2023 Kia Sportage Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 10%of 194 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,638miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2023 Kia Sportage, 10% of the 194 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,638 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Numerous times our AWD system has failed to work at all and reverts to standard FWD, even while actively driving down the highway in a blizzard! KIA has had it in the shop a minimum of three times for this same issue since we bought it earlier this summer. Now that winter has come it’s even more of a danger! The problem comes and goes and you never know when it will stop functioning.”
NHTSA complaint #11499509, filed 2022-12“Frequently while driving my 2023 Kia shortage Hybrid will accelerate on its own. This happens randomly while driving straight as well as making turns. My suv also has a vary hard time driving uphill. If im driving at 25 mph when approaching the hill, my car then gradually drops down to 10-15 mph.This is extremely scary especially when driving with my children in the car. I haven’t owned the vehicle for a year and don’t know why it’s performing this way.”
NHTSA complaint #11708121, filed 2025-12“The vehicle has always had a bit of a breaking issue especially in cruise control. In may had an incident where it slammed on the brakes so bad that everything in the backseat flew up to the front. Again the driver did not break. I went in for it to be repaired which took several weeks and spent 5 hours at the dealership. Two days later the car completely shut down and I had to have it towed to the dealership and they will not give me any answers. I do not think I will ever feel safe in the car again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11532584, filed 2023-07“I was driving down the highway at the posted 70mph limit in medium traffic. The car started to sputter and wouldn't accelerate. The car started to decelerate and cars coming from behind had to quickly swerve to avoid me. The cab then filled with the strong smell of gasoline and I became light headed. The car reduced to around 10mph and I pulled off the highway into a gas station and waited for a tow truck. We towed the vehicle to a Kia dealership and they claimed to have fixed it. A similar circumstance has occured 3 more times since that first issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11712744, filed 2026-01“Purchased vehicle used 11/18/2023. Two days later vehicle went into limp mode on the highway. No brakes. Engine continued to shut off. Towed to dealer. Replaced injector. 11000 miles. 12/27/23 Vehicle was returned. 11/14/2024 Vehicle went into limp mode. Engine would not run. Vehicle was blowing white smoke thru exhaust. Another highway incident. Towed to dealership. This condition is very dangerous on the highway not only for me, my family and other motorist. As of today the vehicle is still at dealership. Do not have the repair orders or my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11626639, filed 2024-11Related recalls
- 23V531000Jul 31, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump…Covers: Kia Sportage 2023, Seltos 2023–2024, Soul 2023
Related service bulletins
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11000787May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission…
- 10253812Apr 25, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin…
- 10242937Sep 28, 2023TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the AWD coupling actuator assembly on some 2021-2023MY Kia…
- 10242913Sep 25, 2023PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of…
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
- 10219690Sep 9, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to…
- 10219691Sep 7, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: CENTER MUFFLER INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (SC239) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the center…
- 10219368Sep 7, 2022Sc239_poc: proof of correction card
- 10219366Sep 7, 2022Sc239_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion sticker
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 19 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 18 | 11% |
| 2017 | 41 | 10% |
| 2016 | 8 | 6% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 5% |
| 2012 | 21 | 5% |
| 2011 | 23 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 12% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% |
| 1999 | 57 | 20% |
| 1998 | 63 | 21% |
| 1997 | 25 | 14% |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2023 Kia Sportage
50 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsEngine
38 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsForward collision avoidance
24 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsLane departure
8 complaintsSeats
5 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