CarModelProblems.com

2013 Kia Sportage Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 6.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
380Complaints
3Recalls
5Crashes
22Fires
6Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (78.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 6.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine300 · 78.9%RecalledRecall 17V224000
Electrical System22 · 5.8%not available
Service Brakes, Hydraulic19 · 5%RecalledRecall 23V652000
Power Train18 · 4.7%not available
Engine And Engine Cooling13 · 3.4%RecalledRecall 17V224000
Fuel/propulsion System7 · 1.8%RecalledRecall 18V907000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE300 · 78.9%
Unspecified / other27 · 7.1%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC19 · 5%
POWER TRAIN18 · 4.7%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING13 · 3.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7 · 1.8%
SERVICE BRAKES6 · 1.6%
SUSPENSION6 · 1.6%
STRUCTURE:BODY5 · 1.3%

Percentages are the share of the 380 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 2017 · reported 03/31/2017

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 2023 · reported 09/25/2023

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE LOOKED AT NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT 3 YEARS AGO. THERE IS A ODD THUMPING/HUMMING LIKE SOUND COMING FROM…”NHTSA complaint 11182898 — filed 02/27/2019 · ENGINE
“WHILE GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTED MAKING A RATTLING, KNOCKING SOUND, IT WAS A SCARY SOUND SO I DROVE IT TO FIRESTONE TO…”NHTSA complaint 11182742 — filed 02/27/2019 · ENGINE
“2.4 GDI ENGINE RECALL WAS NOT EXTENDED TO MY VEHICLE BUT ENGINE FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN FREEWAY FOR SAME FAILURE REASON AS OTHER 2013 VEHICLES…”NHTSA complaint 11180907 — filed 02/18/2019 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

42013410201512212017799120196251202136222023381720252

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sportage?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 300 of 380 NHTSA complaints (78.9%), followed by unspecified/other issues (27), electrical system (22), service brakes, hydraulic (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2013 Kia Sportage have?

380 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 5 involved a crash, 22 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2013 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Kia Sportage's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.