2023 Kia Sportage

On XXX and XXX, while driving on the highway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete loss of motive power. Flashing warning lights appeared on the instrument cluster, accompanied by a safety warning message instructing the driver to pull over and "Check Hybrid System" immediately. This sudden, uncommanded drop in propulsion on active, high-speed roadways created an immediate safety hazard, forcing emergency maneuvering to coast the vehicle safely to the shoulder. The vehicle was delivered to an authorized franchise dealer (Arapahoe Kia in [XXX]) on XXX, where it has now remained grounded for 31 consecutive days. The service department has verbally communicated extreme diagnostic confusion, stating they lack an on-site hybrid specialist to properly diagnose the high-voltage powertrain/HPV/hybrid battery system. The vehicle has historically received software updates under Campaign SC335A, and the symptoms reported here closely align with the loss of motive power issues addressed in Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign SC338. To date, neither the dealership nor the manufacturer (under Case #XXX) has provided a formal written diagnosis, a repair schedule, or an active resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The car's transmission became unresponsive and caused the car to lose the ability to accelerate. This happened twice on the highway before I could get it to the dealer. In order to recover, I had to pull over on the shoulder and turn the car off, wait, and turn it back on. The dealer, through the Kia warranty service, would only 'recalibrate' the transmission and refused to service it. After the recalibration, the dealership wanted to give me back the car. I insisted that they took it for an extended test drive in which it stalled for them as well. Kia warranty then authorized the replacement, and I am awaiting its completion.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-35 MPH on the highway, the engine and oil check warning light was illuminated. The Kia App alerted the driver to check the engine when convenient. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 120,100.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Seat warmer started to catch on fire

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

It was roughly 2000 miles since my last oil change on my Kia Sportage. A spot of oil appeared in my driveway. I thought it could be from a delivery truck. I started parking my car in another spot and didn’t see anymore oil on the pavement. Three days later the low oil light came on. I had my car towed to a Mavis tire center they found that the oil drain plug was loose. They told me the car needed to go back to the dealership. They gave me a copy of a memo that they have sent to all of their shops reporting that NHTSA is investigating this problem with Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The Kia dealership is not concerned about this. The documentation for this service says last visit we did not tighten the drain plug properly and another shop confirmed that. Please check oil level, drain plug, and filter to ensure proper levels/tightness and report MISC drain plug was found loose. They observed it for two hours. They also noted that mileage coming into the shop was 61212 mileage, out of the shop was 61212. Please note they had not done previous oil change as noted in their documentation. I have a service contract with this Kia dealership where I bought the car. I stopped going there because they recommended that three of my brakes needed to be changed on March 4, 2025. In spring of 2025 I had two different mavis shops. Tell me that my brakes did not require changing. One set had 30% wear, the other set had only 20% wear. It is now June 25, 2026. My break still have not required being changed. That was not recommended Service today either.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have had repeated failure/wear of my rotors on my 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige, starting at about 12k miles and recurring roughly every 3 months from there. I have had multiple dealers look at it and they keep blaming me for the problem. I am not a rough driver, I drive mostly freeway, do not brake constantly or hard unless absolutely needed, etc. The symptoms are that typical vibrating of the car when stopping and the brakes have been squeaking terribly since the first replacement, they have never not squeaked even though I asked them to address it. Neither the dealer or Kia Corporate are helpful, this is obviously a defect as multiple online forums talk about the issue consistently with this car. I had a case open with Kia to find the cause so I can stop fixing the system, but they were unsuccessful in doing so. I just want it to be fixed so I can stop wasting time and money, I bought a brand new car for the first time ever to avoid worrying about repairs for a while. Biggest regret ever and based on how I have been treated I will never buy Kia again.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS ON BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE: The seat belt would not fully pull out/extend, and allow the passenger OR the child safety seat to be properly secured. It would lock up, and once the belt was pulled out, it would lock up on the retraction and not allow any extension. I took to the KIA dealership - which took a total of 3 visits- DEMONSTRATED and recreated the issue- which confirmed there was a problem. This did not happen on each use, but once I realized the child safety seat could not be installed properly (fully extended seat belt, retraction/ratcheting of belt to secure seat) I returned, and asked the service manager also observe along with at least one of the service techs. They were skeptical and not even fully aware of how a child seat should be installed, and the full extension of the seat belt, and the SOUND of the ratcheting/locking of the belt once fully extended. A repair/replacement was eventually done- parts had to be ordered and I could not find this “defect” on any KIA or other websites. It took a number of days for the replacement/repair. There were no warning lights that there were any problems with the safety belts. I (retired) police officer with NHTSA safety seat instructor certification (not current) and have knowledge of this, and it wasn’t until I explained and demonstrated the system to these dealership employees the proper function did they “believe” me. I just read of the a KIA recall on their Telluride models, and it sounds like a similar problem. Until it was fixed, I had a couple of occasions where the passenger was unable to secure their belt, which was before I realized that there was a manufactured problem with this system.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Dec 1969

