VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Sportage Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 2023 Kia Sportage Phev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

25

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Sportage Phev years?

Sportage Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted25 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 18 complaints2025: 7 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Sportage Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Sportage Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance416%
Electrical System312%
Engine312%
Speed Control312%
Fuel System312%
Other312%
Body & Structure28%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Steering14%
Transmission14%
Brakes14%

Does the 2023 Kia Sportage Phev have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V874000Trailer HitchDecember 17, 2025 · 5,046 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence

An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.

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 rear collision avoidance can not be disabled permanently. This becomes an issue when backing up while towing, or with a bike rack equipped, as the vehicle will slam on the brakes every time the driver reverses, impairing the driver's ability to quickly maneuver the vehicle in case of an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 20, 2023

“PHEV vehicle: charging interrupted in the middle of the night. When attempting to reconnect the charger, a "Charging unsuccessful" message was given. A warning with "Check Hybrid System" appeared, as well as the check engine light. I cannot charge the car anymore and had to leave it at the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 5, 2025

“PHEV vehicle: charging interrupted in the middle of the night. When attempting to reconnect the charger, a "Charging unsuccessful" message was given. A warning with "Check Hybrid System" appeared, as well as the check engine light. I cannot charge the car anymore and had to leave it at the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 2025

“I have experienced a dangerous bug where cruise control shoots immediately to 110mph. I have experienced three incidents in the last 15 months. Too busy trying to disengage the accelerating vehicle to get a video, but many others have documented this bug: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 1, 2024

“Fuel reading is inaccurate. Range miles drop drastically while traveling. Vehicle says it’s is out of fuels when there is more than a half a tax. Fuel range miles go from 313 miles while vehicle is off to 417 without refueling. Then drop about 40 range mile during a short 5 or less mile commute.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 1, 2023

2023 Kia Sportage Phev — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Phev reliable?

The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2023 Sportage Phev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Sportage Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Kia Sportage Phev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.