44 of the
310 complaints about the 2023 KIA Sportage are about the
electrical system — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
23,000 miles.
I was driving the vehicle yesterday, had no problems and then when making a right hand turn the vehicle completely locked up. The brakes and steering column locked and the vehicle completely shut done. The dashboard lit up and the windows still worked but there was not power to the engine. Attempted to JUMP the car, unsuccessful, ultimately called a AAA who used a battery box and the car started. This happened once previously when the car was 6m-1year old and it spontaneously worked. I took for service told unclear what happened, no issues. The car gave no warning lights or indicators there was an issue. This was a very concerning and unsafe situation. I was in the middle of a busy intersection, making a right hand turn. again no warning or lights just vehicle shut down and unable to restart.
NHTSA complaint #11753463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Seat warmer started to catch on fire
NHTSA complaint #11746500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesRaleigh, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon coming to a stop at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the infotainment screen was turned off. The contact stated that the vehicle became operable after approximately two minutes. The contact stated the failure was recurrent. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11743585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lockport, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11729781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the incident. Police report confirms no arson or external cause. A campus officer noted the fire may be related to the seat heater system. Vehicle is currently undrivable due to severe interior fire damage.
NHTSA complaint #11725134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rexburg, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 on a recorded call the same date that this version predates recall SC270 by approximately one year, and that the vehicle is missing all software updates from fall 2022 through 2024. The supervisor further confirmed the OTA system cannot bridge this gap and dealer intervention is required. The vehicle was purchased from the selling dealer on June 13, 2025 — over two years after SC270 was issued in May 2023. The dealer had software update capability since spring 2024 per Kia's own records. The recall has not been completed as of the date of this filing. Safety risk: instrument cluster may fail to display tire pressure, warning lights, and critical safety indicators upon startup per the recall description.
NHTSA complaint #11725114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 V battery fails everyday and needed to press the 12 V boost button. Sometimes alarm turns on middle of the night.
NHTSA complaint #11716812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Overland, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11715865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My instrament cluster is blank and will.not turn back on. So called recal never fixed it.
NHTSA complaint #11715969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honesdale, PACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 Pittsburgh, PA, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic Shift-by-Wire (SBW) logic failure resulting in a collision. After shifting the rotary gear selector from Reverse to Drive, the transmission failed to engage the selected gear and remained in Reverse without any auditory or haptic warning to the driver. Simultaneously, the Rear View Monitor (RVM) experienced a "system hang," continuing to display the rear camera feed and blocking the instrument cluster’s gear-position indicator. Due to this dual failure—unintended gear retention and display latency—the vehicle traveled in an unintended direction (Reverse) while I attempted to accelerate forward, leading to a property damage accident. Post-Incident Documentation: The vehicle was presented to Performance Kia (Moosic, PA) on 12/19/25. Technician #957 confirmed the software logic was corrupted and performed a "Clear and Relearn of Adaptive Values" to reset the Transmission Control Module (TCM). This diagnostic confirms that the vehicle was operating with failed control logic. Safety Risk: The failure of the Shift-by-Wire system to accurately execute gear changes, combined with the instrument cluster's failure to provide real-time gear position as required by FMVSS No. 102, creates an unreasonable risk of collision and injury. I was never notified of Recall SC270 or SC275, which address similar software and hydraulic failures in this model year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abington, PACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 into Reverse to exit the spot and it accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed backwards, striking two cars parked outside the Service Department, pushing them into other vehicles in the parking area. I put the car into drive to pull away from the cars I impacted and the car accelerated at an uncontrollable rate of speed forwards, striking a curb in front of the showroom, causing my car to veer into two new cars on the lot, sideswiping the last car and veering my car into a lamppost along The Fairway. The collision caused my car to stop, causing the Driver airbag to deploy. At no time did the forward collision avoidance system cause the car to brake itself. When the car was moving, the engine was revving at maximum RPM. I wasn't able to control the vehicle. The policed officer who investigated the scene said he did not see any interference from the floor mat, which he said is a common cause. Upon reviewing the activities leading up to the crash, I recalled attempting to use the remote start feature of the vehicle, which had been operating flawlessly. However, on this day, it took 3-4 attempts to get the vehicle to start remotely, possibly indicating a computer flaw. I was injured; no one else was. The vehicle is in the State Farm lot awaiting interrogation by KIA.
