2023 Kia Sportage: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Nov 28, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · CO

My 2023 Kia Sportage AWD has several ongoing safety issues that have been happening for over a year. The car stalls or hesitates at low speeds and during acceleration. I hear grinding or whining noises from the front end and drivetrain. My brakes wore out very early and still feel inconsistent, and the automatic braking acts unpredictable. The AWD system sometimes feels unstable when I try to accelerate. The tire pressure warning light comes on often even when the tires are fine. These issues happen randomly and make the car feel unsafe to drive. I am reporting this for safety investigation.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

Initially in May 25, my Sportage started accelerating on its own, unprompted, up to 4500 RPMs many times and also hesitated. In 6/25 the info screen, (whole dash) went black 4-5 x’s for about 3minutes while driving 60 mph on bypass. Beginning of July, Siri didn’t work and said it was inaccessible, and also the navigation said it was not updated however, when I pulled into the dealer, all of a sudden it worked? On 7/23 I was turning into apt complex and had no brakes! I had slowed to about 20mph, car behind me, and couldn’t make that turn so I coasted up to next entrance and was able to turn in. Fortunately, I was able to stop in my handicap pkg spot. I had already made appt for the initial issues at the dealer, Moyer Kia in Lebanon, for first week of August, but immediately called them on 724 and explained the absence of breaks! They told me to get car there right away, so I did. I gave a list of all above info, they were able to give me a loaner, Kia G6. This was very inconvenient for me as most of my back is fused and I provide transport for my [XXX] /o mom w/Walker, but I can’t go w/o a car! Moyer has had my car since 7/24,. With the exception of need for miles on the loaner communication was poor. I tried to reach Kia Corp multiple x’s to no avail. I was told by Brian at dealer that my case had been escalated to the national safety board and they were advised not to touch my car pending investigation. So it sat there for months I got a message from Kia Connect that my battery was dead, more communication than I had received throughout this whole experience! Last week, Thursday I had called corp who said they sent me an email on 1023 to tell me nothing is wrong with my car, they also emailed the dealer. I hadn’t checked email, nor did they call, so I didn’t know, dealer called me on Friday to come and get my car, but first they had to grind the rust off of rotors, recharge the battery and would I like them to inspect it?, NOTHING IS WRONG? THIS CAR is NOT SAFE!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · AL

The issue appears to involve the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system or the transmission fluid/lubricant pump. The vehicle jerks or hesitates when accelerating from a stop, as if struggling to shift properly. The check engine light comes on repeatedly. This issue is ongoing, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The jerking and hesitation when trying to drive, especially from a stop or when merging into traffic, poses a safety risk to myself and others. The delayed or unpredictable response could easily lead to an accident in high-traffic areas, intersections, or when making turns. Yes. The issue has been observed multiple times. The check engine light has returned even after replacing the O2 sensors, and a trusted mechanic believes the problem may be transmission-related. However, the Kia dealership claims there are no active recalls tied to my VIN, even though publicly available information lists powertrain- and fluid pump-related recalls for my vehicle's year and model. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Kia corporate. I reached out to the local dealer, who denied any applicable recall. I am submitting this complaint in hopes of an official review and inspection by the manufacturer or the federal safety agency to determine if the issue qualifies for safety recall intervention. Yes. The check engine light first appeared months ago, which led to replacement of the O2 sensors. Shortly after the replacement, the light returned, and the car began jerking while trying to drive or accelerate from a stop. These symptoms have persisted and appear to be worsening.

Filed Feb 4, 2024 · Transmission · MO

Transmission slips or hesitates when going from a stop to first gear. When turning left across oncoming traffic it is dangerous. The dealership looked at it and said that they couldn't get it to slip after having it for two days. No codes were thrown and no lights on the dashboard. Only slips occasionally like once a week. Always from a dead stop before going into first gear.

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Fuel system · FL

This is a new vehicle with only 1200 miles on it. I was told by Gunther Kia in Ft. Lauderdale that my car could be serviced at any Kia dealership. The car has developed a fuel injection problem. When in heavy traffic with a lot of stop/go, the fuel injection does not seem able to keep up with the aceleration and deceleration required. The car hesitates. As the trip progresses the hesitation progresses. I was trying to enter traffic on the interstate and nearly had a collision because the car would not accelerate quick enough.

Filed Feb 24, 2023 · Engine · TN

Vehicle first felt like the tire was flat when turning. After parking and restarting the vehicle the vehicle seemed to hesitate to stay started. The check engine light came on the next day. After taking the vehicle in they said the injector was bad. Replacing it did not fix the problem. I am not waiting on approval to replace the engine at 20,000 miles.