What are the most common Kia Sportage problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,168+ owner reports, the 2013-2013 Kia Sportage has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Theta II Engine Bearing Failure, HECU Electrical Short / Fire Risk. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Sportage reliable?

The 2013-2013 Kia Sportage has 2 known issues documented across 1,168+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Theta II Engine Bearing Failure and HECU Electrical Short / Fire Risk. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Sportage problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Sportage issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Theta II Engine Bearing Failure, typically costs $0-$7,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2013 Kia Sportage Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2013 Kia Sportage Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

856 owners

On the 2011-2019 Kia Sportage, the Sportage shares the same Theta II engine family as the Optima and Sorento, and is subject to the same manufacturing defect causing metal debris to remain in crankshaft oil passages. This leads to oil starvation, bearing wear, and potential engine seizure. NHTSA Recall 17V-224 includes affected Sportages. Kia extended the powertrain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles and deployed the KSDS software update.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Tucson

Common Symptoms

Engine knocking or ticking that worsens over time
Check engine light with rod bearing codes
Excessive oil consumption
Oil pressure warning light
Metal debris found in oil during changes
Sudden engine stall

How to Fix

Check VIN at owners.kia.com/recalls for extended warranty eligibility. Have dealer perform KSDS software update. If knocking is present, dealer will inspect rod bearings and perform oil consumption test. Engine replacement under extended warranty if failure is confirmed.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 856+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteStop driving immediately if you hear rod knocking. Continuing to drive with failing bearings can void your extended warranty coverage
TipKeep meticulous oil change records. Kia may deny warranty claims if oil change history cannot be documented
UpgradeHigh-quality synthetic oil helps reduce consumption and protect worn engines (Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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UpgradePremium oil filter ensures proper filtration with high-mileage engines (Wix Oil Filter)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $7,000

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856+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified856 reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

312 owners

On the 2012-2016 Kia Sportage, the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) in the ABS brake module can develop an internal electrical short, causing overheating and potential engine compartment fire. This can occur while driving or while the vehicle is parked. NHTSA Recall 18V-743 and subsequent recalls cover affected Sportages. Kia installs a lower-amperage fuse and inspects the HECU for damage.

This issue also affects: Volkswagen Eurovan, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A7

Common Symptoms

ABS warning light illuminated
Burning or electrical smell from engine bay
Smoke from engine compartment area
Vehicle fire

How to Fix

Check VIN for recall eligibility immediately. Dealer replaces the HECU fuse with a lower-amperage unit and inspects the HECU assembly. If leakage or thermal damage is found, the entire HECU is replaced free of charge. Park outside and away from structures until repair is complete.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 312+ owners who fixed this issue

NotePark outside and away from structures until recall is completed. Fires have occurred while vehicles were parked and off
UpgradeABS wheel speed sensor to restore anti-lock brake and stability control function (Bosch ABS Wheel Speed Sensor)
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UpgradeABS sensor replacement — aftermarket alternative with OE fitment (Dorman ABS Speed Sensor)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,200

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312+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified312 reportsLast reported by owners May 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Campaign #21V13700004/03/2021

TRAILER HITCHES

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Campaign #22V70300019/09/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

Campaign #18V90700019/12/2018

TRAILER HITCHES

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Campaign #16V86200030/11/2016

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

Campaign #22V05100002/02/2022

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

2013 Kia Sportage Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2011-2019 Kia Sportage: Theta II Engine Bearing Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2012-2016 Kia Sportage: HECU Electrical Short / Fire Risk#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Kia Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Sportage problems?

Is the Kia Sportage reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Sportage problems?

What is the 2011-2019 Kia Sportage Theta II Engine Bearing Failure?

What is the 2012-2016 Kia Sportage HECU Electrical Short / Fire Risk?