NHTSA complaint #11710944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Frequently while driving my 2023 Kia shortage Hybrid will accelerate on its own. This happens randomly while driving straight as well as making turns. My suv also has a vary hard time driving uphill. If im driving at 25 mph when approaching the hill, my car then gradually drops down to 10-15 mph.This is extremely scary especially when driving with my children in the car. I haven’t owned the vehicle for a year and don’t know why it’s performing this way.
NHTSA complaint #11708121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kewanee, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Three occurrences where electrical system glitched. 1st- driving vehicle and dashboard warnings all lit up. Pulled over and ran system check. System fault indicated do not drive and all vehicle alerts where red. Shut car off allowed time for system reset and it started right back up with no system warnings, no dash warnings on. Drove perfectly fine. Two weeks later went to start car and car began to flash dash lights, head lights and overhead lights while car made clicking sound. Would not start. Required a jump. Took into shop had battery and alternator tested and both came back 100%. Returned to dealer and they overlooked the vehicle and returned it stating nothing was found and all systems where fine. A month later driving and entire dash went black and head lights shut off and would not turn back on. No engine trouble but electrical glitch again. Pulled over shut car off allowed it time to reset. Started back up, dash and headlights back on and no warnings on vehicle. Each time an incident occurred The car did not present with engine trouble. It physically would drive just fine. However the electrical issues would require engine to be shut off and time for system to reset for it to function properly. Most recent incident date listed below.
NHTSA complaint #11703489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reading, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Initially in May 25, my Sportage started accelerating on its own, unprompted, up to 4500 RPMs many times and also hesitated. In 6/25 the info screen, (whole dash) went black 4-5 x’s for about 3minutes while driving 60 mph on bypass. Beginning of July, Siri didn’t work and said it was inaccessible, and also the navigation said it was not updated however, when I pulled into the dealer, all of a sudden it worked? On 7/23 I was turning into apt complex and had no brakes! I had slowed to about 20mph, car behind me, and couldn’t make that turn so I coasted up to next entrance and was able to turn in. Fortunately, I was able to stop in my handicap pkg spot. I had already made appt for the initial issues at the dealer, Moyer Kia in Lebanon, for first week of August, but immediately called them on 724 and explained the absence of breaks! They told me to get car there right away, so I did. I gave a list of all above info, they were able to give me a loaner, Kia G6. This was very inconvenient for me as most of my back is fused and I provide transport for my [XXX] /o mom w/Walker, but I can’t go w/o a car! Moyer has had my car since 7/24,. With the exception of need for miles on the loaner communication was poor. I tried to reach Kia Corp multiple x’s to no avail. I was told by Brian at dealer that my case had been escalated to the national safety board and they were advised not to touch my car pending investigation. So it sat there for months I got a message from Kia Connect that my battery was dead, more communication than I had received throughout this whole experience! Last week, Thursday I had called corp who said they sent me an email on 1023 to tell me nothing is wrong with my car, they also emailed the dealer. I hadn’t checked email, nor did they call, so I didn’t know, dealer called me on Friday to come and get my car, but first they had to grind the rust off of rotors, recharge the battery and would I like them to inspect it?, NOTHING IS WRONG? THIS CAR is NOT SAFE!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM
NHTSA complaint #11700174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sierra Madre, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car dies after parking for less than an hour, I have to press the battery reset button every time I get into it which also sets the alarm off probably annoying all my neighbors. There’s no accessories plugged in. The dealer is charging me $270 dollars to do a BMS update but I have seen recalls for this online that say it should be covered for free.
NHTSA complaint #11692138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On [XXX] the vehicle randomly went into limp mode. Wouldn't restart until it was jumped. Previous to this, the vehicle had already done this twice before. Exact dates unknown. On [XXX], the vehicle went into system check while I was driving it on 3 different occasions. The car shuts down by itself. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11685704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eau Claire, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The dash screen went blank. You could not see the speedometer, fuel guage, etc. This has happened twice and is intermittent.
NHTSA complaint #11681971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesMiami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument cluster went black, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that before being able to pull over, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the instrument cluster and wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the vehicle started stalling while stopped for traffic lights. The contact stated that when the vehicle stalled, the instrument cluster showed several unknown warning lights. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer was not able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
NHTSA complaint #11666269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,585 milesCamden, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the instrument panel failed to display pertinent information. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. However, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired unless the VIN was under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V298000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 68,585.
NHTSA complaint #11665129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 3/9/25, the infotainment panel and media system blanked out. After pulling the vehicle over, the infotainment panel cluster buffered after restarting.
NHTSA complaint #11653999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment screen continues to blank out. The backup camera, media, navigation, or radio won’t work when the infotainment system is blank.
