VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 154 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.3 times the median Sportage Hybrid year — the 2023 model ranks #1 of 4 Sportage Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (32), engine (23), and speed control (22), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

154

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Sportage Hybrid years?

Sportage Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted154 complaints2023: 154 complaints2024: 32 complaints2025: 26 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Sportage Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3221%
Engine2315%
Speed Control2214%
Other1812%
Transmission1510%
Driver Assistance128%
Brakes117%
Fuel System75%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Body & Structure32%
Seat Belts21%
Steering21%
Tires & Wheels11%
Lighting11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V298000Electrical SystemApril 26, 2023 · 108,936 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 13 MPH from an exit and entering a roundabout, a right turn on an incline was attempted to be made when the vehicle veered in the left direction independently violently. The contact also stated the driver assist was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 21, 2025 · crash

“Bought new Kia Sportage Hybrid from Fette Kia in Clifton 3 months ago. >2,800 miles, Error "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safety. With the warning sign up. Vehicle won't go more than 20 mph. I called Kia and they're giving me 3 weeks appt, and they won't cover rental. To add insult to injury, customer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 29, 2024

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 16, 2024

“The part of the sunroof that moves when opening, spontaneously exploded while on the highway. Nothing hit the car to cause the explosion. Glass rained down on me. The car has 5,000 miles on it and there were no other cars around me that could've caused debris to hit my car. There is a huge hole in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 18, 2023

“When I pulled up at home and parked the vehicle, I pressed the brake pedal, stopping the vehicle, and then pressed the Park button and took my foot off the brake. The vehicle was not in park and rolled forward hitting my trailer with two Jet Skis on it in my driveway damaging the front of my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 9, 2025 · crash

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 154 complaints put the 2023 model at #1 of 4 Sportage Hybrid years. It is one of the Sportage Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Sportage Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (32 complaints), engine (23 complaints), speed control (22 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Sportage Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage Hybrid years to avoid are 2023. The cleanest record among Sportage Hybrid years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.