Lane Departure Warning: Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2023 Kia Sportage has 173 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2023 Kia Sportage β€” key reliability facts
Make
Kia
Model
Sportage
Model year
2023
NHTSA owner complaints
173
Crash-related complaints
23
Safety recall campaigns
6
Top reported component
Uncategorized Issues
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
38
EPA MPG city / highway
38 / 38
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Most Common 2023 Kia Sportage Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
44
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:3
#2
41
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:2
Fires:1
Injuries:1
#3
33
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:7
Injuries:4

Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2023 Kia Sportage?

The 2023 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2023 Kia Sportage

Inspection Focus

  • Investigate any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical, brake, and engine systems.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Investigate any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical, brake, and engine systems.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2023 Kia Sportage, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2023 Kia Sportage are concentrated in uncategorized issues, electrical faults, brake system, and engine problems. Crash-related complaints are present but not dominant. The data suggests potential concerns across multiple systems, but confidence is low due to limited sample size.

Key Findings
  • Uncategorized Issues account for the largest share of complaints.
  • Electrical Faults and Brake System complaints are nearly tied for second.
  • Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB complaints are notable at 23.
Top Concerns
  • Uncategorized Issues
  • Electrical Faults
  • Brake System
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Only one model year (2023) was analyzed, limiting trend analysis. Confidence level is Low, indicating the data may not be fully representative.

All 2023 Kia Sportage Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Sportage. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Uncategorized Issues443β€”β€”
Electrical Faults4121β€”
Brake System337β€”β€”
Engine Problems332β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB236β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain171β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System121β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention113β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions117β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration93β€”β€”
Lane Departure81β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper6β€”β€”β€”
Visibility6β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic52β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues4β€”1β€”
Structural Problems4β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects4β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”

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

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 173 most recent complaints

Seat-Related IssuesApr 27, 2026

Within just two years of normal use, the front driver-side leather seat in my vehicle has developed multiple cracks. I contacted the dealer and was dismissively told this obvious defect is considered β€œnormal wear and tear” and therefore not covered under warranty. I then contacte…

Brake SystemApr 21, 2026

Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Issue: Service Brakes / Premature Rotor Failure / Grinding Within approximately six months of purchasing my vehicle new, I experienced brake grinding and premature rotor failure. This condition has reoccurred multiple times despite repair attempts at au…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 18, 2026

I was driving on the highway around 50 mph when my car sudden if turned off. The dash said something about loss of power and to pull over. It would not start again and I had to call a tow truck.

Structural ProblemsApr 13, 2026

I was driving and heard a loud pop like a gunshot and then the sound of glass breaking. When I inspected, the sunroof had just shattered for no reason. All the edges of the sunroof have a shatter line along them with no damage in the middle of the glass

Seat-Related IssuesApr 8, 2026

I purchased this car from a dealership. After getting home, I realized the rear safety head restraints were missing. After multiple attempts to contact and ask for this to be fixed, I don't get returned calls and have not received the replacement head restraints. I was NOT not…

Electrical FaultsApr 7, 2026

When driving the cluster screen goes black and remains black until like 24hours later when buttons on the screens reappear. When it happens the odometer reading, speed reading does not appear. This issue started happening when I passed 40000 miles on the vechile

Uncategorized IssuesMar 23, 2026

The roof molding blew off. It is the exact same issue as this recall 24V025000 but me vin isn't included.

Uncategorized IssuesMar 23, 2026

The fuel door will not open. Followed all instructions and the fuel door will not open.

Electrical FaultsπŸ”₯ FireMar 18, 2026

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 vehicl…

Electrical FaultsMar 17, 2026

The instrument cluster software on this 2023 Sportage Hybrid EX AWD was never updated prior to sale. Software version USA.S5W_M.V008.001.220504 (dated May 2022) was confirmed via the vehicle system information screen on March 17, 2026. A Kia Consumer Affairs supervisor confirmed …

Back Over PreventionπŸ’₯ CrashMar 2, 2026

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 dr…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 1, 2026

On Feb 1, 2026, while driving my panoramic ceiling on my 2023 Sportage just imploded . It sounded like a bomb or a gun was shot. The dealer didn't want to take ownership of the accident and had to file a claim through my insurance. There is more than 2000 cases of this just in 2…

Electrical FaultsFeb 9, 2026

12 V battery fails everyday and needed to press the 12 V boost button. Sometimes alarm turns on middle of the night.

Electrical FaultsFeb 5, 2026

My dash and infotainment system shuts down and restarts as I'm driving. It's only happened twice so far 4 days apart. There's no error code and my diagnostics check out fine.

Electrical FaultsFeb 5, 2026

My instrament cluster is blank and will.not turn back on. So called recal never fixed it.

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashJan 26, 2026

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 veh…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 22, 2026

I was driving down the highway at the posted 70mph limit in medium traffic. The car started to sputter and wouldn't accelerate. The car started to decelerate and cars coming from behind had to quickly swerve to avoid me. The cab then filled with the strong smell of gasoline and I…

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashJan 22, 2026

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainπŸ’₯ CrashJan 15, 2026

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 Pittsbur…

Electrical FaultsπŸ’₯ CrashJan 14, 2026

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 i…

Page 1 of 9

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Kia Sportage.

2023 Kia Sportage Recalls

6 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Kia Sportage. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

22V65100029/08/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

22V87800028/11/2022
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

23V29800026/04/2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

23V410000Jul 6, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

23V53100031/07/2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

24V02500018/01/2024
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Compare Kia Sportage Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2023 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052003200220012000

2023 Kia Sportage Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2023 Kia Sportage reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 173 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2023 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

#1: Uncategorized Issues (44 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (41 complaints). #3: Brake System (33 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

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

How safe is the 2023 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Kia Sportage, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 173 total complaints. 14 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2023 Kia Sportage have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Kia Sportage. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2023 Kia Sportage?β–Ύ

The 2023 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

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.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2023 Kia Sportage based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.