2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Problems
- Complaints
- 100filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 15,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 43 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl · hybrid FWD · 42 city / 44 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe the hybrid system shutting down or dropping power while driving, typically with a "Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely" message, and cruise control that jumps to a high set speed when engaged. Complaints span low and high mileage, from the first few hundred miles to well past 100,000, with electrical and powertrain-related reports dominating.
- Electrical system
Hybrid system warning and sudden loss of power
- 37 complaints (37%)
- median 52,750 mi at 1.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe a "Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely" message followed by loss of acceleration, inability to use the gas pedal, and in some cases a complete shutdown of the vehicle along with the 12V system and warning lights. Several report towing to the dealer, where diagnoses ranged from a battery reset or software update to no fault found, with the problem recurring afterward. Reported at a wide range of odometer readings, from around 1,500 miles to over 100,000, often at highway speeds.
What to check: Ask the dealer whether the battery management system (BMS) software campaign SC335/SC338 has been completed, and whether any hybrid system warning faults are stored. Note that the campaigns address battery charging logic and may not cover every reported symptom.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving my vehicle on the freeway when all of a sudden I got a warning light that came on that said check hybrid system it looked up my brakes and steering the car completely shutdown in the middle of the freeway it happened so fast I couldn't get to the shoulder my car completely just stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #11644973, filed 2025-02“Car shuts off as alert start flashing and beeping. Get a red flashing screen and a hazard message that states CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP SAFELY . So far this has only happened while I was at a stop, but I have read in forums where it has happened to people while they are driver.”
NHTSA complaint #11675948, filed 2025-07 - Vehicle speed control
Cruise control jumps to very high set speed
- 14 complaints (14%)
- typically at 1.8 yrs old
- filed 2023–2025
Complaints describe cruise control setting itself to about 110 mph as soon as it is engaged or resumed, with the car accelerating on its own; turning cruise off or braking restores control, but engaging it again repeats the behavior. Owners report the condition clears after restarting the vehicle and that dealers were often unable to reproduce it. Occurs during highway and surface-street driving, sometimes after long drives, without a clear mileage pattern.
What to check: Before buying, ask whether the vehicle has had any infotainment or cruise control software updates, and test the speed control on a quiet road at low speeds to see how it responds.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving with cruise control on. I had to slow down for traffic. Upon resuming speed, I reactivated cruise control at which time it jumped to 110 mph. This happen several times. I turned cruise off and back on 110. I canceled and tried to reset, 110. I kept resuming 110 mph and the function was not usable. I have a video but was unable to upload because it was to large”
NHTSA complaint #11642957, filed 2025-02“I was driving for approximately 30 minutes, using cruise control as needed. There was a decreased speed area so I toggled down to reduce speed from 65 to 55. My cruise control speed jumped from 65 to 110. NOTHING I did would reduce the speed. I had to turn off the cruise control to get control of my vehicle again. I thought I did something wrong so I turned on cruise control and attempted to set the speed again. Immediately upon using the toggle to set the speed, the speed jumped to 110. …”
NHTSA complaint #11565265, filed 2024-01 - Engine
Hesitation and weak acceleration from a stop
- 8 complaints (8%)
- median 1,500 mi at 0.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners report a lag of a second or more when pressing the accelerator from a stop or near stop, with power coming on suddenly afterward, and some describe the gas engine failing to engage even with the pedal pushed down. Others mention shuddering or rough switching between the electric motor and gas engine; dealers reportedly found no fault or were unable to reproduce the behavior. Described across a broad mileage range, frequently in low-speed and stop-and-go situations.
What to check: Take an extended test drive that includes repeated stops and starts, and ask whether any hybrid control software updates have been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When starting car from behind stopped, the car would not speed up when pressing gas pedal and felt like stalling, but slamming on gas pedal jolted car to speed up again. If there were cars around, this could have been very dangerous. Car is in the shop now for mechanics to determine exact cause.”
NHTSA complaint #11495730, filed 2022-12“Fails to move when going from stopped to apply gas and moving forward there is a large delay and weak power. Shakes when idles and is really forcful switching from gas to battery or battery to gas,”
NHTSA complaint #11693000, filed 2025-10 - Brakes
Brake warning messages and reduced braking
- 11 complaints (11%)
- median 1,700 mi at 0.7 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2022–2026
Complaints describe a brake system warning message appearing while driving, occasionally with a soft or long pedal, and in some cases loss of motive power along with a hybrid braking-related diagnostic code. Owners report dealer visits where no fault was found or where the battery charge level was cited, and some had the issue return. Reported from a few hundred miles up to roughly 43,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for a scan of stored brake and hybrid system codes, and check that the brake warning lamps behave normally during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have received a warning 3 times saying “Rotary Shifter stuck. I searched and information says bring to dealer for immediate repair the brakes can lock and can cause an accident . I brought it in the first time and was told they can’t determine the issue unless the warning is on when I come in. It never happens when they are open. I read other stories and this problem is not just me having the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11672652, filed 2025-07“The vehicle flashed and alarmed a brake system warning while traveling on a freeway. Braking was soft. Took a longer than usual amount of time to stop the vehicle at that point.”
NHTSA complaint #11482537, filed 2022-09 - Other or unknown
Panoramic sunroof glass shattering
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 16,800 mi at 1.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2023–2024
Owners describe the panoramic sunroof or the fixed glass panel behind it shattering with a loud pop while driving, sometimes with glass entering the cabin and causing minor cuts. Complaints note that nothing struck the vehicle beforehand and that dealers were contacted afterward. Reported at low mileage, including vehicles with roughly 5,000 to 17,000 miles, often at highway speeds.
What to check: Inspect the sunroof glass and surrounding trim for chips, cracks, or prior replacement, and ask whether the roof panel or glass has been replaced under warranty.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 the sunroof now and the whole glass is shattered.”
NHTSA complaint #11518262, filed 2023-04“The tempered glass panel between the windshield and panaormic sunroof spontaneously shattered. We saw and heard nothing hit the vehicle when driving. We came out one morning, and the glass piece was shattered with missing glass. There are several complaints online of Kia sunroofs and this particular glass panel spontaneously shattering. If nothing is done, we believe someone could get injured.”
NHTSA complaint #11515999, filed 2023-04
Buying note. Given the number of reports about hybrid system shutdowns and acceleration hesitation, it is worth confirming which software campaigns have been completed and having an independent scan for stored hybrid codes before purchase. A thorough test drive covering highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and the cruise control is more useful here than a cosmetic inspection.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 100 consumer complaints for the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 89% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 15,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 67 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system37 37%
- Engine26 26%
- Vehicle speed control23 23%
- Other or unknown18 18%
- Brakes13 13%
- Fuel system10 10%
- Body and structure3 3.0%
Also reported: Lane departure (2), Seat belts (2), Steering (2), Air bags (1), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1), Hybrid propulsion system (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Good Morning Over the last 6 months or more the computer panel that controls the back up cameras heat radio maps and other things have gone off and on while driving then cuts back on. today was the last straw the monitor was out the whole time i was driving to work. I have video of this happening oh and this happens in both our 2023 Kia And anytime i go to dealer they cant seem to get to do the same things for them”
NHTSA complaint #11571800, filed 2024-02Engine: “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 service was rude too. Don't buy KIA or go to Fette Clifton.”
NHTSA complaint #11569030, filed 2024-01Vehicle speed control: “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 on again and the cruise control worked like normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11631097, filed 2024-12Other or unknown: “I was driving on the highway going 75 mph and my panoramic sunroof exploded. My cover was not closed so glass came back in the car all over me. Luckily I didn’t have any passengers in the car but what if I had? Kia has been having this problem for years without doing anything about it.”
NHTSA complaint #11542242, filed 2023-09Mileage when problems were reported
89% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,700 and 43,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage Hybrid AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · hybrid | 6-speed automatic | 38 | 38 | 38 | $1,750 |
| Sportage Hybrid FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · hybrid | 6-speed automatic | 42 | 44 | 43 | $1,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V298000Apr 26, 2023Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Kia Sportage Hybrid 2023, Sportage 2023, Soul 2023 +4 more
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…
Recall details for the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 67 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037624Sep 25, 2026Suspension. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REAR SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT (WTY047) - This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’…
- 11037530Sep 11, 2026Suspension. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY047) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid…
- 11037529Sep 11, 2026Suspension. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY047) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to owners for certain…
- 11038193Sep 10, 2026Suspension. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY047) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid…
- 11037528Sep 9, 2026Suspension. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY047) – This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding Warranty Extension Campaign WTY047.
- 11037527Sep 9, 2026Suspension. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY047) - This document is the announcement to dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle…
- 11037526Sep 9, 2026Suspension. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY047) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to…
- 11036628Aug 28, 2026Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR – ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a…
- 11036390Aug 19, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN GEN 5.0 WIDE SOFTWARE UPDATE - This bulletin provides information on the Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system software update for certain vehicles equipped with AVN5W…
- 11033934Jun 4, 2026Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: KEY AND CYLINDER SET REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the driver’s door lock and trunk lid key cylinders on some 2019-2024MY Kia vehicles…
Other model years of the Kia Sportage Hybrid
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | — | 1 | 5 | 42 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 14 | — | 0 | 5 | 43 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 23 | 19,832 | 0 | 5 | 43 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 100 | 15,000 | 1 | — | 43 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Too new |
All Kia Sportage Hybrid model years
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
Owners of this model year most often describe the hybrid system shutting down or dropping power while driving, typically with a "Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely" message, and cruise control that jumps to a high set speed when engaged. The issues reported most often: Hybrid system warning and sudden loss of power; Cruise control jumps to very high set speed; Hesitation and weak acceleration from a stop.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid have?
NHTSA recorded 100 consumer complaints for the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid as of Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 37 complaints (37% of the total), followed by engine with 26.
Has the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid (Sportage Hybrid FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl · hybrid) at 43 mpg combined, 42 city and 44 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 15,000 miles and the middle half falls between 1,700 and 43,000 miles; 89% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.