26 of the
231 complaints filed about the KIA Sportage Hybrid
are about the other systems —
11% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2023.
Falsification and/or alteration of repair logs, service dates, and/or mileage records across dealership diagnostic networks and third parties. Evasion of warranty and/or other maintenance requirements. Poor dealership and corporate treatment of military veterans. Suspected unauthorized non-factory wiring harness splices and/or other devices tapped directly into primary Controller Area Network (CAN-Bus) control modules on current model-year (2026) passenger vehicles. Disruption of primary vehicle (and total loss of secondary vehicle) control units resulting in inconvenient intermittent faults, potential safety hazards, severe mental distress, and time/financial losses. Vehicle currently in use as needed only for family requirements, pending purchase of a new vehicle outside the kia motor corporation and West hills dealership network. Both compromised vehicles will then be parked pending investigations.
NHTSA complaint #11753629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The vehicle developed a “Check Hybrid System” warning and was diagnosed by a Kia dealership as having a failure involving the high-voltage hybrid system, specifically the MCU (Motor Control Unit). The dealership informed me that the vehicle may be unsafe to drive due to the possibility of fire risk associated with the high-voltage system. I was told technicians had to use specialized protective equipment while diagnosing the issue and that the diagnosis process took nearly a week. The repair estimate was approximately $5,000, in addition to approximately $750 charged for diagnostics alone. The vehicle is reportedly out of warranty due to mileage, even though this appears to involve a major hybrid system component and a potential safety defect. This concerns me because: - the vehicle is a relatively new 2023 model, - the failure involves the high-voltage hybrid system, - Kia advised the vehicle may catch fire, - and independent mechanics generally cannot service or repair these proprietary hybrid components. I believe this may represent a broader safety issue or defect involving the hybrid system or MCU components in Kia hybrid vehicles. I am requesting that this matter be investigated for possible safety defects, recall eligibility, or manufacturer responsibility.
NHTSA complaint #11739664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In January 2026, my wife was driving our 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX downhill in traffic when the hybrid system failed without warning. Cabin filled with smoke, lost steering control, and explosion shook the vehicle. She was surrounded by other vehicles and could have been killed or caused multi-car crash. COMPONENT FAILURE: Dealership diagnosed hybrid system failure after 2.5 weeks. Vehicle at dealership awaiting repair. Failed components available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Zero steering control downhill surrounded by traffic. Smoke impaired visibility. Explosion posed fire risk. Life-threatening danger to occupants and other motorists. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Yes, confirmed by dealership. Repair pending. WARNING SYMPTOMS: None. Instantaneous catastrophic failure. CRITICAL ISSUE: I discovered Kia issued service campaigns for 2024 Sportage Hybrids directly related to this failure: Service Campaign SC322 (January 2025) - Hybrid Control Unit software failure affecting 2023-2025 Sportage Hybrids built Feb 2022-Jul 2024 12V Battery Overcharge Campaign - Battery Management System overcharging causing loss of motive power and "Check Hybrid System Stop Safely" warnings SC319 (NHTSA 24V-422) - Motor-Driven Power Steering contaminated circuit board causing loss of power steering Never notified of campaigns despite being owner since May 2024. NHTSA shows zero recalls, falsely indicating safety. By classifying defects as "voluntary service campaigns" instead of safety recalls, Kia avoided mandatory federal notifications. My wife drove with multiple known defects Kia failed to disclose. Vehicle under 2 years old, within warranty. This catastrophic failure and notification failure warrants NHTSA investigation. There was smoke and we called 911 and the fire department came out.
NHTSA complaint #11716349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely”, followed by loss of acceleration and shutdown of the 12V system, rendering the vehicle unable to drive. These incidents occurred on both freeways and local roads. To avoid a collision, I was forced to activate hazard lights, pull over, shut the vehicle off, and attempt recovery using the 12V reset procedure or an external jump starter. The issue has persisted despite multiple dealer inspections and repairs and presents a serious safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11712146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a hybrid and 4 times now since we've owned it I experienced a lag during the transition from electric to gas power when I am stopped and try to move again (example at a stop sign or traffic light), which followed by a sudden, lurching acceleration when the gas does finally kick in. It's almost caused me to hit a car infront of me once and side swipe a car that was passing as I was making a turn because I wasn't expecting it to do that the 1st time it happened. It doesn't do it consistently just randomly as I said its only happened to me 4 times and I'm the only one that drives the car and we've had it since July 2025 I believe and it has under 4000 miles on it at this point.
