33 of the
231 complaints filed about the KIA Sportage Hybrid
are about the throttle and cruise control —
14% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2023.
33
Complaints
14%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Drop in power/acceleration! Upsetting, stressful & unsafe. Purchased brand new, Nov 2023. When this occurred approx. 35695 miles. I left work, got on the freeway, (only maybe 1-2 miles away) and was trying to accelerate to merge with traffic flow and could only go approx. 52-54 MPH. I tried to "floor" the pedal, but with no further acceleration. No check engine light turned on, only display message noting depleted battery/drained warning. Since power was limited, and unsure of safety of driving further or if the car would literally stop, I pulled to the shoulder of the freeway. It is a miracle that I was in the slow lane already! Unsettling! It was towed to a Kia Dealership. They had it for 2 days. The technician said there were two error codes (P017100 - System Too Lean, and P019100 Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance). They were unsure how/why this incident occurred. They said some kind of glitch in the system. I asked if they have had other cars with this similar issue brought in, and the technician said he did not know of any. The issue was not replicated upon initial diagnostics. Technician cleared codes, reset the engine adaptive values and road tested, and deemed the vehicle "safe to drive". But said if it occurs again, try turning off the engine, wait a bit and try driving! WHAT?! Also if it occurs again to bring it back and a technical ticket should be opened to investigate further. I have read online forums of this SAME issue, and it is a KNOWN ISSUE "especially early-production 2023-2024 models, and hard for dealers to reproduce issue after a reset". It is also noted that "many cases resolve with the free BMS software update or related module/control unit work under warranty. Some report reoccurrence even after updates". I found this information AFTER the fact, otherwise I would have pushed for the software update or related work to be done. I plan to seek that out next!
NHTSA complaint #11758663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Over the past 11 weeks, my 2023 Kia Sportage has experienced sudden, complete loss of acceleration on at least three separate occasions while driving at highway speeds. Each incident is accompanied by the battery gauge dropping to zero. I was forced to stop on the highway to restart my vehicle in order to drive it again. No error codes are stored because the fault clears on restart. I have taken the vehicle for inspection to a mechanic and Kia Dealership Marin, neither were able to diagnose or repair the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11742981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
3 times in the last two days, and dozens of times over the last six months, while driving or while idling, the "check hybrid system" warning has flashed. When it happens the car does into limp mode, where it will go no faster than 13mph. this has happened in the left lane of a highway where there is no where to pull over except the lane, since there is no time to get over before the vehicle shuts down. the car essentially will shut down in the middle of driving, no matter where it is. Especially with my kids in the car it is terrifying hazard. I have brought the car to the Kia service and since its not easily reproducible they have not been able to help and have offered no solutions.
NHTSA complaint #11719154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle frequently fails to engage gas engine when depressing gas pedal to any degree. A full push of the gas pedal does not result in gas engine engagement. This has happened over 15 ties since the recall computer update last summer (2025). This creates extreme danger because the operator expects the full power of the engine to engage when pulling out of intersections or crossing oncoming traffic, but the engine does not engage causing a slow, creeping acceleration from the electric motor only. I took it into the Kia dealer and they found nothing wrong. No warning lights occur when the malfunction happens. And no check engine lights occur either. The only correction is to fully turn the vehicle off and back on. Doing that resets everything back to normal. This malfunction usually occurs within the first 25-30 minutes of vehicle operation.
