2013 Kia Sportage Electrical Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  18%
• 25k–50k
  323%
• 50k–75k
  215%
• 75k–100k
  215%
• 100k–150k
  323%
• 150k+
  215%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

In 2022, my 2013 Kia Sportage (VIN: [redacted] ) experienced a spontaneous engine compartment fire while parked. I was unaware of any existing recalls at the time. The vehicle was stationary and turned off when the incident occurred. I extinguished the fire myself. There was no crash involved, but the damage rendered the vehicle inoperable. I later discovered that this exact vehicle is subject to Recall 23V652000, related to an electrical short in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can result in an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving. As of now, the recall remains open and unrepaired under this VIN. I was never notified of this critical safety recall before the incident. Kia's authorized dealer in Puerto Rico (MOTORAMBAR) confirmed the recall but declined responsibility for the damage already caused, offering only the standard fuse replacement. …

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an electrical short circuit to the battery and starter. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a burning odor near the engine compartment. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,864.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the infotainment system was intermittently inoperable. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

I bought my car and then I received a letter stating that it had 1 recall. I called KIA to schedule the recall and they said there are 4 in total. I told them to get them all done because the closes KIA is about 45 min from my house. I took it in KIA called me said everything was done that I could go pick up my car. Then on 7/19/25 I am driving in the highway and my car stops accelerating I pull over turn off my car let it cool off and turn it back on. It moves and the moment I try to accelerate it the car stops again. Thank God I was able to arrive to a gas satiation at an exit and not have someone crash into me. I tried jump starting it and nothing. I tried turning it on again and smoke stated coming out from the engine. I had to tow the car to my house. I called my mechanic to check it and 3 codes showed up (C1611, C1612, C1613). …

I received a recall notification last year, I live about an hr and a half away from the nearest Kia dealer, so I wasn't able to get my car in to be inspected until last spring at the Kia in Medford. Then I got another notice in the mail stating my vehicle was amongst the ones that needed the HECU recall service done. I called the Kia dealer in Eugene and the earliest they could get me in was August 2024. A day or two before my long awaited appointment, they called to inform me that the part was on back order and that they would call me once it became available again. I haven't received any communication from them as of yet. My car has been mostly parked since then and I've been borrowing a friends vehicle because I don't want to risk my daughter and i's safety. …

Hecu needs to be replaced. This is a dangerous recall and it has almost been one year and it hasn't been resolved because the parts arent available.. I have children in my car and they tell me a fire could start while driving or parked. So, they will see the urgency in getting this part to us, after people have died? I am really upset that this is not being taken seriously when peoples lives could be at stake.

While driving at 65mph my Kia Sportage went dead. I pulled over onto the side of the road. I tried to start it again but it would not start. After that, smoke started coming out from under the hood. The Kia was towed to the Kia dealership and checked by mechanics, who said that the rod bearing went bad and it seized the engine. The starter was also fried in the process. Kia agreed to replace the parts but would not agree to pay the approximately $2500 labor cost. The vehicle still sits at the dealership awaiting repair. It's been over 2 months now. I plan to pursue having Kia pay for the labor as well. I now owe $7000 on a car that will not run.

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. While driving 5 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor and flames erupted under the driver seat. The contact placed the vehicle in park and exited. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact was uninjured, but was transported to the hospital. The contact notified the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

I was on the interstate driving around 70 miles per hour my car died as in stopped in front of a semi! My car has been serviced regularly and had no problems -nothing-no noise it just died. We are lucky I was not killed. Car was towed to cookeville Kia they said it was internal engine failure possible rod bearing. He told us it would cost around $7000 to fix. I still owe 4000 on my piece of crap of a car that only had 130,000miles on it. I have had a few nightmares from the ordeal and in general, I'm kinda scared to drive even a few days later. I am so disappointed I was told it's not under recall but however I keep seeing the same year and car on all kind of websites with the same problem. The only thing good about this situation is that my children were not in the car with me. I will never purchase another Kia! [redacted]

I have had this vehicle less than 1 year. I have already bought 3 batteries due to something continuously draining battery power causing vehicle not to start. Upon taking to dealership for testing, I am told battery/alternator operates fine and they will charge about 85/hour to test fuses to see what else could be the problem. Approximately 3/23/3018, my radio shorted out. It is not functioning at all, cannot use radio at all nor Bluetooth connectivity control. Now the odometer resets to 0 every time I turn the car on, the automatic locks don't work and tpm stays lit no matter what the actual tpm is. . I am so frustrated at this point as this is a new vehicle to me, I'm paying a note on a car that seems to be falling apart.

Electrical complaints in other Sportage years