2013 Kia Sportage

Photo: Areaseven / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

2013 Kia Sportage: common problems and reliability

One of the worst Sportage years.

One of the Kia Sportage years to avoid. All Sportage years

381 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.

Should I buy a 2013 Sportage?

The 2013 Kia Sportage has 381 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

381
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
5
Crash reports
22
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Kia Sportage vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Sportage years only. How we score it

Is 2013 a good year for the Sportage?

Across the 29 Sportage model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2003) to 399 (2017). With 381 complaints, the 2013 Sportage sits above the model's median of 131.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
301
service brakes
25
electrical system
22
hydraulic
19
power train
18

Recalls affecting the 2013 Sportage

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 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.

engine and engine cooling:engine

Campaign 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.

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

Campaign 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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a polarized ownership experience.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sportage. See the full Sportage owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Sportage listings typically run $17,749–$24,718.

Other Sportage model years

Compare every Sportage year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Sportage against its rivals

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