NHTSA complaint #11713478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion and significantly reduced acceleration. At the same time, the climate control system stopped producing heat. A red warning message appeared instructing me to stop safely. The vehicle would barely accelerate, creating a dangerous situation while driving. This issue has occurred three separate times, including twice in the same day. Each occurrence happened while the vehicle was in motion. The condition resolved only after turning the vehicle off and restarting it. The issue is intermittent and cannot be predicted. The reduced acceleration and loss of propulsion placed my safety at risk, especially at highway speeds, as the vehicle could not respond normally to traffic conditions. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership and inspected. A manufacturer tech line case was opened, and testing was performed, including a smoke test. The dealership stated they were unable to duplicate the issue. No repair was made, and the manufacturer closed the tech line case despite the reported loss of propulsion events. The vehicle is currently being retained at the dealership because I do not feel it is safe to operate. The problem was not resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11711940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle flashed with a "check hybrid system. Stop safely" warning and then forced me to slow until my vehicle stopped - I could no longer press the gas pedal. I was on a highway and luckily was able to pull over safely before the vehicle came to a complete stop, but that was not guaranteed. I ended up being towed to a Kia Dealership where they informed me this was an issue under recall, but that recall is not listed on your system nor was I ever informed of the recall by the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11704090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
February 2024 (27,813 mi): Vehicle lost acceleration while driving, would not transition from EV to engine mode, entered limp mode. Dealer replaced high-pressure fuel pump under warranty after consulting Kia Tech Line (case #[XXX]). September 2025 (58,000 mi): Vehicle will not start without manually resetting 12v battery module integrated in hybrid battery system. Pattern suggests hybrid control system defects, not resolved by previous repair. Car has now been with dealer for 4+ days figuring out this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11690800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After driving for roughly 7 hours upon activating my cruise control, after using the entire drive with no issues, it went up to 110 mph as soon as I hit the button and would not allow me to adjust the speed down. It would turn off upon pressing pause, cruise control, or brakes but would rise to 110 mph everytime. I searched for recalls for this and could find none. But I did find posts of other people with the same issue. The only thing I could find was an emissions campaign that seems like it may be related. This appears to me to be much more of a safety issue especially if the driver is not paying attention. Or for example let's say you're driving behind someone and turn cruise control on you could very easily rearend someone at a high rate of speed. I will be trying to get my car into the dealership to try and resolve the issue, but my main point for filing a report is to see if this rises to the level of a safety recall versus a tsb or emissions campaign. My vehicle is available for inspection if needed. No warning lights came on or anything of the sort. I do have a video of this but does not appear I can upload it. Any assistance is greatly appreciated thank you and have a great day
NHTSA complaint #11674921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the highway at 80 mph, the accelerator suddenly stopped working and was completely unresponsive. The dashboard displayed the message "Check Hybrid system. Stop safely" and a warning ding sounded. The gas engine was still operating and showing RPMs on the dashboard, but all acceleration and/or engagement with the engine was lost. I was able to coast and safely pull over to the side of the road. After pulling over, I turned off the engine and pushed the 12v battery reset button. The car restarted, and I was able to continue driving. The issue repeated about 20 miles later and again on a different drive four days later. Each time, there is no early warning or noticeable issue with the vehicle before the sudden warning and loss of power.
NHTSA complaint #11674812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2025 KIASportage Hybrid that I loved due to all its safety features. Yesterday I was pulling into a parking space when my car lunged forward two times making very loud sounds. I was near a brick pillar it it tore off the right front of my car. The bricks were damaged. When I came home I looked up Kia Sportage lunching problems. There are many to read. They talk about “sudden acceleration’” and that is exactly what happened. It just lunged forward. Thankfully a human was not on the sidewalk. It went up over the curb and on the sidewalk. It’s called a jerking car in articles. Even if my car is fixable I won’t trust it. If this problem IS FIXABLE, why isn’t it fixed before selling the car to consumers. I’m quite distraught about this event. Warning must go out to consumers. I called a collision center this morning and they have seen this before. On the Cars Connect website, it tells of this event on 2020 Kia Sportage. It says ‘’Violent, scared the heck out of me.” So, what is happening and why hasn’t it been fixed? I could have injured someone badly. [XXX] [XXX] Arlington, Texas INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11668898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The seat belt failed to secure her grandson, who was occupying the front passenger seat, and he flew out of the seat. The driver's seat belt failed to secure her, and she was thrust forward over the steering wheel. The contact called the local dealer, but there was no response. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. There were no vehicles around. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped, and an unknown pickup truck crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to her neck, back, and left shoulder, which was torn, and medical attention was provided. There was no reported fire or airbag deployment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Raceway Kia 4044 US-9, Freehold, NJ 07728, who determined the vehicle was working as designed. There were no codes displayed during diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 3,200.
