2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Electrical · NV

I was driving my 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid when the vehicle displayed a "Check Hybrid System"/ "Stop Safely" warning and suddenly lost motive power/acceleration. I was unable to accelerate normally. I had luckily pulled of the road that I was going 55 mph into a parking lot prior to the lass of power or I would have stopped right on the roadway with cars going the same speed directly behind me. This created a serious safety concern because if this had occurred while traveling at highway speed or in heavy traffic, the sudden loss of power could have resulted in a collision. There had been no indication to me that the vehicle was about to lose motive power before the hybrid-system warning appeared. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Kia dealership for inspection and diagnosis. The cause has not yet been provided to me. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am reporting this because a sudden loss of motive power associated with a broad-system warning presents a significant safety risk. I have also learned that other Kia Sportgage Hybrid owners have reported similar hybrid-system warning and loss-of-ower incidents.

Filed Jul 20, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · NV

While driving on the highway at 80 mph, the accelerator suddenly stopped working and was completely unresponsive. The dashboard displayed the message "Check Hybrid system. Stop safely" and a warning ding sounded. The gas engine was still operating and showing RPMs on the dashboard, but all acceleration and/or engagement with the engine was lost. I was able to coast and safely pull over to the side of the road. After pulling over, I turned off the engine and pushed the 12v battery reset button. The car restarted, and I was able to continue driving. The issue repeated about 20 miles later and again on a different drive four days later. Each time, there is no early warning or noticeable issue with the vehicle before the sudden warning and loss of power.

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MD

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.

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

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)

Filed Jan 26, 2025 · Engine · CA

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

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NY

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.

Filed Jun 26, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · CA

As I was driving my 2023 KIA Sportage SX Prestige at 70+mph on highwy, suddenly "Hybrid System Failure" appeared on the dash along with evey other lights you can think of. I lost power and steering and only by the grace of God was able to safely get to the side of the road and stop. Car was at KIA dealership for 4 weeks and I was told it only needed a software upgrade and nothing was wrong with the car!! This is very dangerous and could get someone in major car accident

Filed Apr 18, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

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.