2023 Kia Sportage Other Problems

Your 2023 Kia Sportage has experienced multiple serious drivability issues since purchase, including a check engine light, sudden loss of power on the highway, and unpredictable shifting and braking behavior ranging from jerking and stuttering to unexpected acceleration. The collision warning system is also unreliable—it triggered without any obstacle present, but failed to alert when you actually needed to swerve to avoid being cut off. Despite multiple visits to Kia and other shops (including a hard carbon cleaning, fuel injector replacement, and new rotors), the problems persist. Resolving this will likely require a comprehensive diagnostic scan to identify the underlying cause in the engine control system, fuel delivery, or transmission electronics.

Your fuel door won't open even when you follow the proper instructions to release it. This prevents you from accessing your fuel tank to refill your vehicle. The fuel door release mechanism may need to be inspected or repaired by a technician.

Your panoramic sunroof suddenly shattered while you were driving, making a loud noise like an explosion. There was no prior damage to the roof, and you were parked safely in a garage when not in use. The dealer initially declined responsibility, but this issue appears to affect a large number of 2023 Sportages. The repair will likely involve replacing the entire panoramic sunroof assembly.

Your roof molding blew off while driving. This appears to be the same issue covered under recall 24V025000, but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall. You should contact your Kia dealer to have the roof molding replaced and secured properly.

Your vehicle was repaired by the dealership on January 3rd, 2026 for recall SC292 at no cost to you. The manufacturer has confirmed the recall is complete, though NHTSA's records may not yet reflect the repair.

Driving at a speed of 45 mph the sunroof spontaneously exploded. No other cars to kick rocks in the indicate vicinity. No passing traffic. We heard a very loud boom and the sound of shattering and skittering glass. Sunroof and sunroof cover were closed. All windows were closed. Pulled to the side of the road, called husband, called Kia to start warranty claim. Our safety was called into jeopardy as we had to drive over 150 miles to the Kia service center, not knowing if any glass would work itself through or of the sunroof shade would handle the wind of driving. The Kia dealership had only seen 1 Sportage and 1 Telluride incur this damage. We also had to find our own way home, they could not offer us a loaner vehicle. Incurred expense of having to fly back home and will incur expenses of having to make the 275 mile journey back to get it once repaired.

Fixed glass panel between the windshield and sunroof spontaneously shattered. There was no impact, debris, or outside force involved. The break occurred with a perfectly straight fracture line, which is characteristic of a manufacture defect stress-related failure rather than an external object strike.

While backing up, the vehicle’s rear camera and sensors failed to alert me to a low object. There was no audible warning, and the object was below rear window visibility. This resulted in a dent to the trunk. The camera system typically provides audio warnings, but it was silent during this event. I am concerned this could indicate a defect in the backup safety system. There have been similar recalls put out for other Kia models in this year which concerns me even more that I had this issue and that my car does not have a recall out.

While driving on a highway at approximately 5:00 p.m., a loud explosion occurred. My husband said it sounded like we were shot. Once we pulled over, we discovered the panoramic sunroof had exploded. We immediately pulled off on the nearest exit and drove the car right back to the dealer. While my husband drove the car, I researched sunroof explosions and found several complaints of other Kia cars with panoramic sunroofs that had exploded. Upon arrival at the dealership, the service department was closed, but we were able to bring the car inside the garage since it was raining. There was no impact to the sunroof and no bridge where something could have fallen from it. The broken glass looked like it had exploded outward like a volcano. Shattered pieces of glass were scattered on top of the cloth covering but most pieces must have flown off the roof during driving. A saleswoman made a ridiculous claim that the explosion could have been caused by hail. It was 55 degrees out. Another salesman made a comment that it could have been some kind of combustion or that something fell on top of the sunroof (like a meteorite fell from the sky while driving?). Now, the following morning, Kia (a man named Walt) is claiming something hit the sunroof, "pictures don't lie", and they will not do any work on the car until my insurance company is contacted and an appraiser comes to look at the damage. We also took pictures and do not see that an impact occurred. No other cars on the highway at the time the sunroof exploded were impacted with their driving or even pulled off the road, so I cannot imagine Kia's claim that "something hit the sunroof." No other cars were impacted.

The infotainment screen remained blank while in reverse. I wasn’t able to detect pedestrians or objects while backing up. After driving less than a mile, the infotainment screen started to work. After stopping at a stop sign, an “air flap warning” light appeared, then the vehicle stalled shutting completely off while in drive. It cranked after the 3rd attempt. We returned home and parked. Around thirty minutes later, the car would not start and my brother had to boost the vehicle, but we decided not to drive it. The vehicle stalled last week while making a left turn into oncoming traffic, but the dealership stated that they could not duplicate the problem!

