2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID Engine Problems

Ev battery system threw up back back to earnings and codes of overcharge and then all lights on dash came on started beeping and then dash went red saying check hybrid system , hybrid system failure stop vehicle. Engine wouldn’t kick back on. I had literally just left my local Kia for a routine checkup and there report is nothing is wrong. Even tho I’ve called them now a few times about it shaking and idling super hard and going limp very often. Towed back to Kia and they have now had it for 4 days and still no results.

Car shuts off as alert start flashing and beeping. Get a red flashing screen and a hazard message that states "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP SAFELY". So far this has only happened while I was at a stop, but I have read in forums where it has happened to people while they are driver.

The hybrid powertrain system failed. Specifically, the vehicle remains stuck in EV mode and does not switch to the gasoline engine under acceleration, leading to complete loss of power while driving. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction caused the vehicle to lose all forward power in traffic. I had to pull over into emergency lanes and restart the vehicle multiple times. This is extremely dangerous and could lead to a crash, especially on highways or during merging. It puts both myself and others on the road at risk. The Kia authorized service center was able to reset the adaptive system, and the hybrid warning light turned off temporarily. However, the issue reappeared the same day. The dealer claims they cannot reproduce it and refuses further diagnosis without replication. The vehicle was only inspected by a Kia-authorized dealership. Kia Consumer Affairs has not yet conducted a manufacturer-level inspection or assigned a field technician. Yes. A “Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely” warning message appears before the failure occurs. Then check engine light was on. It first appeared immediately after a routine service (oil change, tire rotation, multi-point inspection) on 26th June 2025, just 2 days after my regular service. The warning disappears after restarting but returns intermittently, typically after the EV battery is fully drained and the car fails to switch to gas mode.

CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM - STOP SAFELY - BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ERROR DEALER UNABLE TO FIND AN ISSUE AS TO WHY THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE 5 TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS. 2 TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN THE HOV LANE ON THE INTERSTATE. VERY DANGEROUS!

Intermittently, when trying to accelerate from a stop; or a near stop, the vehicle does nothing for a second or so. The vehicle also vibrates at various speeds while the hybrid system is engaged. It is dangerous and a safety concern because you can't merge correctly or go through an intersection, without wondering if someone is going to broadside you, as you wait for the car to make up its computer mind to go forward. (accelerate.) And the vibration as previously mentioned. The problems cannot be reproduced by the dealership. No inspection other than the dealership, and no warning lights, etc. The car is available for a detailed inspection if needed. I first noticed the issue around approximately 7000 miles and brought it to the dealership for both issues. I'm repeatedly told excuses: it's my rims, a balancing issue, or I don't understand how a hybrid works, etc. I told them I know a car is supposed to go forward upon accelerating, regardless of the power plant: gas, electric or hybrid; and that a car should not randomly start vibrating at various speeds when the hybrid system is engaged. I notified KIA America and have had it to the dealership three times for both issues. I get we're sorry notifications, and to call about concerns with no help. I have found complaints online for the same issues involving the very same vehicle. I cannot understand how there is no technical service bulletin or recall on this vehicle. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Traveling at 70 MPH on [XXX] in traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power and I was forced to unsafely maneuver to the shoulder of the road as the vehicle decelerated through the traffic. As soon as I stopped, the vehicle lost all power. I had difficulty engaging the parking brake as I was on a hill and the vehicle started to roll back. The brake pedal did work so I could stop the car but I could not exit the vehicle in fear of it rolling back into traffic. I called 911 to explain the situation. After 20 more minutes I engaged/disengaged the parking brake several times and it finally held. I still would not leave the vehicle because I could not trust it at that point. Another 20 minutes passed and a road ranger arrived and placed a wooden block behind the wheel and at that point I felt comfortable to get out of the car. I was told by Kia service the issue was related to recall SA553A but I was never notified. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

while driving on the freeway my car suddenly started beeping and gave a hybrid system warning stop safely. I tried to accelerate so I could get to the shoulder but the car continued to lose power eventually it stopped I was able to get over but not to the shoulder, on to the onramp divider. I sat then frantic for about 10secs trying to read display for instructions when the entire car shut down!!! completely black. my car is a still under warranty. I had it towed to the nearest kia dealer they pushed a reset battery button said I can drive it but make sure I take it in as soon as possible. so I did at which point the mechanic started giving me reasons why I may not be under warranty, why they cant give loaner and they need to keep it multiple days. sorry I digress but that is what happen

