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Your vehicleHome›Kia›Sportage› 2023
Active NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from structures until repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.
Kia · Compact SUV

2023 Kia Sportage

Plug-in hybrid Hybrid Gas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
5 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
58 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls1 critical 7
Complaints28 crash · 1 fire · 18 injured reported 309
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 43 mpg
Starting MSRP17 trims · manufacturer $26,290
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2023 Kia Sportage is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sportage Hybrid FWD, is EPA-rated at 43 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 309 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall. Manufacturer pricing runs from $26,290 to $43,190 across 17 trims.

Kia Sportage — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Kia Sportage · Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Trims & pricing

Source: manufacturer press kitWhich trim should I buy? → Compare a trim →
TrimPowertrainDriveMSRPHPTorqueMPG combCargo (2nd row)Wheels
LXGasFWD$26,290187 hp178 lb-ft28 mpg36.6 cu-ft17 in
LXGasAWD$28,090187 hp178 lb-ft25 mpg36.6 cu-ft17 in
EXGasFWD$28,290187 hp178 lb-ft28 mpg36.6 cu-ft18 in
EXGasAWD$30,090187 hp178 lb-ft25 mpg36.6 cu-ft18 in
SXGasFWD$31,790187 hp178 lb-ft28 mpg36.6 cu-ft18 in
SXGasAWD$33,590187 hp178 lb-ft25 mpg36.6 cu-ft18 in
SX PrestigeGasFWD$33,790187 hp178 lb-ft28 mpg36.6 cu-ft19 in
SX PrestigeGasAWD$35,590187 hp178 lb-ft25 mpg36.6 cu-ft19 in
X-LineGasAWD$31,090187 hp178 lb-ft25 mpg36.6 cu-ft19 in
X-ProGasAWD$35,290187 hp178 lb-ft25 mpg36.6 cu-ft17 in
X-Pro PrestigeGasAWD$37,090187 hp178 lb-ft25 mpg36.6 cu-ft17 in
HEV LXHybridFWD$27,490177 hp195 lb-ft43 mpg—17 in
HEV LXHybridAWD$29,290177 hp195 lb-ft43 mpg—17 in
HEV EXHybridAWD$31,190177 hp195 lb-ft38 mpg—18 in
HEV SX-PrestigeHybridAWD$36,390177 hp195 lb-ft38 mpg—18 in
PHEV X-LinePlug-in hybridAWD$38,690177 hp195 lb-ft35 mpg—19 in
PHEV X-Line PrestigePlug-in hybridAWD$43,190177 hp195 lb-ft35 mpg—19 in

MSRP excludes destination. Open a trim for the complete spec sheet and standard/optional equipment. Have the car in front of you? Decode its VIN to see which of these trims it is and what it was priced at.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
Sportage Plug-in HybridPlug-in hybridAWD1.6L 4-cyl turbo + 67 kW AC IPMSM363535 (55 MPGe blended)34 mi electric402 h$1,900
Sportage Hybrid FWDHybridFWD1.6L 4-cyl turbo + 270V Li-Ion424443———$1,550
Sportage Hybrid AWDHybridAWD1.6L 4-cyl turbo + 270V Li-Ion383838———$1,750
Sportage FWDGasFWD2.5L 4-cyl253228———$2,400
Sportage AWDGasAWD2.5L 4-cyl232825———$2,700

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 47223, 45208, 45207, 45101, 45102.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Sportage Hybrid AWD, Sportage Hybrid FWD, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid7 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 30 / California LEV-III SULEV30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Sportage AWD, Sportage FWD5 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 / California LEV-III ULEV70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Also on file Beside the 2023 Sportage
Other years The 2027 Sportage Lineup The 2023 lineup Recalls Kia recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2023 Kia Sportage is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (7)

Source: NHTSA recall database
●moderate

Electrical System

SC359
5,046 vehicles 51% reported repaired Plug-in hybrid only
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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V874000 reported Dec 17, 2025 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Structure

SC292
101,049 vehicles 72% reported repaired
Problem Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach. Risk A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V025000 reported Jan 18, 2024 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Power Train

SC275
Park outside 39,765 vehicles 87% reported repaired
Problem Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat. Risk An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. Fix Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDFChronology PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V531000 reported Jul 31, 2023 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

SC272
98,944 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist. Risk A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC272.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V410000 reported Jun 7, 2023 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

SC270
108,936 vehicles 92% reported repaired
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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V298000 reported Apr 26, 2023 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

SC257
76,918 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation. Risk A twisted air bag can deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC257.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V878000 reported Nov 28, 2022 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electrical System

SC248
19,701 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge. Risk An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V651000 reported Aug 29, 2022 Kia America, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific Sportage

