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 maneuver in Pittsburgh, PA, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic Shift-by-Wire (SBW) logic failure resulting in a collision. After shifting the rotary gear selector from Reverse to Drive, the transmission failed to engage the selected gear and remained in Reverse without any auditory or haptic warning to the driver. Simultaneously, the Rear View Monitor (RVM) experienced a "system hang," continuing to display the rear camera feed and blocking the instrument cluster’s gear-position indicator. Due to this dual failure—unintended gear retention and display latency—the vehicle traveled in an unintended direction (Reverse) while I attempted to accelerate forward, leading to a property damage accident. Post-Incident Documentation: The vehicle was presented to Performance Kia (Moosic, PA) on 12/19/25. Technician #957 confirmed the software logic was corrupted and performed a "Clear and Relearn of Adaptive Values" to reset the Transmission Control Module (TCM). This diagnostic confirms that the vehicle was operating with failed control logic. Safety Risk: The failure of the Shift-by-Wire system to accurately execute gear changes, combined with the instrument cluster's failure to provide real-time gear position as required by FMVSS No. 102, creates an unreasonable risk of collision and injury. I was never notified of Recall SC270 or SC275, which address similar software and hydraulic failures in this model year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 Kia Sportage: backup camera failure
6 of the 195 complaints about the 2023 Kia Sportage describe backup camera failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 2
Backup camera failure by model year
- 20251
- 20236
- 20221
- 20211
- 20181
- 20161
- 20132
What owners say
While backing up, the vehicle’s rear camera and sensors failed to alert me to a low object. There was no audible warning, and the object was below rear window visibility. This resulted in a dent to the trunk. The camera system typically provides audio warnings, but it was silent during this event. I am concerned this could indicate a defect in the backup safety system. There have been similar recalls put out for other Kia models in this year which concerns me even more that I had this issue and that my car does not have a recall out.
The infotainment screen continues to blank out. The backup camera, media, navigation, or radio won’t work when the infotainment system is blank.
which disables the backup camera, Tge The entire infotainment screen is blank, therefore, I am unable to view objects on camera in reverse. This has been an ongoing issue since purchasing the vehicle. Last week, Kia's service department said the blank screen was due to a dead battery which was replaced, but the issue persists. This is a safety concern that needs to be taken seriously and investigated properly besides blaming it on the battery or test driving the vehicle for a couple of minutes and stating they’re unable to duplicate the problem.
After starting the vehicle, backup camera and infotainment screen would not work. Car shut off and would not restart with “check system” message. Vehicle had to be towed.
My vehicle intermittently starts with the blind spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic warning (and rearview camera), defoggers, and AC/heat not functioning. When this happens, the temperature control knobs are hardly visible and the car will flash “Battery Discharge Warning” on the display screen for several seconds. An error code also appears in the Kia App when this issue happens. The error code immediately goes to history error codes so the dealership service center has not yet spent time to investigate the issue. The car has been to the dealership twice and the service advisor has witnessed the issue.
Service bulletins that may apply
- AVN gen 5.0 wide software update
- Infotainment system software update using update.kia.com
- Infotainment software update procedure
- Itm replacement and ECM logic improvement (CA2509)
- Avnt coaxial cable replacement
- Kia connect modem reset (SA611)
- Display audio 2.0/AVN5WSOFTWARE update (SA569)
- Display audio 2.0V/AVN5W software update
Related recalls
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Risk
- A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Recall number 23V298000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.
Recall number 22V651000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2023 Kia Sportage backup camera
Is backup camera failure a common problem on the 2023 Kia Sportage?
6 of 195 owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Sportage (3%) mention backup camera failure. The model year with the most reports is 2023.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 Kia Sportage?
There are 2 recalls and 23 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 Kia Sportage
Stalling 16Sunroof shattered 12Screen failure 11No deployment 10Check engine light 8Collision warning 7Lane assist 7Windshield crack 7Grinding brakes 6Hesitation 6Loss of power 6Engine failure 5Jerking 5Misfire 5Warning lights 5
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