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

This is a statement from my daughter: I was driving and noticed a vehicle stopped in front of me. When I attempted to brake, I could feel my brakes sink all the way to the floor. I also didn't receive an alert from the Front Collision Avoidance system or any assistance from the Automatic Emergency Braking system. The vehicle was a CPO that had always been serviced at the dealership. Because of various surgeries I have had, depending on the severity of the crash, I could have been paralyzed for life.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

I had gotten my windshield replaced by safelite last year. On a cold day while driving to work, I went to adjust my rearview mirror and the rearview mirror came off from the windshield. It completely detached. I was adjusting it as I would any other time I adjusted the rear view mirror. This obviously left me in a lurch because I had to go to work. So I drove without a rear view mirror until I could get a replacement after the work day. This is obviously a dangerous situation to be in. I reached out to safelite because they have a lifetime warranty. They informed me that they will not cover replacement because a small piece of glass came off of the windshield which according to them means it must have been a result of force.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have a 2023 Kia Sportage I purchased and I was driving one day and my entire cars power shut off & so did the engine while I was driving on the highway going 70mph + and when I’m driving on the regular roads as well I’ve almost gotten into an accident over this issue already once when I went to go take it into Jeffery Kia in Roseville Michigan and asked for it to be looked at i was immediately dismissed and they would not look at my car at all so then I called summit place Kia in Clinton Township where I told them what was happening I then had to wait two weeks before I could even get my car in to be seen by them when it was seen by them they did ever test on it and said that everything came back good but they knew obviously something was wrong with it because it acted up for them as well they documented it then said they were going to call corporate and see what they should do next so today I got a call and a voicemail basically saying they still don’t have a diagnosis for my vehicle they’re just going to order some new parts and put them on there and hope that they work

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When driving on the highway, warning lights activated on the dash with the message "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely." Seconds later, the vehicle lost all propulsion power. The hybrid battery indicated it had a half charge and the combustion engine was running. Depressing the accelerator caused the engine to increase RPMs but little to no power was output to the wheels. I turned the car off and all electrical systems were disconnected and the car would not start. I pressed the "12V Battery Reset" button and electrical systems were restored and I was able to start the car. The failure then repeatedly occurred. This issue has presented multiple times now, all while driving on the highway.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact’s daughter owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. While the owner was reversing from the driveway, the driver’s side wheel collapsed outside of the wheel well at a 90-degree angle. While inspecting the failure, the contact became aware that a bolt for the upper knuckle was missing from the strut bar used to connect the control arm to the wheel bearing, causing the wheel to collapse outwards. There was rust where the bolt was missing. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the missing bolt was confirmed; however, a cause for the failure was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,901.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I would welcome making my vehicle available for inspection on this issue. Year/Make/Model: 2023 Kia Sportage EX HEV AWD 4-Door SUV Color: Black Powertrain: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Number of occupants: 2 (driver and passenger) Injuries: None, but fatalities could have occurred. Vehicle turned off completely – no power, no hazard lights, and although driver miraculously made it to the shoulder, most of it was blocked by a snowbank and sat in a dead car with no hazard lights. Passenger (recovering from leg surgery in full leg brace) was forced to exit onto a snow bank and enter a tow truck cab, risking re-injury. Crash: No — vehicle was somehow brought to shoulder and aid protected by two state trooper vehicles until a tow arrived. Our car suddenly emitted a loud alarm at highway speed on I-84 -the instrument panel displayed an "stop vehicle immediately" warning. There was no prior warning, unusual noise, or dashboard indication of any problem. The car shut completely down while still on the highway. Car was towed to the nearest KIA dealer - Columbia Ford/Kia [XXX] ). After diagnosis, the authorized Kia dealer documented the following on Repair Order Invoice W7403: • Concern: "TOW IN. DIED WHILE DRIVING. SEPARATED" • Diagnostic fault code: BMS P1BB20 • Failed/replaced parts: ◦ DECOUPLER-BASFILTR, Part No. SPO 25290 2MHD0 ◦ BOLT-CRANKSHAFT, Part No. KIA 23127 2MHA0 ◦ BATTERY MODULE ASSY, Part No. SPO 37507 L5000 • Parts total: $835.54 • Vehicle in dealer possession: March 5, 2026 – March 20, 2026 (15 days) complete loss of motive power at highway speed. Based on my subsequent research, this failure mode appears consistent with a documented similar issue in the United Kingdom and European markets - which did result in a recall. -hybrid belt/tensioner system. Kia issued revised parts and ECU updates in those markets. No equivalent safety recall or consumer notification has been issued in the US. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Within just two years of normal use, the front driver-side leather seat in my vehicle has developed multiple cracks. I contacted the dealer and was dismissively told this obvious defect is considered “normal wear and tear” and therefore not covered under warranty. I then contacted Kia customer service, only to be told they “do not handle warranty issues” and that everything is the dealer’s responsibility. This complete lack of accountability is unacceptable. If Kia’s so-called “leather” seats cannot last more than two years, then the product is clearly substandard. Had I known the materials were this poor and customer support would be this unhelpful, I would never have purchased a Kia—let alone paid extra for a leather interior. Between the low-quality materials and the ineffective customer service, this has been an extremely disappointing ownership experience.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Issue: Service Brakes / Premature Rotor Failure / Grinding Within approximately six months of purchasing my vehicle new, I experienced brake grinding and premature rotor failure. This condition has reoccurred multiple times despite repair attempts at authorized Kia dealerships, including rotor replacement under a Technical Service Bulletin. Multiple dealerships acknowledged the issue. A Kia service manager advised that factory brake and rotor components are prone to premature failure and stated that reinstallation of original parts would likely result in recurrence. They recommended aftermarket brake components to correct the defect. Despite this acknowledgement, Kia America has failed to provide a permanent fix and continues to rely on reinstalling the same materials associated with repeated failures. The defect remains unresolved and presents an ongoing safety risk due to compromised braking performance. This issue appears consistent with known defect patterns affecting Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured between 2022–2024, with widespread consumer complaints reporting premature brake wear, grinding, vibration, and repeated rotor failure. I am submitting this complaint due to the safety implications of repeated brake failure, Kia’s failure to implement a corrective remedy, and the risk posed to drivers and the public.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Aug 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving on the highway around 50 mph when my car sudden if turned off. The dash said something about loss of power and to pull over. It would not start again and I had to call a tow truck.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The AC compressor failed on my 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid after 2 1/2 years of service and 59,800, mostly highway, miles. This affected the vehicle's drivetrain and it ground to a halt many times with a message "Check Hybrid System" displayed on the dashboard. The problem occured randomly and initially every few minutes when the vehicle was stopped at traffic lights, creating a real danger of being rear-ended by other cars.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving and heard a loud pop like a gunshot and then the sound of glass breaking. When I inspected, the sunroof had just shattered for no reason. All the edges of the sunroof have a shatter line along them with no damage in the middle of the glass

