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Kia SportageModel year report

2013 Kia Sportage Problems

Compared with other Kia Sportage years

Typical for this model

55/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

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Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
381filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
98,000miles, 280 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4–5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 28 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Kia Sportage (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2013 Kia Sportage most often report engine failure, usually involving knocking or ticking noises followed by loss of power, and often resulting in a seized engine that requires replacement. Complaints commonly mention regular oil changes with little or no warning beforehand, and many owners say their vehicle identification number was not covered by the engine recalls. Smaller groups of complaints involve electrical loss, brakes, and transmission concerns.

  1. Engine

    Engine knocking, seizure and loss of power

    • 231 complaints (61%)
    • median 100,000 mi at 6.9 yrs old (187 state mileage)
    • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $7,000 (median of 25 quotes)
    • filed 2017–2026

    Owners describe a knocking, ticking or rattling sound from the engine that can grow louder, followed by loss of power or a stall, sometimes on the highway at speed. Many say no warning light appeared beforehand and that maintenance had been kept up. Mechanics and dealers commonly diagnosed a failed bearing, a thrown rod, metal debris in the oil, or a seized engine needing replacement. Several owners report the dealer or manufacturer declined assistance because their vehicle identification number was not included in an engine recall; a few describe a replacement being offered outside the recall process. Reports cluster from roughly 60,000 to 170,000 miles, with many in the 80,000–110,000 mile range and several at low mileage.

    Recall 17V224000Recall 18V9070005 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for oil change records and have the engine listened to for knocking or ticking on a cold start. Ask whether the knock sensor detection software campaign or any engine replacement work was performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving to missouri there was a knocking from my car, I tried pushing on the gas but it wouldn't let the gasket to the engine so it wouldn't let me continue driving. I had to pull over and my dad and brother came to tow it to my dads town mechanic he said the barrings went out on the crank shaft. I was in the interstate. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11377576, filed 2020-12, 139,000 miles

    “Was driving my car on a highway when it started making a terrible, metal-on-mental noise in the engine. At first it was a little noise and as I kept driving it got more persistent so I pulled over before anything could get worse. Took it in to the shop and they said metal got mixed in the oil and caused damage internally within the engine. So now it needs a whole new one.”

    NHTSA complaint #11355623, filed 2020-09, 100,000 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Wiring/electrical failure stopping accessories while driving

    • 15 complaints (4%)
    • median 85,987 mi at 8.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2016–2025

    A small number of complaints describe several accessories failing at once while driving, such as the radio, air conditioning compressor, radiator fan and window switch, or a short circuit affecting the battery and starter. In one case a burning odor near the engine compartment was noted and the failure returned after repair. The related brake control unit recall describes an electrical short that can cause an engine compartment fire. Reported between roughly 55,000 and 106,000 miles.

    Recall 23V652000

    What to check: Ask whether recall 23V652000 was completed and whether the battery and starter wiring have been inspected. Check for burning smells or intermittent accessory dropouts on a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was out driving my car one day and the window switch started acting up,the radio shut off, the AC compressor and the radiator fan stopped working at the same time while driving in motion.”

    NHTSA complaint #11404819, filed 2021-03, 100,000 miles

    “Clock spring malfunctioned, replaced x2, then mat failed in the passenger seat. Car has never been in an accident. Stayed in driveway. Seldom used total milage 111,659”

    NHTSA complaint #11407308, filed 2021-04, 111,659 miles
  3. Engine

    Engine oil leaks and smoke from under the hood

    • 53 complaints (14%)
    • median 107,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (40 state mileage)
    • 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $560 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2015–2025

    Some owners report oil leaking from the oil pan or from the engine, in some cases with smoke coming from underneath the hood while driving. One owner was told the pan was leaking from several areas and was advised to keep repair receipts. Complaints also describe oil loss preceding an engine failure. Reported from roughly 70,000 to 130,000 miles, with one at low mileage.

    What to check: Look under the vehicle and around the oil pan for wet oil or residue, and check the oil level and color before and after a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Saw that my car was leaking oil; took it in to get looked at, the mechanic showed me the oil pan was leaking from several areas and there was oil all over the oil pan itself. Did some research and saw that some Kia sportages have been recalled for this problem. Called Kia and they said my car is not included in the recall because it is a 2013 not a 2012. They told me I will have to get it fix myself and pay for it - keep the receipts in case it is ever recalled.”

    NHTSA complaint #11307652, filed 2020-02, 81,330 miles

    “The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made a tapping sound, and then the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was engine oil leaking onto the ground while driving, with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lower bearing, push rod, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11568502, filed 2024-01, 83,000 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission and driveability concerns

    • 36 complaints (9%)
    • median 113,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (27 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2017–2025

    Complaints in this group describe the vehicle shaking, jerking or failing to gain speed while the engine was running poorly. Diagnosis in most of these cases ended at the engine rather than the transmission, so the reports mix drivetrain and engine symptoms. Mostly reported between about 70,000 and 130,000 miles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test the vehicle at highway speed and on a hill for shudder, delayed engagement or slipping, and ask whether the transmission fluid was serviced to the specified type and quantity.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving at 45mph, went into the opposite lane to pass a vehicle and the engine revved into the 7000rpm range, all the lights came on in the dash, and it immediately lost power. I pulled to the side of the road and the engine stopped. I tried to restart the engine and it wouldn't even crank over. No warning lights had come on prior to this and my oil is changed regularly. The engine is now locked up. I am reading this has been a frequent problem, but my vehicle VIN shows no recalls. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11399550, filed 2021-03, 100,220 miles

    “As I was driving at approximately 40 MPH the car began to shake and make a knocking sound. I had to stop at a red light and the shaking of the vehicle continued. As I approached a very busy intersection the engine stop and I was no longer able to accelerate or maintain speed. I managed to make a right turn and coast into an empty lot just far enough that the car was not sticking out into the street. At that time I contacted Kia and they sent a tow truck from a towing company unknown to me to have it towed to the closest Kia dealership.”