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2023 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Kia publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Kia’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2023 Kia Sportage, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2023 Kia Sportage

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Sportage →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
309complaints filed

28 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 18 injuries · 0 deaths reported

14 per 10,000 built · Kia reported 224,337 Sportage built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2022: 17 · 2023: 90 · 2024: 70 · 2025: 67 · 2026: 65

Most-cited components

Electrical System → 85
Engine → 70
Unspecified 69
Service Brakes 48
Forward Collision Avoidance 39
Power Train 37

In depth: electrical problems → · engine problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

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.
Engine Jan 1, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11708252
PHEV vehicle: charging interrupted in the middle of the night. When attempting to reconnect the charger, a "Charging unsuccessful" message was given. A warning with "Check Hybrid System" appeared, as well as the check engine light. I cannot charge the car anymore and had to leave it at the dealership
Electrical System Apr 7, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11653278
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.
Power Train at 33,325 miles Oct 21, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11772724
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.
Vehicle Speed Control Aug 13, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11680392
At approximately 5:05pm today (6/4) as I was leaving a parking lot, I was reversing into the parking lot. The van directly opposite me also had their reverse lights on but was not moving. It was one of those whos-going-to-go-first situations.
Forward Collision Avoidance Jun 4, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11592513
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 74–78 MPH on flat land with a top box loaded to the specified weight on the manufacturer's roof racks, there was an abnormally loud popping sound detected, and the front panel of the sunroof exploded without warning or impact.
Visibility/Wiper at 16,800 miles Mar 5, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11575530

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Kia itself: 24 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 1 killed, 28 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 11 per 100,000 built. Every Sportage model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 23k

miles, typically

Half the 39 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 8,000 and 47,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 13
10k–20k 6
20k–30k 4
30k–40k 2
40k–50k 5
50k–60k 1
60k–70k 1
70k–80k 3
80k–90k 1
90k–100k 0
100k–150k 3
150k + 0

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine1247,0001.42×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2023-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
SUV FWDnot rated★★★★★★★★★★not rated—
SUV FWDnot rated★★★★★★★★★★not rated—

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Driver-assist crash reports (2)

Source: NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01
2reports filed

1 no injury reported · 1 severity unknown

Oct 2023 to Apr 2024 · 1 with an air bag deployment · 2 towed

What was engaged, and what was hit

System named: SMART CRUISE CONTROL & LANE FOLLOWING ASSIST (1)

Crash partner: Other 1 · Passenger Car 1

Filed by: Kia America, Inc.

IncidentSystemStruckInjury allegedStateSpeedReport
Apr 2024Level 2 · SMART CRUISE CONTROL & LANE FOLLOWING ASSISTPassenger CarunknownMI55 mph753-7780
Oct 2023Level 2Otherno injury reportedMD25 mph753-6415

From the manufacturer’s own filing

The reporting entity’s narrative as NHTSA published it, with anything identifying removed and nothing added. A narrative is a notice, written before the entity had verified what happened.

*10/6/23: 5-Day Incident Report* Customer contacted Kia's Customer Care Center on October 3, 2023 indicating she "hit the vehicle in front of her "while driving her 2023 Kia Sportage and that the by the time she realized it, the vehicle did not stop and was not able to apply the brakes quick enough.
Kia America, Inc. report 753-6415 Oct 2023 NHTSA SGO filing

A report under the General Order is a notice the manufacturer or operator must file within days of hearing of a crash in which a Level 2 driver-assist or automated-driving system was engaged within 30 seconds of impact. It is filed before anything is verified, and entities with telematics hear of far more crashes than entities that rely on complaints, so counts say as much about the reporting as about the car and are not comparable across makes. Nothing is normalised by fleet size. Every report on file, by make and year → · NHTSA’s page and files

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 1 filing by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Kia warranty extension (28) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 190
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-25
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 129 service bulletins, 36 emissionss, 18 warranty extensions

Most often about: Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, Power Train, Suspension.

