2024 Kia Sportage PHEV

The defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

The risk

An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

The remedy

Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.

Kia America, Inc. · up to 5,046 vehicles across all model years covered

crash · towed

While attempting to park the vehicle in an angled parking spot I was pressing the brake and slowing to a stop. Prior to stopping with my foot still on the brake the engine revved and the vehicle surged forward hitting the car in front of me. The emergency braking did not seem to activate nor di my foot on the brake slow the car. The car has been in the shop at least 4 times totaling nearly 30 days for electrical issues. The vehicle had a full charge prior to the drive which was about 6.5 miles. The vehicle was operating in automatic mode utilizing electric only during the trip. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Powertrain gas …

NHTSA complaint 11708271, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

crash

I am reporting an incident of sudden unintended acceleration of my 2024 Kia Sportage plug-in Hybrid. On Oct. 11, 2024, my wife was parking the vehicle in a lot near our home when the car suddenly accelerated, only stopping when it crashed into the side of a building. My wife was not injured, though the vehicle was damaged. She insists she did not accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake. I have reported the incident to Kia, and we have filed a claim with our insurance company.

NHTSA complaint 11619422. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

crash

On Oct. 11, 2024, I was pulling into a parking spot when my vehicle suddenly accelerated. My foot was not on the accelerator. I braked but not in time to stop the car before it hit the side of a building. I was not injured, but do not want to use drive the vehicle until I understand what happened and whether this sudden unintended acceleration defect can be fixed.

NHTSA complaint 11619892. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

The 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV has a significant design defect resulting in a personal safety and situational security hazard. I am unable to disable the door unlock chime which makes it impossible for me to enter my car without directly advertising my presence and making me feel unsafe and vulnerable at night and in unfamiliar settings.

NHTSA complaint 11746941. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Sunroof unexpectedly shattered at highway speed with no vehicles or obstructions present.

NHTSA complaint 11690016. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

The dash on my sportage will go black while driving, and then the system reboots showing "system check" the cruise control also goes out when this happens. This happens about once a month. Dealer has checked it more than 3 times and has found no issues except the first time I brought it in.

NHTSA complaint 11685920. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

While driving my 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line AWD the instrument panel went black for 3-5 seconds and appeared to be "re-booting/resetting". The first time this occurred was approximately March 2025 (odometer reading approximately 6000 miles) and the issue has re-occurred numerous times (30+) since then (current odometer reading is 12,410). There was no warning prior to this happening and there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of any problems with the vehicle. I took the car into my local Kia dealer to have them check the instrument panel issue under warranty and to perform the recommended 8000 mile service. During the service visit they addressed the SC322 - Hybrid …

NHTSA complaint 11678731, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

My sunroof shattered without anything hitting it.

NHTSA complaint 11648622. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.