    NHTSA complaint #11364770, filed 2020-10, 106,000 miles

Buying note. The main thing to examine on a used 2013 Sportage is the engine: service records, oil level, and any knocking noise on a cold start. Confirm which recalls and product improvement campaigns were completed for the specific vehicle, since many complaints involve vehicles not covered by the engine recalls.

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 381 consumer complaints for the 2013 Kia Sportage. 280 of the complaints include a mileage, and 10% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 98,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 22 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 167 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Kia Sportage model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 55 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

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.

Also reported: Vehicle speed control (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Steering (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “I was driving down the road and I heard a loud bang. The car lost power at all dash lights came on. I take it to mechanic and he said that I threw a rod and that it cracked a hole in the engine block. This specific type of Kia sport age engine has not been recalled. But the bearings came loose and it threw a rod just like the other 2013 Kia sportages that have been recalled”

NHTSA complaint #11352528, filed 2020-09, 89,000 miles

Other or unknown: “There is a recall on the engine of 2013 Kia Sportage engines seizing up. My 2013 Kia Sportage 4 cylinder motor seized up when I pulled up to a red light. I was in rush hour traffic as I was nearing the red traffic light. I had aaa tow vehicle to Kia dealership in wilmington, being told it would cost $12,000.00 to fix.”

NHTSA complaint #11173165, filed 2019-01, 72,000 miles

Brakes: “After around 13/14k miles, the front brakes began to make extreme noises like very loud sandpaper against metal when backing out of my garage. After the car ran a little bit, they would stop but then it progressed to a constant embarassing noise. I have had it back three times in which they either cleaned or sprayed the rotors. This last visit they have even put a graphite base on them. Two weeks since they did that application, here I am having the same problem even though they tell me the brakes are still good. …”

NHTSA complaint #10587061, filed 2014-05, 14,250 miles

Electrical system: “I have had this vehicle less than 1 year. I have already bought 3 batteries due to something continuously draining battery power causing vehicle not to start. Upon taking to dealership for testing, I am told battery/alternator operates fine and they will charge about 85/hour to test fuses to see what else could be the problem. Approximately 3/23/3018, my radio shorted out. It is not functioning at all, cannot use radio at all nor bluetooth connectivity control. …”

NHTSA complaint #11099365, filed 2018-06, 169,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

10% of the 280 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 72,000 and 123,000 miles.

4%0–103%10–254%25–5017%50–7524%75–10041%100–1507%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (280 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 98,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’14’16’1876’20’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Kia Sportage. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Sportage · SUV AWD★★★★★5 / 4554 · 15.5% risk
Sportage · SUV FWD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 17.4% risk

Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2013 Kia Sportage version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Sportage 2WD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic212824$2,800
Sportage 2WD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed automatic213025$2,700
Sportage 2WD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed manual202723$2,900
Sportage 4WD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic202522$3,050
Sportage 4WD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed automatic202723$2,900
Sportage 4WD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed manual192521$3,200

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

Recall details for the 2013 Kia Sportage → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

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. 167 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 167 bulletins →

Other model years of the Kia Sportage

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026281,0601528Too new to compareToo new
20255517,5001528Too new to compareToo new
20247522,5003528Too new to compareToo new
202319426,8876528100 · MoreToo new
20224633,000152647 · TypicalRising
20215453,000252649 · TypicalRising
202016613,0002526100 · MoreRising
20197132,000252543 · TypicalRising
201816518,400352590 · MoreRising
201740455,0004525100 · MoreRising
201613460,00024–52343 · TypicalFalling
201514675,00024–52345 · TypicalFalling
201412579,50034–52328 · FewerFalling
201338198,00034–52455 · TypicalFalling
201239297,75054–52480 · MoreFalling
201118178,0006—2490 · MoreRising
20102076,2972—22—Rising
20098064,5003—2248 · TypicalFalling
20089880,5003—2150 · TypicalStable
20077769,0002—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200611172,0001—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20056878,6003—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200223459,7641—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200122865,5000—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200030470,8382—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199928478,0003—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199830380,0003—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199718182,5003—18Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19965779,0003—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199556111,5002—19Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Kia Sportage model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Sportage?

Owners of the 2013 Kia Sportage most often report engine failure, usually involving knocking or ticking noises followed by loss of power, and often resulting in a seized engine that requires replacement. The issues reported most often: Engine knocking, seizure and loss of power; Wiring/electrical failure stopping accessories while driving; Engine oil leaks and smoke from under the hood.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Kia Sportage have?

NHTSA recorded 381 consumer complaints for the 2013 Kia Sportage as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2013 Kia Sportage is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 301 complaints (79% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 27.

Has the 2013 Kia Sportage been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2013 Kia Sportage do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Kia Sportage 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Sportage get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Kia Sportage (Sportage 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Kia Sportage reported?

Among the 280 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 98,000 miles and the middle half falls between 72,000 and 123,000 miles; 10% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.