  • WTY047_TSB Service bulletin
    2026-09-25 · Suspension
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REAR SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT (WTY047) - This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY047) to inspect, and if necessary, replace one or both left and right rear shock absorber assemblies on certain 2023-2025MY Sportage (NQ5), Sportage Hybrid (NQ5 HEV), and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (NQ5
  • TSB_CLI049_R2 Service bulletin
    2026-08-28 · Electrical System
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR – ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima Hybrid (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV), 2015MY~
  • TSB_ELE426 Service bulletin
    2026-08-19 · Electrical System
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN GEN 5.0 WIDE SOFTWARE UPDATE - This bulletin provides information on the Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system software update for certain vehicles equipped with AVN5W and Navigation System listed in the table below. Affected vehicles may overestimate travel times during route calculation.
  • TSB_ELE416 Service bulletin
    2026-07-02 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ON-BOARD CHARGER INSPECTION AND REPLACMENT (SA644) - This bulletin provides information related to charging system diagnosis and repair on certain Sportage (NQ5 PHEV) vehicles produced from December 13, 2022 through May 30, 2023. The affected vehicles may experience interrupted or inoperative high‑voltage battery charging due to an on‑board charger (OBC) internal malfu
  • TSB_BOD336 Service bulletin
    2026-06-04 · Structure — Body
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: KEY AND CYLINDER SET REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the driver’s door lock and trunk lid key cylinders on some 2019-2024MY Kia vehicles listed below. On affected vehicles, the stored key code may not correspond to the mechanical key profile, which can result in incorrect key cutting when the original key is lost or damaged.
  • TSB_ELE422 Service bulletin
    2026-05-28 · Electrical System
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE. KIA. COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for sup
  • TSB_CHA126_R2 Service bulletin
    2026-05-06 · Service Brakes
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT & BURNISHING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front brake discs on certain 2021-2024MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from July 26, 2021 through March 28, 2024 and 202
  • TSB_ELE417 Service bulletin
    2026-04-14 · Electrical System
  • TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P1BB2Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →5 bulletins
P0880Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Kia Sportage failed the emissions check on 0.62% of first inspections — lower than the 1.6% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2023 vehicle: 1.1%).

New York inspections 0.62%

failed emissions

9,219 initial inspections of 9,069 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2023 SportageEvery 2023 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check0.62%1.6%9,186
Failed the safety inspection1.6%1.1%9,219
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.16%0.16%9,219
Miles driven a year12,03910,038odometer at inspection
Average odometer39,42132,673odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2023 vehicle” is every 2023 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Sportage by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 1 41 mpg2026 A 1 40 42 mpg2025 A 1 74 43 mpg2024 B 3 110 43 mpg2023 this page F 7 309 Park outside2022 B 1 46 Park outside2021 C 2 54 Park outside2020 C 2 163 Park outside2019 C 2 71 Park outside2018 D 3 165 Park outside2017 D 4 403 Park outside2016 C 2 134 Park outside

Common questions about the 2023 Sportage

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

How much does the 2023 Kia Sportage cost?

Manufacturer pricing runs from $26,290 for the LX FWD to $43,190 for the PHEV X-Line Prestige AWD, across 17 trims. Those are MSRPs from the manufacturer's own press material; they exclude destination, options, taxes and whatever the dealer adds. Every trim and price is listed above.

Does the 2023 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 7 recall campaigns for the 2023 Kia Sportage, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 23V531000, covering Power Train. There is an active park outside advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2023 Kia Sportage?

NHTSA gave the 2023 Kia Sportage 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (58/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Kia Sportage?

Across the 5 EPA-rated configurations of the 2023 Kia Sportage, the best EPA combined figure is 43 mpg (MPGe on the electrified versions). Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What do owners complain about on the 2023 Kia Sportage?

Owners have filed 309 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Kia Sportage, most often about electrical system, engine, unspecified. Of those, 28 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 18 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2023 Kia Sportage?

The EPA smog rating for the 2023 Kia Sportage runs 5 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III SULEV30, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2023 Kia Sportage?

The manufacturer has filed 190 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Sportage, most often covering electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system. The most recent is dated 2026-09-25. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2023 Kia Sportage do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Kia Sportage failed the emissions check on 0.62% of first inspections — lower than the 1.6% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2023 vehicle: 1.1%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Which 2023 Kia Sportage trim is the best value?

$16,900 separates the cheapest of the 17 trims from the most expensive, so the answer depends on which of the differences you would actually use. Every trim has its own page here with the manufacturer's full specification and equipment list, plus a short summary of exactly what it adds over the base trim — worth reading before a dealer frames the walk-up for you. The trim-by-trim ladder shows what every step up costs and what it makes standard.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations5 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates5 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls7NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints309NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins190NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reports2NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01Crashes the manufacturer or operator reported with a Level 2 or automated-driving system engaged. Notices, filed before verification; not comparable across makes.
Specifications filed with NHTSAnoneNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWe had no VIN pattern to decode for this model year, or the manufacturer filed nothing usable.
Trims, pricing & equipment17 trimsManufacturer press kitTranscribed from the manufacturer's own press material, every value carrying the document it came from.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Sportage The Sportage model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Lineup Every 2023 model on file, by price Each 2023 nameplate whose press kit we hold, ranked by the maker's announced starting MSRP — this one among them.Recalls Every Kia recall on file All campaigns filed against Kia vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Sportage by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly. Trim-level specifications and pricing are transcribed from the manufacturer's official press kit; every value carries its source in the data file.

JSON for this page · API