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I purchased this car from a dealership. After getting home, I realized the rear safety head restraints were missing. After multiple attempts to contact and ask for this to be fixed, I don't get returned calls and have not received the replacement head restraints. I was NOT notified at the time of purchase these were missing. I will not let passengers sit in my rear seat without these safety headrests.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The roof molding blew off. It is the exact same issue as this recall 24V025000 but me vin isn't included.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The fuel door will not open. Followed all instructions and the fuel door will not open.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Mar 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Fire

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.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While actively parking, my car accelerated and slammed into a wall an arm's length away. The collision was impactful enough to cause my seatbelt to engage and slam into my sternum. While attempting to turn off the car, the computer system glitched, engaging all three different drive modes (N, R, D). The breaking command I gave the vehicle was ignored, and the vehicle accelerated into the parking garage wall. No front collision assist or safety feature engaged. The vehicle is currently at a repair shop with the damage cost totalling $17K. The MFR recently inspected the car in Decemeber when the lease expired and I purchased the vehicle. Prior to that in October, the car came to a full stop and turned off on the highway.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

On Feb 1, 2026, while driving my panoramic ceiling on my 2023 Sportage just imploded . It sounded like a bomb or a gun was shot. The dealer didn't want to take ownership of the accident and had to file a claim through my insurance. There is more than 2000 cases of this just in 2025 alone. They stated something must of hit it. There was no one on the road that morning and it was right in the middle. I park in my garage at home and at my work location. Not 1 crack or any type of damage was done prior to this incident.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

12 V battery fails everyday and needed to press the 12 V boost button. Sometimes alarm turns on middle of the night.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My instrament cluster is blank and will.not turn back on. So called recal never fixed it.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was involved in a motor vehicle collision where my vehicle sustained significant front-end damage and was later declared a total loss by my insurance company. Despite the severity of the impact, the front airbags did not deploy. The impact was primarily to the front of the vehicle, and the damage required extensive repairs, exceeding the threshold for a total loss. I was wearing my seatbelt at the time of the crash. The failure of the airbag system to deploy raised serious safety concerns, as airbags are intended to provide occupant protection in frontal crashes of this nature. I experienced physical discomfort after the incident and believe the lack of airbag deployment increased the risk of injury. There were no warning lights or messages related to the airbag or restraint system prior to the crash. The vehicle had not shown any prior airbag or safety system faults. The vehicle is currently available for inspection and has been reviewed by the insurance company. I am reporting this incident to request investigation into a potential airbag system malfunction that could pose a safety risk to other drivers

