2023 Kia Sportage Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 194 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the seats of the 2023 Kia Sportage, 3% of the 194 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased this car from a dealership. After getting home, I realized the rear safety head restraints were missing. After multiple attempts to contact and ask for this to be fixed, I don't get returned calls and have not received the replacement head restraints. I was NOT notified at the time of purchase these were missing. I will not let passengers sit in my rear seat without these safety headrests.”
NHTSA complaint #11729982, filed 2026-04“Within just two years of normal use, the front driver-side leather seat in my vehicle has developed multiple cracks. I contacted the dealer and was dismissively told this obvious defect is considered “normal wear and tear” and therefore not covered under warranty. I then contacted Kia customer service, only to be told they “do not handle warranty issues” and that everything is the dealer’s responsibility. This complete lack of accountability is unacceptable. If Kia’s so-called “leather” seats cannot last more than two years, then the product is clearly substandard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11734114, filed 2026-04“We purchased a new 2023 Kia Sportage a month ago (January). There are several issues we’ve encountered. One week after purchase, the doors on the vehicle would lock on it’s own and we weren’t able to unlock them. The key fob nor trying to unlock the doors manually would not work. At times, we weren’t able to lock or unlock the doors and had to do it remotely from the Kia app on the phone. I spoke with the salesperson and manager from the dealership on two separate occasions. I was told to change the batteries in the key fobs, but the problem continues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11507139, filed 2023-02“Vehicle caught fire while idling unattended with seat warmers activated. The driver seat ignited and fire spread across the seats to the headrest in the backseats and sunroof area. No one was inside the vehicle at the time. Multiple eyewitnesses confirm no one was near the vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the incident. Police report confirms no arson or external cause. A campus officer noted the fire may be related to the seat heater system. Vehicle is currently undrivable due to severe interior fire damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11725134, filed 2026-03Related service bulletins
- 10217891Aug 10, 2022PITSTOP: REAR OCCUPANT ALERT (ROA) W/REAR DOOR LOGIC - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a…
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2023 Kia Sportage
50 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsEngine
38 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsForward collision avoidance
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsLane departure
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 Kia Sportage
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology