2023 Kia SPORTAGE PHEV problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
15 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
5,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2023 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 15 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 26.7% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 13.3% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 6.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 6.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Structure:Body | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 |
Engine: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Electrical System: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Structure:Body: 2; Back Over Prevention: Warnings: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 13 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2023: 3; 2024: 6; 2025: 5; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11527895 · 2023-06-20 (June 20, 2023)
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 emergency.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11527895 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11579486 · 2024-03-26 (March 26, 2024)
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle independently lurched forward while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure continued intermittently, and the contact stated that while driving 27 MPH, the vehicle failed to stop upon depression of the brake pedal. The contact immediately merged into the open right lane to avoid striking another vehicle and shifted the vehicle into park(P). The contact stated that the check brake system message, an orange warning symbol, and the eme…
Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11579486 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11676103 · 2025-07-25 (July 25, 2025)
Kia opted for Leather like material for the steering wheel cover. This material with only 14, 828 miles on the vehicle is starting to peel off causing a bad gripping scenario. The material is more like a vinyl instead of leather. I have brought the vehicle to the Dealer who is attempted a warranty submission but I believe they will maybe only replace it with the same material and it will do it again. In all my years of driving I have never seen a wheel cover peel like this material is doing. It has been slowly failing over time and not al…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11676103 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11680392 · 2025-08-13 (August 13, 2025)
When engaging the cruise control using the steering wheel button, the speed will set itself at 110 miles an hour, and the vehicle will in fact attempt to reach that speed and accelerate. The problem has occurred at speeds as low as 30 miles an hour and as high as 70 miles an hour, it happens intermittently pressing the cruise control button does not disengage the cruise control every time sometimes it is necessary to press the brakes for the cruise control to be shut back off.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11680392 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11544778 · 2023-09-15 (September 15, 2023)
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being charged, the battery failed to fully charge. The contact stated that the vehicle was only able to drive for 29 miles after being charged. The contact then stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to make a left turn or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle intermittently stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the contact was concerned for his and other’s safety while on the roads. No warning…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11544778 at NHTSA ↗