MotorDeets

2013 Kia Sportage: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Kia Sportage: 3 recalls, 381 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
381owner complaints
5mention a crash
25best combined mpg
2013 Kia Sportage
Photo: LuvsMG481 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V224000 · 2017 · 618,160 vehicles

What's wrong: Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process May cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Why it matters: Bearing wear May result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Engine, Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V907000 · 2018 · 71,653 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

The 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.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The 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,…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 22 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine301
Other / unknown27
Electrical22
Brakes (hydraulic)19
Transmission & drivetrain18
Engine & cooling14
Fuel & propulsion7
Body & structure6

What owners describe

The 2013 Kia Sportage has 381 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 31 Sportage model years for complaints (2.5× the average Sportage year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (76 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 98,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (392 complaints, 5 recalls), 2014 (123 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive213025Regular
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive212824Regular
2.4 L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive202723Regular
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive202723Regular
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive202522Regular
2.4 L 4-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive192521Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Kia Sportage.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 Kia Sportage manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2013 Kia Sportage manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2013 Kia Sportage manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 Kia Sportage manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2013 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Kia Sportage problems?

Owners have filed 381 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (301), other / unknown (27), electrical (22).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Sportage get?

EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 Kia Sportage repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sportage years

1995199619971998199920002001200220032005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026