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severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT & BURNISHING - 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 the procedure to replace the front brake discs on certain 2021-2024MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from July 26, 2021 through March 28, 2024 and 2023-2024MY Sportage (NQ5a) vehicles produced from January 7, 2022 through May 20, 2024 to address a customer’s complaint of brake judder. The affected vehicles may exhibit a vibrating and/or pulsing sensation (front brake disc judder) in the steering wheel, brake pedal, and/or seat when the brakes are
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT - 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 the procedure to replace the front brake discs on certain 2021-2024MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from July 26, 2021 through March 28, 2024 and 2023-2024MY Sportage (NQ5a) vehicles produced from January 7, 2022 through May 20, 2024 to address a customer’s complaint of brake judder. The affected vehicles may exhibit a vibrating and/or pulsing sensation (front brake disc judder) in the steering wheel, brake pedal, and/or seat when the brakes are applied duri
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT BRAKE DISC JUDDER INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to address vehicles that may be exhibiting front brake judder sensation while braking on certain 2021-2024MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from July 26, 2021 through March 28, 2024 and 2023-2024MY Sportage (NQ5a) vehicles produced from January 7, 2022 through May 20, 2024. Brake judder is a vibration or pulsing sensation felt in the steering wheel, brake pedal, and/or seat when the brakes are applied while driving.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2023 Kia Sportage brake system is showing multiple failure patterns across 19 complaints. The most critical: brake failure with no warning. At least two drivers reported complete loss of braking while driving—one at 11,000 miles while merging, resulting in a crash with a semi-truck and hospital treatment for the driver; another at 26,887 miles during highway driving that resulted in a spin-out into a ditch and fence strike. No warning lights appeared in either case.
Premature rotor warping and grinding are widespread. Owners report the problem starting between 5,000 and 12,000 miles, progressing even after dealership rotor replacement. One service manager acknowledged the factory brake components are defective and prone to failure, recommending aftermarket parts—an admission Kia has not acted on with a permanent fix.
The brake booster recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V410000) remains incomplete. Multiple owners received recall notices in 2023 but repair parts stayed on backorder months later, leaving them unable to schedule fixes for a safety-critical system. Owners heard unsafe sounds from the booster and felt altered brake pedal response.
Other failures include a master cylinder dead at 38,000 miles (well below normal life), stiff pedals with air leakage causing extended stopping distance, and unintended acceleration when brake pedal was pressed. One owner's brake test-drive at the dealer found no issues, but the intermittent failure persisted.
Same Kia Sportage brakes reports on nearby years: 2020
Defective brake booster causing unsafe braking conditions, part of NHTSA Campaign 23V410000. Owners report unsafe sounds from the booster, altered brake pedal feel, and extended recall repair delays due to parts unavailability.
When: Early ownership; notification received as early as August 2023; parts on backorder
Symptoms owners cite: Unsafe sounds from brake booster; Altered brake pedal feel; Brakes feel different when pressed; Brake system unresponsive during driving
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V410000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair parts were unavailable as of August-November 2023; dealerships unable to provide repair dates; owners charged out-of-pocket when private shops handled repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V410000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); parts on backorder; Kia stated it was dealership responsibility to ensure safe transportation
Complete loss of brake function while driving, resulting in inability to decelerate or control vehicle. Two reported crashes with injuries; one spin-out into ditch. No warning lights or diagnostic codes present.
When: At 11,000 miles (crash incident); at 26,887 miles (spin-out); occurrence timing variable
Symptoms owners cite: Complete brake unresponsiveness when pedal depressed; No warning lights illuminated; No malfunction messages; Vehicle unable to decelerate
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V410000
Repairs/costs cited: One crash victim taken to hospital with whiplash and back pain; independent mechanic unable to diagnose failure; vehicle spun into ditch and struck wooden fence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V410000 referenced; manufacturer notified in one case
Factory brake rotors warp and fail prematurely, causing grinding noise and vibration. Occurs repeatedly even after rotor replacement under Technical Service Bulletin. Service manager acknowledged defective factory components and recommended aftermarket parts due to repeated failures.
When: Within 6 months of purchase; recurrence at 12,000 miles (replaced), reoccurred by 23,000 miles; started at 5,000 miles and progressively worsened; at 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake grinding noise; Vibration and pulsation when braking; Poor braking ability; Increased braking distance; Warped rotors; Shaking when brakes applied
Codes mentioned: Technical Service Bulletin (rotor replacement)
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor and pad replacement at 12,000 miles; condition recurred by 23,000 miles; service manager stated factory components prone to failure; aftermarket parts recommended; dealers replaced parts multiple times but issue persisted; warping occurred despite normal use
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin issued for rotor replacement; Kia refused permanent fix and reinstalled same defective materials
Master cylinder non-functional at only 38,000 miles, well below normal service life expectation. Owner charged out-of-pocket for repair at private shop after Kia delayed appointment for a month.
When: At 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Master cylinder not working
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid out-of-pocket at private repair shop; Kia delayed appointment scheduling for one month despite warranty coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia refused to schedule timely warranty service
Brake pedal becomes extremely stiff, making vehicle difficult to start. When running, brakes leak air when pressed, and stopping distance increases noticeably.
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely stiff brake pedal; Difficulty starting vehicle; Air leakage when brakes pressed; Increased stopping distance
Vehicle accelerates when owner depresses brake pedal, opposite of intended braking action. Occurred while parking, resulting in collision with building. Also reported as engine revving while braking at various speeds without warning lights or messages.
When: Early ownership; one incident while parking; multiple incidents during April-May 2025 driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates when brake pedal depressed; Engine revs while braking; No warning lights or malfunction messages; Uncontrolled acceleration while attempting to stop
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23-V-410
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia test-drove vehicle and could not duplicate intermittent safety concern
Brake pedal depressed during merging maneuver but vehicle failed to decelerate, resulting in collision with semi-truck. Occurred at only 11,000 miles. No diagnostic codes present despite safety-critical failure.
When: At 11,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle did not decelerate; No warning lights illuminated; Uncontrolled forward motion during merge
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V410000
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle crashed into semi-truck on driver's side; injuries reported; driver transported to hospital for whiplash and back pain treatment; air bags did not deploy; independent mechanic could not diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; NHTSA Campaign 23V410000 referenced
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
I took my car in several times to complain about the rotors and brakes. They said everything was fine but then the vehicle failed on the road so we had it taken to the nearest repair shop since we were on a road trip. Now Kia which has a fix to the damaged parts refusing to replace the defective parts.
I parked my car. It reversed slowly and hit a wall made of metal net. I started my car, drove a little forward, and parked it again. The car is now parked as normal. I took my car to the dealer and informed them about a brake problem. They verified that it was a brake booster problem. The repair process took 21 days. I am currently attempting to claim the accident, but the…
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
Based on the 20 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 15,629 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.