On November 25, 2024, the dash and infotainment screen went blank while at the traffic light. A few seconds later the car stalled shutting completely off while making a left turn onto Cox Rd in Evans, GA. We were able to coast out of traffic and came to a complete stop on the side of the road. We attempted to restart the vehicle and multiple warnings appeared on the dash such as check forward safety system, two cars colliding, check blind spot safety system, traction?, ABS, lane departure, seat belts, Auto Hold, and other symbols not understood. On the second attempt, the vehicle restarted and more warning symbols appeared as soon as it was put in drive. The vehicle was shut off and restarted again with no warnings. We proceeded and drove it to Kia of Evans for service. The service Rep reported that the vehicle was driven 5 miles and they were not able to duplicate this issues. The infotainment screen has blanked out several times since purchase and this is the second time the vehicle has stalled at a traffic light. On this incident, this could have been a traffic situation turning left and losing power into oncoming traffic.

My sun roof just exploded and shattered everywhere! It could’ve caused me to wreck with my 4 month old I thought someone shot at us! There was no reason at all for this to happen.

The engine shut completely off after stopping at a traffic light with a message “auto stop not working.” There was another message, but I wasn’t able to capture it due to trying to restart the vehicle in the midst of traffic. The engine restarted after two attempts.

I took the car to the dealership on 3/22/2024 for the recall and the car is good no repairs was needed

While my niece was driving the vehicle, the sunroof shattered. No rock or other debris hit the sunroof. It simply shattered

Moonroof exploded while I was driving.

I had an incident happen in September 2023. As usual, I parked my car in Reverse (R), and after that, I shifted it into Park (P). Then, I released the brake, and the car unexpectedly reversed, resulting in an incident where my bumper got dented. Later, I found out that others had experienced the same problem. I'm confused whether it was due to the brake or shifting into Park. They told me there is a brake booster problem as well. However, I'm puzzled as to how it happened since there's been a recall for other models in the same family group as my KIA. Since that day, I've been following up with KIA, but they are asking for a police report and insurance information. I'm still driving the car in the same condition until they repair it, and they have only replaced the brake booster. This incident marks the second time my brake booster has needed repair. Thanks.

The front passenger window will periodically fail to operate. We took the Sportage to the dealership for repairs and they attempted to fix the problem, but failed. They tried to reproduce the problem on other 2023 Kia Sportages in the lot and duplicated the problem on them. Apparently, Kia Corporate has not addressed this issue, or has failed to find a solution with an accompanying recall. These are safety and property damageable risks. When the window is down and unable to go back up into a closed position, anyone could easily gain entry to vandalize or assault the occupants. Likewise, failures in raising the window will lead to property damage in rainy or snowy conditions. Our Kia dealership is returning the Sportage back to us at this point because they can not figure out a solution and they don't have any more alternatives to pursue at this time.

I only had the Kia 2 months when a crack formed at the top of the driver’s windshield. Soon after the crack spread across the entire windshield surface area.

Engine Stalling Multiple Times while in Drive. After vehicle stalls, Engine Shuts off, multiple lights start flashing and beeping and Message States- 'Engine Off! Shift to P or N then start engine.' Engine will reengage after following display instructions. This creates a safety risk to driver and others behind driver when error occurs. 2 weeks prior to first failure, Engine light appeared, but was not flashing. Kia informed, but could not schedule for service for 14 days. Dates of Occurrence: 5/17/2023 ( 2 times), 7/28/2023 ( 3 times), 8/23/2023 (1 time) Vehicle with Kia Dealer for repair 5/17 to 5/29, 7/28 to 8/18, and 8/23 to present. No current ETA for repairs. None of the repairs has corrected issue.

Panoramic sunroof busted while driving down the highway. Wasn’t open. Wasn’t near any other vehicles.

My sunroof just shattered in my 2023 KIA Sportage as I was driving to work. There was no one in front of me and nothing hit it. Sounded as if a bomb went off, just a big kaboom and then flapping sound as if I blew a tire, and sounded like it was raining. I pulled over, no flat and when I looked on top, my whole sunroof had exploded and the raining sound was glass falling onto my cloth cover, which I was so grateful not to have had open or I would’ve been covered and most likely wrecked. I was so shaken up. I had to drive holding the cloth cover so it didn’t rip off, so I could not drive over 25. I was afraid to put the cloth part back in fear of glass falling on me and causing more damage to vehicle. A coworker showed me several reported instances of this happening to others. I also paid extra when I purchased my brand new KIA for the extra warranty for extra coverage but the service advisor was extremely condescending and stated that this had to be due to an impact because tempered glass does not shatter this way. This happened during extreme heat index and I did have my air conditioner on. Thank goodness my screen nor sunroof was open at this time. My insurance covered the repair, this is not about money. I just want to prevent this from happening to others and possibly causing an injury. I have noticed that the reports have simply been dismissed stating that since the vehicles had either dents, or chip in windshield. There are no dings, scratches, no damage whatsoever to my vehicle. I also saw some of the reports stated there was not enough glass to test in order to explain this happening. I had the repair shop keep my glass and I have a pretty good chunk for inspection. I was almost to a stop because I was turning off of the highway to take another road to work.