NHTSA complaint #11694905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle was being driven southbound on I135, near McPherson, KS, at highway speeds in good weather when the rear panel of the panoramic sunroof glass exploded/shattered for no apparent reason. The interior sunscreen was closed at the time or glass would have potentially fallen on the driver, thus distracting or potentially injuring the driver while traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police as no criminal conduct is believed to have caused the glass to break. The local dealer claims no responsibility and doesn't even complete the repairs - send to a local auto glass repair company, which will inspect the glass when the new glass arrives. This appears to be a material defect or design issue as there have been multiple other Kia owners who have experienced similar sunroof glass failures, including a previous class action suit against Kia Motors for a similar issue.
NHTSA complaint #11682860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car shuts off as alert start flashing and beeping. Get a red flashing screen and a hazard message that states "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP SAFELY". So far this has only happened while I was at a stop, but I have read in forums where it has happened to people while they are driver.
NHTSA complaint #11675948 — 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.
Driving home from work on 5/16/2025 and my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gun shot then there was glass falling into my car. I had hlass in my hair and tiny cuts in my arms.
NHTSA complaint #11661785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Intermittently, when trying to accelerate from a stop; or a near stop, the vehicle does nothing for a second or so. The vehicle also vibrates at various speeds while the hybrid system is engaged. It is dangerous and a safety concern because you can't merge correctly or go through an intersection, without wondering if someone is going to broadside you, as you wait for the car to make up its computer mind to go forward. (accelerate.) And the vibration as previously mentioned. The problems cannot be reproduced by the dealership. No inspection other than the dealership, and no warning lights, etc. The car is available for a detailed inspection if needed. I first noticed the issue around approximately 7000 miles and brought it to the dealership for both issues. I'm repeatedly told excuses: it's my rims, a balancing issue, or I don't understand how a hybrid works, etc. I told them I know a car is supposed to go forward upon accelerating, regardless of the power plant: gas, electric or hybrid; and that a car should not randomly start vibrating at various speeds when the hybrid system is engaged. I notified KIA America and have had it to the dealership three times for both issues. I get we're sorry notifications, and to call about concerns with no help. I have found complaints online for the same issues involving the very same vehicle. I cannot understand how there is no technical service bulletin or recall on this vehicle. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11655300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle mpg does not match estimated mpg statement on sales sticker. This has been a consistent problem from date of purchase. Dealer and car manual claim it would improve gradually. It has not. I think they over estimated mpg and/or the milage calculator is defective. I have been to dealer 3 times, they do not make records of my concerns and tell me that 5 mpg off is normal. I have wide fluctuating numbers from the display whether running on battery or gas.
NHTSA complaint #11651249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This deals with auto locks on the vehicle. The doors are supposed to lock when the vehicle is put in gear, and unlock when it is put in park. That happens most of the time, perhaps 75% of the time. When it doesn’t work properly, the doors remain locked. Passengers can get out, but unopened doors remained locked, and if you try to reopen a door from which someone just excited the vehicle, they will find that the door is locked, and they can not open the door. This is mostly an annoying situation, but it could be life threatening under the right circumstances, such as a child in the back seat needing to be removed in an emergency situation. Both the salesman and the service department told me that a lot of owners have reported this problem. When I called Kia’s 1-800 customer support, they know nothing about the problem. Additionally, a quick internet search confirmed that it is widespread. I have had the vehicle to the dealership four times for repair. The first three times, the service department said they couldn’t do any repairs because the problem did not duplicate for them. The fourth time, I drove into the service bay, got out, and all the doors were locked. Not good enough, even though it happened right there and was easily verified. They said they had to remove the door panel, hook up some piece of equipment, and then have it happen. Well, it didn’t, so they did nothing. They said that Kia will not repair it without it happening while hooked up. Obviously, their warranty is a joke, but it goes beyond that, as this is a potential safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11630545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Good Morning Over the last 6 months or more the computer panel that controls the back up cameras heat radio maps and other things have gone off and on while driving then cuts back on. today was the last straw the monitor was out the whole time i was driving to work. I have video of this happening oh and this happens in both our 2023 Kia And anytime i go to dealer they cant seem to get to do the same things for them
NHTSA complaint #11571800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On several occasions the lane keeping assistance has attempted to steer my vehicle into energy absorbing barrier, both with me driving and with my sister driving. Vehicle speed approximately 40 mph, lane splitting, I was taking left lane. Forty feet from point of barrier, wheel jerks hard right, setting me up for dead center collision with point of barrier. If I had not immediately jerked the wheel left the results would have been catastrophic. I would have hit the barrier in a single second after the cars action. I took it to the Kia dealer service who claims he cannot disable "lane following". Additionally, that I have to disable it every time I start the car. Also, when going thru intersections the car will switch traffic lanes on it's own. I feel this is an incredibly unsafe system. For god's sake, the car just veers off on its own.
NHTSA complaint #11556837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On a hot day, I noticed an oily bluish fluid leak underneath my pedals. I brought it to the dealership to diagnose the issue twice already but they found nothing was wrong. I posted the photos of the leak on a facebook group that owns the same model of my car and found out that some owners have the same issue. I just wanna make sure that this is not a defect on the same model of my car because that fluid leaking might start a fire or might cause the engine to seize anytime during use.
NHTSA complaint #11550941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I open the tailgate using any of the three methods (key, button on tailgate, or button inside cabin), the gate opens, then immediately beeps three times and closes. This has happened about 10 times with me *underneath the tailgate* including one time with my one year old son in my arms. In each of these instances I was able to throw my hand up and stop the gate from closing, but had to manually push it back to the fully open position in order to do this. If I had not been able to do so, or if someone less strong than myself were put in this position, the gate certainly would have struck them and caused bodily harm. The first time I brought this up with my dealership, I got a very passive response, not indicating any sense of urgency or even desire to fix the issue. A better quality dealership would have perhaps been much more concerned about such a safety defect and offered to check it out immediately. But it was happening so infrequently at that point that I chose not to have it addressed. Now that it's happening much more often, I brought the car back to be checked out. I showed them two videos of the defect occurring, including with my body under the tailgate. They reproduced the defect, but had to open a "tech ticket" or something with Kia, and so far, over 48 hours later, they have not received a response as to how to proceed. The dealer allowed me to take the car back until they receive direction on what to do (again, a bit surprising that they would let me do that, with such a safety defect). I have uploaded four screenshots of the video that shows the tailgate closing while I was underneath it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? --> Not that I am aware of. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? --> No
NHTSA complaint #11551042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ISSUE WITH KIA SPORTAGE 2023 HYBRID (GAS AND ELECTRIC) Battery shut off. The battery turned off. I was driving on the fwy and the car started to drive rough so I exited off the fwy and barely made it over the intersection and the car shut off. (as the car was shutting off I opened my door) all other doors were locked and could not open. (had I not opened my car door I would have been locked in/out of my car) The emergency lights would not turn on. None of the electrical buttons work. I called a tow truck to come get me 20+ min in Arizona is a lifetime in the heat. (luckily my kids were not in the vehicle). My car could have stopped in the middle of the fwy and things could have really gotten ugly. My car is currently in the kia dealership parking lot (where the tow truck dropped it off 2+ weeks ago). The dealer got me into a rental but my vehicle won't get a battery till 2 + months. Even if it gets a new battery it doesn't solve the problem Kia knows these batteries have these issues yet they are still selling the vehicles and not letting the consumer know that they might have a battery issue. battery cost ($11,000+ after the warranty is over) I would have never bought this car if I knew this was a potential issue. complete driving hazard. There was a warning light that turned on seconds before my car shut off, "check hybrid system stop safely" then it shut off. a couple of times before this all the lights on the dash turned on for a few minutes then shut off. I HAVE A COUPLE OF FRIENDS WITH THE SAME CAR BOUGHT AROUND THE SAME TIME AND THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND ARE IN RENTAL CARS TOO. THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO ASSIST OR COME UP WITH A DEAL SO WE BREAK EVEN (THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL US ANOTHER VEHICLE AT MORE $$ A MONTH. Had we gotten a good vehicle we would not be trying to trade in the car for another one.
NHTSA complaint #11549697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.