2023 Kia Sportage power train problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2023 Kia Sportage — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 29, 2026
“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…”
filed Jan 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged…Campaign 23V531000 · Jul 31, 2023
Power Train problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 6 | 12% |
| 2024 Sportage | 3 | 5% |
| 2022 Sportage | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 Sportage | 3 | 6% |
| 2020 Sportage | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 Sportage | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 Sportage | 17 | 11% |
| 2017 Sportage | 40 | 10% |
| 2016 Sportage | 8 | 6% |
| 2015 Sportage | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 Sportage | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 Sportage | 18 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2023 Kia Sportage
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.