NHTSA complaint #11646290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving with cruise control on. I had to slow down for traffic. Upon resuming speed, I reactivated cruise control at which time it jumped to 110 mph. This happen several times. I turned cruise off and back on 110. I canceled and tried to reset, 110. I kept resuming 110 mph and the function was not usable. I have a video but was unable to upload because it was to large
NHTSA complaint #11642957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, my cruise control got stuck at 110 miles per hour. Three times I turned it off and on and each time the 'cruise' speed was set at 110mph. I took it to the local dealer and they were unable to replicate the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11633030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was going 40 mph and tried to set the cruise control to my current speed. The cruise control set at 110 mph instead. I tapped the brake to stop the cruise control and it stopped. I tried to set the cruise control again multiple times and the same thing happened. I parked, turned the car off then on again and the cruise control worked like normal.
NHTSA complaint #11631097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had three separate instances over the past year, most recently days ago, where I pressed the cruise control button, then pressed the cruising speed increase button, and the cruise control setting jumped to 110 mph. I could press the cruise control button again to turn off cruise control, but if I pressed cruise control again, it would immediately jump to 110 mph, no matter what my current speed was. Pressing the decrease cruise control speed button didn't lower the cruise control speed. The only workaround is to turn the vehicle off and the turn it back on. There are multiple online forum posts, and several YouTube videos, of other Kia Sportage owners experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11630825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cruise control suddenly jumped to 110mph. Could not adjust the speed. Could only turn off cruise control. It happened several times in a row. Car would speed up until I hit the brake.
NHTSA complaint #11625813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I was driving the vehicle using cruise control, the vehicle suddenly reset the cruise to 110 mph and the vehicle surged forward. The brake disengaged the acceleration but when I reengaged the cruise control it surged toward 110 miles an hours again. The only fix for this was to turn the car off completely and then the cruise control acted normally once again. Then it happened a second time. After that I quit using cruise control. I brought the vehicle in to Luther Kia of Bloomington and they did not know how to fix it. They contacted Kia who said their engineers were working on a fix and they were aware of the problem but at this point they did not have one. I have engaged a buyback Request from Kia because this vehicle is unsafe and potentially fatal to drive. They have denied my buyback request. I am reporting this because I think it is a danger to not only myself but other vehicles on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11625184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased my car 10/12/24. On 11/2/24, one of the first times I had used cruise control, I was traveling between 40-45mph in a residential area and turned on my cruise control. The car immediately set the CC speed to exactly 110 mph and would not respond to the down arrow to adjust speed down. I paused CC and resumed and the setting remained at 110mph. I am not sure what caused the setting to finally clear as I was pretty frantically pressing buttons at that point. I do have a photograph of this instance and I have added it to this report. A brief google search confirmed multiple Kia drivers reporting the same issue with this line of vehicles. On 11/5/24 I took my car in to Olathe Kia's service department, asking them to investigate this issue. The service department reported that they found no error codes and had no repair to offer for the CC issue.
NHTSA complaint #11624110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've had two issues with my 2023 Kia Sportage cruise control. 1. When I press the 'set' cruise control button, it will set at a speed far grater than I'm driving and escalate to that speed. Example: I'm driving 65 on the highway. I set the cruise control. It sets to 100 mph and quickly gains to that speed. This has happened about 5 times. It doesn't happen every time I try to use cruise control. The last time it happened, I could click the 'set' button to disengage cruise control but it would never set to 60 mph- always 100. So I pressed 'set' at 60 MPH. It went to 100 MPH. Then I pressed Set to disengage. Then pressed 'set'again at 60 MPH and it went to 100 MPH. The only way to get it to actually re set was to pull over and re-start the car. 2. When you actually get it to 'set' to 60 MPH and then press the toggle to speed up, it will often toggle up to 90 MPH instead of to 65MPH. This has happened 3-5 times. This is super dangerous since it speeds up so quickly.
NHTSA complaint #11616503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When using cruise control and raising the speed, the cruise control gets maxed out to 110 MPH, and requires the driver to disengage the CC to stop. It keeps reoccurring until the car is restarted. I did not take pictures, but there is are multiple Reddit threads at the below URL's with multiple users having the same issue. Some have reported to Kia who claim it's a known issue with no fix. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11611094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.