2023 Kia Sportage Phev recalls and problems

The 2023 Kia Sportage Phev has 2 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
16
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2023 Kia Sportage Phev vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2023 Kia Sportage Phev recalls

Recall 25V-874: Trailer Hitches, Electrical System

Reported Dec 17, 2025 · 5,046 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.

Recall 23V-298: Electrical System

Reported Apr 26, 2023 · 108,936 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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 cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Risk: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

2023 Kia Sportage Phev problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine4
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Electrical System3
Unknown or Other3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Structure2
Power Train2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Back Over Prevention1
Hybrid Propulsion System1
Steering1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 9,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2023 Kia Sportage Phev complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 33,325 miles · reported Oct 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle shifted into neutral and failed to properly shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,325.
Engine · reported Jan 1, 2026
1. Hybrid system failure And check engine light on . 2. Car jerk while driving and gone to limp mode and my speed was reduced to 10 mph at traffic putting my self and other in danger . 3. My vehicle is currently at the dealership getting inspected this is the second time my hybrid warning light came on and the first time they told me nothing was wrong with my vehicle. 4. All of these symptoms happened at the same time while driving.
Structure · reported Oct 30, 2025
I had been driving on the freeway for about 5 minutes, and suddenly heard broken glass in my car. It was dark (around 8pm) so I looked around as I was driving and didn't see any of my visible windows broken. I then heard more glass shattering sound and realized it was my sunroof glass that had suddenly broken. The mesh cover beneath it was closed so I was not injured. When I went home and did a quick google search, several other incidents of this happening popped up. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. It has been 2 weeks of calling my local Kia…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Aug 13, 2025
When engaging the cruise control using the steering wheel button, the speed will set itself at 110 miles an hour, and the vehicle will in fact attempt to reach that speed and accelerate. The problem has occurred at speeds as low as 30 miles an hour and as high as 70 miles an hour, it happens intermittently pressing the cruise control button does not disengage the cruise control every time sometimes it is necessary to press the brakes for the cruise control to be shut back off.
Steering · reported Jul 25, 2025
Kia opted for Leather like material for the steering wheel cover. This material with only 14, 828 miles on the vehicle is starting to peel off causing a bad gripping scenario. The material is more like a vinyl instead of leather. I have brought the vehicle to the Dealer who is attempted a warranty submission but I believe they will maybe only replace it with the same material and it will do it again. In all my years of driving I have never seen a wheel cover peel like this material is doing. It has been slowly failing over time and not all at once.

Other Kia Sportage Phev years

Compare all Kia Sportage Phev years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2023 Kia Sportage Phev have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Kia Sportage Phev: 25V-874 (trailer hitches, electrical system), 23V-298 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2023 Kia Sportage Phev?

Owners report engine problems most often (4 reports), followed by forward collision avoidance (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 9,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.