46 of the 949 complaints about the Kia Sportage (4.8%) concern Transmission / powertrain, making it the model's #7 problem area. That share is 0.4× the Transmission / powertrain share across all tracked vehicles.
46Complaints · Transmission / powertrain
4.8%Share of complaints
0.42×vs. all vehicles
15Last 12 months
4.3%Share involving a crash or fire
1Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Transmission / powertrain complaints peak with the 2023 model (22, 7% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2020 model (1). 15 Transmission / powertrain complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 8 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
Owners most often describe: “transmission”, “check hybrid”, “lost”, “hybrid system” and “accelerate”. 2 of these reports (4.3%) describe a crash or fire, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 23V531000 (2023-07-31, model years 2023).
Incident Date: [XXX] Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Component(s): Power Train (Automatic Transmission Shifter), Electrical System (Instrument Cluster/Display), Back Over Prevention (Rearview Camera) Description of Incident: On [XXX], while performing a low-speed…
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-01-15 · ODI 11711230 · Crash
When I pulled up at home and parked the vehicle, I pressed the brake pedal, stopping the vehicle, and then pressed the Park button and took my foot off the brake.
Transmission / powertrain · 2025-04-09 · ODI 11653683 · Crash
The car's transmission became unresponsive and caused the car to lose the ability to accelerate. This happened twice on the highway before I could get it to the dealer.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-07-04 · ODI 11748310
•12,000 Miles: Front rotors required complete replacement. •21,000 Miles: Front rotors failed and required replacement a second time. •28,000 Miles: Front seat cushion required repair due to material separation.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-07-03 · ODI 11748096
I did not have an incident yet. I was advised by my local State representative Jimmy Gordon's office. They stated were unable to help me get reimbursement for the $8000 I just paid my Kia dealer, but that I should make a complaint on this website.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-06-11 · ODI 11743447
While exiting the John C. Lodge Freeway in Detroit at approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal became stuck halfway during braking and the vehicle did not stop properly on the first brake application.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-05-25 · ODI 11739925
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP Campaign 23V531000 · 2023-07-31 · Model years: 2023
⚠ Park-outside / do-not-drive warning
Summary: 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.
Remedy: 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.
How common are Transmission / powertrain problems on the Kia Sportage?
46 of the 949 complaints about the Kia Sportage (4.8%) concern Transmission / powertrain, making it the model's #7 problem area. That share is 0.4× the Transmission / powertrain share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Kia Sportage model years have the most Transmission / powertrain complaints?
By model year, Transmission / powertrain complaints peak with the 2023 model (22, 7% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2020 model (1).
Is there a recall for Kia Sportage Transmission / powertrain problems?
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 23V531000 (2023-07-31, model years 2023).