The redesigned Kia Sportage has been really heating up. How quickly it transformed from a boring SUV to one of the best options available is nuts! However, now the 2023 Kia Sportage could literally catch on fire due to a loose nut. 

2023 Kia Sportage recall alert due to fire 

After spending a week with the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, we can officially say that it’s lit. But now it may need to back to the dealership for some maintenance because it could actually catch on fire. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the B+ battery terminal may not have been adequately torqued by the supplier during assembly. As a result, the nut could loosen over time, leading to issues. 

For example, deez nuts could cause the engine to stall while driving. But it could also spark flames. Electrical arching at the B+ terminal could increase fire risk, injuries, and crashes while driving. 

If your Sportage is at risk, then the battery light may illuminate. This recall impacts over 19,000 Sportage models manufactured between January 12, 2022, and August 8, 2022. 

Owners will be notified via mail beginning on September 23. If your Sportage is at risk, return to a Kia dealership to have the nut properly torqued. 

How reliable is the Sportage? 

The 2023 Kia Sportage doesn’t have an official predicted reliability rating yet. It’s so new and needs a little more time to accrue some mileage. But the 2022 Sportage has an above-average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. 

The Sportage has an annual average repair cost of about $462, which is great. The average annual repair cost for compact SUVs is $521, while larger SUVs increase the cost to about $652. 

So, we wouldn’t let this recall get in the way of enjoying a brand new Sportage model. In fact, this vehicle has only received one recall so far, while the new Toyota Tundra is up to four. The 2022 Sportage doesn’t have any recalls, so that’s another good sign. 

With proper care and maintenance, your Sportage should easily make it past 200,000 miles. Some owners even brag about their Sportage models passing 250,000 miles. It should provide 12.5 to 20 years of service on the road if you drive about 12,000 miles a year. 

How safe is the 2023 Sportage? 

The 2023 Kia Sportage is an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick. It has a good score in almost every single category, which is the highest rank possible. The Sportage got an acceptable score for its child seats because the anchors are too deep in the seat. 

It avoided collisions at 12 and 25 mph. Also, in the 37 mph impact test, speed was reduced by 36 mph, and a warning was issued 1.9 seconds in advance. 

This fire recall feels like a minor hiccup. The new Kia Sportage is a safe and reliable option that deserves your attention. Don’t let one loose nut ruin the entire party! But get it checked out if your Sportage is at risk.