We have called 3 dealerships Kia that is and our recall for the brakes is about 3 months or so old. We were told that they will not look at any cars for this because parts are not available but other cars like ours are thin in also how can a recall happen when there is no parts isn't that a must when a recall is this dangerous they will not even schedule appointments and this has been 3.5 months. And now I read that an oil pump recall may affect ours and we cannot park in a garage due to it may burn the house down, This one has not been confirmed but no one will let us know about the oil pump catching fire or what vehicles it is for but I have seen its for 2023 Ki Sportage ALL MODELS. How crazy is Kia not taking care of customer and we only have 13,000 miles on our 2023 Kia Sportage AWD XLINE. THANK YOU LARRY ROWLAND 1402 W 17TH ST UNIT A CLAREMORE Oklahoma 74017

The vehicle has lost acceleration twice and one of those times, it was a hazard to other drivers and put my safety at risk because it loss power in the passing lane on a major highway. The car shut off and I had to restart it about 8 times to get it over to the side of the road. Each time there was white and black smoke, the car would shake and just shut off. The car has been in the shop once before and they think it was a cylinder misfire and they said they fixed it. This is the second time it is in there. The car is still under warranty. Other times it has been for several recalls. There were no times that the car would do this, no symptoms or messages. This is a safety hazard for other drivers and puts the drivers life in danger. This is not what a new car experience should be.

The windshield from passenger side to center spiderweb crack. It looks to originate in frame of car. Nothing hit windshield. I see a few others having same problem

My warning light & description for check AWD/4WD started coming on after the first road trip. It then came on everytime I drove the vehicle. Now the dealership service department is dealing with the main KIA maintenance to determine why the light comes on every time the vehicle is driven, even half a mile.

Jack Daniels Kia, Fairlawn, NJ. The following Kia Sportage door lock failure is not being fixed. I bought a brand New Car on 4-10-2023. My VIN 5XYK33AF9*** I purchased my new 2023 Kia Sportage on 4-10-2023. Unfortunately, the day I drove home after the purchase, the door locks didn't work. The door lock lights blinked but didn't lock or unlock the car doors. I also could not manually lock the car from the inside. Sales said I should keep the car in my garage. However, the service depart said it could be at least 3 months or more before they could check the vehicle to fix the door locks because Kia Motors had something to do with the manufactures computer. HEY!! I just bought a brand new car. Unfortunately, I can't get a straight answer from Jack Daniels Kia's service dept. At least a solution that I understand or makes sense. A Brand new car malfunction should be a #1 repair priority. Unfortunately, at Jack Daniels Kia Service, it's not.

I have had several problems with the windshield of my Kia Sportage. First off, it has a terrible glare or distortion while driving at night. I think it has to do with the elements inside the windshield. Secondly, the windshield cracks with even the slightest hit from anything on the road. I have had my car for 5 months and have received 6 chips to my windshield. Two of them happened when another vehicle was driving the opposite direction down the road. Three of them happened when I didn’t have a car or anything anywhere around me. One of them happened when an 18 wheeler was driving next to me with no other cars around. I’ve seen in the Kia Groups several other owners are complaining of the same problems. I don’t think these Windshields are safe.

I was driving to work and suddenly my front windshield cracked. Not only did it crack, but it scared me as it sounded like a shotgun had gone off.

VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 500 MILES AND WINDSHIELD AND SURROUNDING AREA IS CRACKING AND SNAPPING. AT FIRST IT WAS ONLYWHEN WINDSHIELD GOT WARM WHEN DRIVING ON WHEN STOPPED AND THE SUN BEAT ON THE WINDSHIELD. NOW IT IS CRACKING AND SNAPPING MORE IT IS HAPPENING PARKED OR DRIVING. IT IS FRIGHTENING AND SCARY.

The rubber piece on the arc above the wheel popped off while I was driving. It got caught under the car damaging the under carriage. I was going about 40mph and close to my destination to pull over. If I had been going at a higher speed, or there were other cars around me, or I was on a highway this could have been much worse. I don't know how a car part just comes off like this

The battery dead without unannounced. I turn the vehicle off and later did not turn it on. I was on a cold night. The vehicle was stopped and turned off when I tried to turn it on again; did not turn it on.

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.

I was driving to Christmas Eve service and heard a very loud explosion from the top of 2023 Kia Sportage. I then started hearing air coming from my panoramic sunroof. I pulled to the side of the road to inspect, and found that my sunroof had basically exploded.

It would be easier to explain to someone over the phone as there are a lot of details. Phone number is 8135177176 kia did look at it after when I went in for oil Change as I tried to get ahold of corporate. I tried to explain to police also. I have a screen shot on the original day where it shows in the Kia app that the problem was showing in the app at 10 am because it had not updated since then and it was around 10 pm.