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SeatsPart report

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 2026-03

Related service bulletins

Seats: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202614%
202353%
202224%
201842%
201721%
201611%
201310%
201111%
201015%
200711%
200611%
200210%
200142%
200010%
199910%
199821%
199711%
199512%

Other parts of the 2023 Kia Sportage

Other or unknown
50 complaints
Electrical system
46 complaints
Engine
38 complaints
Brakes
34 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
24 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
19 complaints
Fuel system
14 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaints
Air bags
11 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
11 complaints
Vehicle speed control
10 complaints
Lane 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