NHTSA complaint #11653264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodstock, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle is currently being held at a Kia Dealership in Woodstock, GA to attempt to find the problem with my car. The lateral G sensor code as well as a few others were found in diagnostic testing. They attempted to fix it with replacing the air bag module but it did not remove the problem. My problem is this: Four of my ADAS lights have come on several times over the last few months at random, but all at the same time. It turns off every single safety feature of my vehicle. One time I was driving and my ABS light came on and off quickly as if it were stuck and the car started to pull me off the road as I tried to accelerate. I was told there may be a software issue with my vehicle and that they would take months to fix it if they can. I am concerned for my safety at this point.
NHTSA complaint #11650889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesSan Antonio, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact state while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle was started and driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was started, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was driving on a major four-lane highway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that a failure was possible with the computer system; however, no fault code was displayed. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11650570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I had my 2023 Kia Sportage in the Kia shop in McKinney, Tx about 3 weeks ago for an electrical issue. ALL of my lights on my dash were on. They INSISTED my battery was bad, so they made me buy a battery. (My car isn’t even 3 years old). So, once the new battery was installed, the technician stated all was good, that it was just a bad battery, that was why all the lights on my dash were there. When I started my car this morning, what do you know! All of the warning lights were on my dash AGAIN. They did nothing to fix the issue. There were unsure of what was causing the electrical issues in the first place. I am writing this to you to inform you of the electrical issues among Kia.
NHTSA complaint #11648541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple times I have reported all of my cluster lights come on randomly while driving. They are distracting and it's difficult to tell if the systems are actually working. The dealership claims it's a rear sensor however they refuse to fix it due to my car appears to have been hit. There's no damage to my vehicle any where. Now I have to wait for the lights to come on again before I can take it to another dealership and have it reassessed.
NHTSA complaint #11646989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
which disables the backup camera, Tge The entire infotainment screen is blank, therefore, I am unable to view objects on camera in reverse. This has been an ongoing issue since purchasing the vehicle. Last week, Kia's service department said the blank screen was due to a dead battery which was replaced, but the issue persists. This is a safety concern that needs to be taken seriously and investigated properly besides blaming it on the battery or test driving the vehicle for a couple of minutes and stating they’re unable to duplicate the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11630625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
After starting the vehicle, backup camera and infotainment screen would not work. Car shut off and would not restart with “check system” message. Vehicle had to be towed.
NHTSA complaint #11628990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dear NHTSA Defects and Recall Team, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing this email along with my wife, [XXX] , to report a serious safety issue with our 2023 Kia Sportage. I am writing to bring a serious, ongoing vehicle safety issue involving a Kia Sportage to your attention. My family and I are facing repeated, hazardous malfunctions with our vehicle that have led us to fear for our lives, as well as the safety of others on the road. Since mid-September, our 2023 Kia Sportage has experienced sudden, unanticipated shut-offs both while parked and, most dangerously, while driving. During these incidents, the brake pedal becomes completely unresponsive, hazard lights fail to activate, and the vehicle is left stranded and inoperable. Most recently, while driving in traffic, the car shut off without warning, leaving us in an extremely vulnerable position. These repeated failures could lead to a catastrophic accident, especially considering we often travel with our [XXX] child in the vehicle. Despite notifying Kia and seeking assistance from their customer service team, the issue remains unresolved, and their response has been unacceptably slow. Given the severity of these malfunctions and their direct impact on public safety, we respectfully request your support in addressing this matter. We believe Kia has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its vehicles and to take immediate action when serious safety risks arise. We request that the NHTSA investigate the issue and consider any necessary recalls or further action to ensure public safety. We would appreciate any guidance or assistance your office could provide in helping us resolve this life-threatening issue. Sincerely, [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] | [XXX] Kia Sportage X Line AWD [XXX] Purchased date: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11622208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There were two incidents where the engine sounded sluggish and was difficult to start over the past two weeks (7/22/24 & 7/30/24). After speaking with Kia Service Rep three days ago, an appointment was made to check the battery. On yesterday and today (8/1/24), the engine would not start at all or even make a sound although the air conditioner and radio would work. I had to get the vehicle jumped off to drive it to the service department. After the Service Rep checked the battery, they couldn’t find anything wrong and stated the battery was o.k.
NHTSA complaint #11605994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 05/13/24, the infotainment screen blanked out and the brake lights warning indicator appeared twice on the instrument panel while driving. This happened on two separate occasions.
NHTSA complaint #11588854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.