My 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, with only 22,000 miles, has been experiencing a recurring "Check Hybrid System Stop Safely" error, causing sudden and complete loss of acceleration while driving. This issue first occurred in November 2024, while I was driving at highway speeds (60 mph), and has recurred multiple times since. The sudden loss of power puts my safety and others’ at serious risk by leaving the vehicle stranded in traffic, increasing the chance of accidents. On December 30, 2024, I brought the car to Kia of West Nyack for diagnosis and repair, providing video evidence of the error. However, the dealership claims they cannot replicate the issue and has not completed any repairs. While the dealership has stated since last week that a Techline case was opened, Kia Corporate confirmed no such case exists, highlighting a lack of accountability and coordination. For over two weeks, no progress has been made, and the issue has not been escalated to a specialist. Despite being under warranty, I have not been offered a loaner vehicle, significantly impacting my daily life, work, and family responsibilities. This issue is further complicated by Kia’s inability to log intermittent errors, as the "Check Hybrid System Stop Safely" message disappears when the car is restarted. This design flaw has allowed the dealership to dismiss the error as unreproducible, despite video evidence provided. This situation has left me questioning whether my car is safe to drive and when it will be repaired. This defect is not isolated to my vehicle. Many other Kia and Hyundai hybrid owners have reported the same error, highlighting a widespread safety issue. Despite its warranty obligations, Kia has failed to act promptly to address this defect. Immediate action is needed to ensure the safety of this vehicle and others affected by this recurring problem.

Often hesitates when accelerating. Stalls from stopped position. LCD Screen changes by itself. Drops calls. Turns off if you make volume adjustment. Most recently, filled gas tank with full tank, just over 13 gallons. Gauge read only 1/2 tank and showed I had only 289 miles rather than normal 520 miles or so. That number kept changing throughout the next couple of days. ATTACHMENTS: show gas receipt at gas station that tank is filled. Gauge shows 1/2 tank. See subsequent photos. Safety issue for sure. This car cannot be trusted. Multiple problems with electrical system and engine stalling.

I was driving east from Austin, Tx on [XXX], and as I approached a major intersection in Elgin, Tx., a warning light appeared on my dashboard that said "hybrid system failure: pull over safely". I was able to pull over into the left turn lane and then was barely able to make it over a curb and onto a highway median strip, before my car engine stopped and all dashboard lights went out. This happened in about 30 seconds. My two year old car with fewer than 30,000 miles on it went completely dead. It would not start even after several attempts. I called Kia roadside assistance, and was told I needed to have the car towed to a dealership. The tow truck driver backed the car into the space they indicated at the dealership, and it started to roll forward as it was apparently in neutral. He had to borrow a board to put under the back wheels. Days later I was told to come get the car, as it had been repaired. When I got there, it was in the same space with the board still under the wheels. I was told it just had needed a software update. (SA553A). I was never notified that my vehicle needed this update, and would just stop wherever: i.e. on a hwy with no shoulders, at night, etc. and that I would be unable to brake the car, or drive it, or put on emergency warning lights after 30 seconds. This was unbelievably unsafe. I am [XXX]. What if I were a family with children on board and it happened on a highway at night??? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I purchased a new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid from Bill Dodge Kia in Westbrook, Maine in December 2022. Beginning in January 2024, there have been numerous times when the gasoline engine does not come on, even at highway speeds. I have brought it to the Nashua and Manchester Kia dealerships, and Kia corporate has even sent out an "expert' to look into the matter. Though the dealership was able to duplicate the problem, ultimately they said they didn't know how to fix it and it was released back to me. Here's the kicker: I asked if they would buy the car back from me because I didn't want it, and they said "Oh no, we know there's something wrong with it." It was out of service for 74 days. There were no warning signs before it happened. I have videos of it happening.

Multiple times, my family has been driving along and the gasoline engine does not come on. The last time it happened, I had the presence of mind to take a couple of videos to prove it. Yes, it is available for inspection. The safety of my family and others on the road because my accelation was capped at about 40mph, even on the highway, and my range was limited to a few minutes. Yes it was reproduced at Manchester Kia. They documented it. Kia has inspected it. There were no warning signs.

