TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Kia Sportage powertrain problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - PARTIAL REPAIR OF 4WD COUPLING - This bulletin provides the procedure information regarding the partial repair of the Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Coupling Assembly, Pressure Sensor, Actuator Motor or 4WD harness on some 2011-2020 Sportage (SL, QL) and 2013-2020MY Sorento (XMa, UMa) 4WD vehicles for a concern regarding: ï· Oil leakage from the 4WD coupling assembly ï· 4WD Malfunction and MIL lamp ON with DTCs ï· Abnormal noise or vibration while driving
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Kia Sportages consistently report premature rod bearing failure across a wide mileage range (56,000–109,000+ miles). The failure typically begins as engine knocking, tapping, or rattling that escalates suddenly, then the engine seizes or loses power completely while driving—often with no warning light beforehand. Several failures occurred at highway speeds or in traffic, creating hazardous situations: one driver lost power while making a left turn across two lanes; another lost all power and steering on a highway in rush-hour traffic and waited over an hour for a tow truck on the shoulder; a third's engine quit at a red light with no warning lights illuminated.
When towed to dealers, diagnoses confirm rod bearing wear, bearing seizure, or rods punching through the engine block. Repair costs run $9,800–$10,000 for engine replacement. Owners note that Kia issued a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) recall for similar failures on other 2013 Sportages, yet many of these same failures occur even after the recall is performed. Critically, Kia has inconsistently applied existing recalls—multiple owners report their VIN is not included in recall lists despite driving the same year, make, model, and engine as recalled vehicles. Warranty denials cite expiration at 100,000 miles, insufficient maintenance records (even when owners provide receipts), or technicalities. No prior warning lights alert drivers before bearing failure begins.
Same Kia Sportage powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Rod bearing premature wear / seizure
Engine rod bearings fail prematurely, causing bearing noise (knocking/tapping), engine seizure, or catastrophic rod failure that punches through the engine block. Failures occur at mileage ranging from 56,000 to 109,856 miles. Engine loses power while driving; no warning light precedes bearing failure in many cases. Several owners report the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) recall was performed, yet engine still failed. Owners note similar 2013 Sportage models with the same engine have been recalled for identical bearing failure, but their VINs are not included in recall lists. Some failures are DOHC engines not covered by existing recalls.
When: 56,000–109,856 miles; failures occur unpredictably while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking, tapping, rattling, or clanking noise under hood; Noise escalates progressively or suddenly without warning; Loss of engine power while driving (in traffic, highway, turns); Engine stalls or seizes without prior warning light on dash; Loud bang followed by loss of all electrical power/dashboard lights; Vehicle cannot accelerate or coasts to a stop; Steering wheel locks when engine stops
Codes mentioned: P1326
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement quoted at $9,800–$10,000. One owner paid $2,192 in towing and rental costs after denial of coverage. Towing costs $560–$119 diagnostic fee plus tow charge cited in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) recall installed on some vehicles (May 2021, January 2024 dates mentioned); extended warranty to 15 years / 150,000 miles mentioned for one recall campaign (PI2103). However, Kia has denied coverage in multiple cases citing: VIN not included in recall list despite same model/year/engine having active recall; warranty expiration (100,000 miles); insufficient maintenance records (despite owner documenting 5k-mile oil changes); or technicalities (unused key tag in vehicle). Owners report Kia tech line requires subpoena to access diagnostic videos and denies coverage even when maintenance records provided.
Transmission/Shift assembly malfunction
Shifter button becomes stuck in pressed-in position, preventing gear selection and key removal from ignition. Owner unable to put vehicle in park or take key out when parked, forced to use emergency brake as parking method.
When: At 60,000+ miles on 2015 Sportage (2 years old at complaint time)
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter button stuck in depressed position; Cannot shift to park position (locked in neutral); Key will not come out of ignition; Button will not release even after screwdriver applied to lock switch
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost cited. Owner states powertrain warranty extends to 100,000 miles but dealer claims this failure is not covered under powertrain warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer denied coverage under powertrain warranty despite coverage extending to 100,000 miles.
Front right axle failure
Right front axle breaks at low mileage (67,000 miles). Owner also reports possible transmission malfunction discovered only after axle replacement attempted.
When: 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Right front axle broken; Transmission may be bad (not confirmed until axle replaced)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refusing to cover under 100,000-mile / 10-year powertrain warranty. Brake pads, rotors, and tires also noted as needing replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia of Cape Cod denied warranty coverage; told owner they must pay for repairs and won't know about transmission status until axle is replaced.
Engine vibration and suspension/driveline noise
Persistent thumping or humming noise from under hood or axle area while driving at any speed; vehicle shakes occasionally when driving over 45 mph. Noise has been investigated multiple times by dealers with no findings.
When: Started shortly after purchase in 2016; ongoing for 3 years
Symptoms owners cite: Thumping/humming noise from hood or axle area; Vibration/shaking while driving over 45 mph; Noise persists despite multiple dealer inspections
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls found for owner's VIN, though dealer mentioned one safety campaign for underbody anti-corrosion. Noise remains undiagnosed.
Tire pressure monitoring system malfunction
Air pressure light remains on constantly despite replacement of tire pressure sensors and verification that tires are properly inflated.
When: Ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Air pressure warning light on constantly; Warning persists even after new sensors installed; Tires checked and confirmed to be at proper pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid for sensor replacement, which did not resolve issue.
Radio/head unit and backup camera malfunction
Radio head unit glitches when using backup camera; radio stops playing through speakers despite showing full control of volume and station toggling. Bluetooth connects but cannot be used for phone calls.
When: Shortly after vehicle purchased in 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Radio head unit glitches when backup camera used; Radio stops outputting sound through speakers; Bluetooth connects but non-functional for phone; Volume and tuning controls still respond
Repairs/costs cited: Radio head unit replaced.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While driving my 2013 Kia Sportage at 70 mph from Wisconsin to Duluth MN, I heard a tapping coming from the engine. Very quickly, the noise escalated to a very loud knocking. At this time, I thought my engine was going to blow up while driving. I was very frightened by this experience. Then car shut off while I was driving putting myself and those behind me at rick of an accident, however I…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Kia Sportage?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Kia Sportage?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 67,000 and 94,200 miles, with the median around 89,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 67,000; a quarter make it past 94,200. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Kia/Sportage.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.