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 category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
300 · 78.9%
Recalled
Recall 17V224000
Electrical System
22 · 5.8%
not available
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
19 · 5%
Recalled
Recall 23V652000
Power Train
18 · 4.7%
not available
—
Engine And Engine Cooling
13 · 3.4%
Recalled
Recall 17V224000
Fuel/propulsion System
7 · 1.8%
Recalled
Recall 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.
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
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
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.
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