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

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.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving down the highway at the posted 70mph limit in medium traffic. The car started to sputter and wouldn't accelerate. The car started to decelerate and cars coming from behind had to quickly swerve to avoid me. The cab then filled with the strong smell of gasoline and I became light headed. The car reduced to around 10mph and I pulled off the highway into a gas station and waited for a tow truck. We towed the vehicle to a Kia dealership and they claimed to have fixed it. A similar circumstance has occured 3 more times since that first issue. After each time, Kia has claimed to have fixed the issue.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

May 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On November 15, I was traveling with my mother and seated in the front passenger seat of a 2023 Kia Sportage while she was driving approximately 65 mph on the interstate when the vehicle struck a deer. The impact caused significant front-end damage, including the bumper, radiator area, and underbody components. I was wearing a seatbelt. Despite the severity of the collision and the high rate of speed, neither the driver nor passenger airbags deployed. No airbags deployed in any position in the vehicle. I sustained injuries, including a right shoulder sprain and having the wind knocked out of me, and required medical care. As a result of this crash, my mother developed post-traumatic stress symptoms, including fear of driving and anxiety related to the accident. The component that failed appears to be the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)/airbag system, which did not deploy in a crash that should have met deployment thresholds. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure put our safety at risk by leaving us without the primary restraint protection designed to prevent head, chest, and upper body injuries in a high-speed frontal collision. The issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. The vehicle has been seen by insurance, but no airbag system inspection or explanation has been provided. There were no airbag warning lights or dashboard messages prior to the crash. If there were any faults stored in the system, they were not displayed to the occupants. I believe this is a serious safety defect involving airbag non-deployment.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 2 injuries

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.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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)

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

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.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

The dealership repaired the vehicle free of charge however, nhtsa has not confirmed the repair for recall SC292. The vehicle got repaired on January 3rd, 2026. The recall information is uploaded to reference. Manufacturer reports recall has been completed/closed as of 01/03/2026

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Ev battery system threw up back back to earnings and codes of overcharge and then all lights on dash came on started beeping and then dash went red saying check hybrid system , hybrid system failure stop vehicle. Engine wouldn’t kick back on. I had literally just left my local Kia for a routine checkup and there report is nothing is wrong. Even tho I’ve called them now a few times about it shaking and idling super hard and going limp very often. Towed back to Kia and they have now had it for 4 days and still no results.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Purchased the vehicle 2nd hand January 29th 2025. Since then she has been in and out of multiple shops including Kia. Check engine light, loss of power on fwy, shifting/brake changes from a stop. From jerking, lunging, studder, taking off fast, not wanting to go at all. I was on these dips that I encounter almost daily and the collision warning went off. There wasnt anything in front of me. 2 weeks later I was cut off and had to swerve to avoid. Collision warning DID NOT go off. Driving on the fwy and the gas pedal pulled away from my foot as if it was accelerating. Kia has done a hard carbon, changed all fuel injectors. Last time they stated there was a factory defect with the rotors, changed all 4 rotors. Still she drives like this. Carmax, Kia and Daniels Tires NO ONE can tell me what is wrong! I have driven a 2024 same make and model and the car drove beautifully. Something is wrong with my particular vehicle. This is becoming frustrating. Please help. I drive often, I hike a lot. We are always on winding roads. I can't afford to sell it as I still owe. I love the vehicle, aside from this, like I'm just waiting for disaster to occur. Miles started at 14.5k and it's now 33k. Speeds have been anywhere from a complete stop to go and fwy speeds of 55 to 80.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

1. Hybrid system failure And check engine light on . 2. Car jerk while driving and gone to limp mode and my speed was reduced to 10 mph at traffic putting my self and other in danger . 3. My vehicle is currently at the dealership getting inspected this is the second time my hybrid warning light came on and the first time they told me nothing was wrong with my vehicle. 4. All of these symptoms happened at the same time while driving.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I took my car in several times to complain about the rotors and brakes. They said everything was fine but then the vehicle failed on the road so we had it taken to the nearest repair shop since we were on a road trip. Now Kia which has a fix to the damaged parts refusing to replace the defective parts.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Check Hybrid System warning keeps coming on. Dealer can't find a problem.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who determined that the fuel injector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, while at the dealer, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (POWER TRAIN), but later while driving, the message "Low Engine Oil" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.

Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC272.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation.

Risk: A twisted air bag can deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC257.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Risk: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.

Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.

Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.