Bought new Kia Sportage Hybrid from Fette Kia in Clifton 3 months ago. >2,800 miles, Error "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safety. With the warning sign up. Vehicle won't go more than 20 mph. I called Kia and they're giving me 3 weeks appt, and they won't cover rental. To add insult to injury, customer service was rude too. Don't buy KIA or go to Fette Clifton.

On June 9, 2023, the owner purchased a brand-new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid from Quirk Kia Braintree. Over the next six months, the owner regularly drove the car between work and home, accumulating approximately 4,500 miles. However, in early January 1st 2024, the owner noticed that the check engine light had illuminated, although there were no other noticeable issues with the vehicle at that time. In response to the warning light, the owner ceased using the car and promptly scheduled an appointment with Quirk Kia for a diagnosis. When the owner attempted to drive the car to the dealership, it exhibited severe shaking when the engine was running, rendering it undrivable. Subsequently, the owner had the car towed to Quirk Kia, where it has remained since January 5, 2024. Upon examination, multiple error codes were detected, yet as of January 17, 2024, the dealership has been unable to determine the root cause of the engine's shaking. They have raised the possibility of poor-quality gasoline as a potential culprit, and they claim to have conducted tests on the fuel. Based on the email and phone communications between the owner and the dealership, the owner believe that the gasoline used was of good quality (the owner consistently refueled at Costco). Additionally, three pictures of the fuel test were shared (attached), indicating that the ethanol content in the gasoline was below 10%, which aligns with the car's manual specifications. Their proposed solution is to replace the gas tank, with the cost to be borne by the owner. The owner find this resolution to be entirely unacceptable.

ISSUE WITH KIA SPORTAGE 2023 HYBRID (GAS AND ELECTRIC) Battery shut off. The battery turned off. I was driving on the fwy and the car started to drive rough so I exited off the fwy and barely made it over the intersection and the car shut off. (as the car was shutting off I opened my door) all other doors were locked and could not open. (had I not opened my car door I would have been locked in/out of my car) The emergency lights would not turn on. None of the electrical buttons work. I called a tow truck to come get me 20+ min in Arizona is a lifetime in the heat. (luckily my kids were not in the vehicle). My car could have stopped in the middle of the fwy and things could have really gotten ugly. My car is currently in the kia dealership parking lot (where the tow truck dropped it off 2+ weeks ago). The dealer got me into a rental but my vehicle won't get a battery till 2 + months. Even if it gets a new battery it doesn't solve the problem Kia knows these batteries have these issues yet they are still selling the vehicles and not letting the consumer know that they might have a battery issue. battery cost ($11,000+ after the warranty is over) I would have never bought this car if I knew this was a potential issue. complete driving hazard. There was a warning light that turned on seconds before my car shut off, "check hybrid system stop safely" then it shut off. a couple of times before this all the lights on the dash turned on for a few minutes then shut off. I HAVE A COUPLE OF FRIENDS WITH THE SAME CAR BOUGHT AROUND THE SAME TIME AND THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND ARE IN RENTAL CARS TOO. THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO ASSIST OR COME UP WITH A DEAL SO WE BREAK EVEN (THEY ARE TRYING TO SELL US ANOTHER VEHICLE AT MORE $$ A MONTH. Had we gotten a good vehicle we would not be trying to trade in the car for another one.

While driving, the car came to an abrupt stop. Lights and alarms flashed stating "Do not drive" "hybrid system malfunction". Car could not be driven. Had I been on the highway, which I just exited, I could have been dead with how suddenly the car stopped without prior warning. The warning came when the car was shutting down. It has now been at the dealership for 3 weeks and they are unable to pinpoint the problem. Apparently they are selling hybrids with no one to work on them. Smh

While I was driving on an 82-degree Fahrenheit day, my engine overheated. I got 2 different alerts for an overheating engine and sent it to the dealership. The vehicle has no damage and the overheated engine was very sudden and without notice.

On March 1, 2023, approximately 5 days after purchasing the vehicle, when turning the vehicle on at approximately 8:00 pm, the screen stated that "A possible condition with your Hybrid Control Unit/Low DC-DC Converter has been detected. A full system check is recommended to be done soon. Please contact your local dealership to schedule an appointment." An appointment was scheduled from the screen. The car was then driven on the freeway. Several minutes later, all systems on the vehicle died. The vehicle lost all engine power, power steering, power brakes, lights, even the doors which were locked could not be unlocked. The vehicle was rolling slowly forward and was moved into a gore point.