NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 381 owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Sportage. Most complaints involve engine (301) and electrical system (22). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sportage model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 187 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 237 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 404 |
| 2018 | 165 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 54 |
| 2022 | 47 |
| 2023 | 194 |
| 2024 | 75 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 30 |
“While driving all of a sudden my 2013 Sportage began shaking check Ingine light flashing. This happened out of nowhere. I pulled off to the side of the road, towed to Mechanic shop. They found that a piece of spark plug had broken off into the cylinder shaft. They said it was very unusual. I had it fixed through our local Kia Dealership but could never figure out how or why this happened. I would like to be refunded for this, if, it happened because of a faulty component & Actually there was a recall. Thank you”
“I bought my car and then I received a letter stating that it had 1 recall. I called KIA to schedule the recall and they said there are 4 in total. I told them to get them all done because the closes KIA is about 45 min from my house. I took it in KIA called me said everything was done that I could go pick up my car. Then on 7/19/25 I am driving in the highway and my car stops accelerating I pull over turn off my car let it cool off and turn it back on. It moves and the moment I try to accelerate it the car stops again. Thank God I was able to arrive to a gas satiation at an exit and not have someone crash into me. I tried jump starting it and nothing. I tried turning it on again and smoke stated coming out from the engine. I had to tow the car to my house. I called my mechanic to check it and 3 codes showed up (C1611, C1612, C1613). I called KIA to let them know the codes and that I needed them to tow my car to their dealership. They proceed to inform me that 1 of the recalls were not fixed (the fuse) had to ordered and was not done. No one had informed me that when I picked up my car. They are not wanting to give me a solution and I have called 3 days straight.”
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while coming to a gas station rest stop, making a left turn to the fuel pump, the vehicle lost power and coasted to the fuel pump. There were no warning lights illuminated. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which had a warranty extension for the engine to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was unable to replace the engine and referred the contact to another mechanic to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the timeframe for the engine coverage extension had been exceeded, and the HECU not been replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 371 |
| Sportage 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 380 |
| Sportage 2WD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 396 |
| Sportage 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 396 |
| Sportage 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 406 |
| Sportage 4WD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 425 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 381 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (301), electrical system (22), service brakes, hydraulic (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Kia Sportage at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Kia Sportage 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.