2013 Kia Sportage: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). Known weak spot on this generation: Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L GDI engine. 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 82% about engine & cooling.
Cold-start knock/rattle that fades as it warms, oil consumption, a check-engine light for the knock sensor. Confirm the KSDS software recall was performed and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.
Known problems on the 2013 Kia Sportage
Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L GDI engine $4,000–$7,000 to fix
If equipped with the 2.4L or 2.0T Theta II GDI (most were), this generation has a documented rod-bearing failure — knocking, then seizure or fire. Covered by huge recalls, a class-action settlement, and a knock-sensor software update (KSDS); a lifetime warranty applies to many, but only for the original-owner chain in some cases.
Check for: Cold-start knock/rattle that fades as it warms, oil consumption, a check-engine light for the knock sensor. Confirm the KSDS software recall was performed and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.
Basis: NHTSA recalls 15V568/17V226/others; Hyundai/Kia engine class-action settlement; KSDS campaign
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2013 Kia Sportage recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Sportage. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- BrakesPark outsideFire risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Details 23V652000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- Fuel systemFire risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Details 18V907000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
- Engine & cooling
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 17V224000
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
2013 Kia Sportage safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Hyundai and kia abs module fires since Nov 2023
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Warranty extension: Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts.
- Steering: Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners.
- Doors and locks: Kia developed a software upgrade that can be installed on your vehicle free of charge to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should your locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key.
- Engine: In order to maintain these standards, kia is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the engines short block assembly on 2011-2014 my…
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2013 Kia Sportage safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
381 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Kia Sportage years
2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator