2023 Kia Sportage Center Muffler Emissions Campaign SC239
Kia has launched a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC239) for certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. This campaign addresses center mufflers that may not meet US EPA regulations, potentially causing excess air pollutants. Dealers will inspect and replace affected mufflers.
Why This Matters
Kia has identified that some 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles, specifically those equipped with 2.5L GDI engines and manufactured between April 23, 2022, and April 29, 2022, may have been fitted with a center muffler that does not meet U.S. EPA regulations. This non-compliant center muffler could lead to the release of air pollutants exceeding Federal and California emissions standards. These standards are crucial for protecting public health and welfare from the dangers of air pollution.
What's Being Addressed
This Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC239) focuses on the center muffler component of the exhaust system. The campaign targets 2023 Kia Sportage models equipped with 2.5L GDI engines. The issue is a manufacturing deviation where the installed center muffler may not meet the required emissions specifications, leading to a potential violation of US EPA regulations.
Manufacturer's Remedy
Dealers will inspect the center muffler on affected 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles. If the muffler's specifications do not meet US regulatory requirements, it will be replaced with a compliant part. This service is part of a voluntary emissions campaign and will be performed at no cost to the owner. The technical service bulletin detailing repair procedures, affected VIN ranges, and warranty claim information was posted on the Kia Global Information System (KGIS) on September 7, 2022.
What Owners Should Know
Owner notification letters for this campaign were mailed on September 9, 2022. It is important for owners to have this campaign performed to ensure their vehicle meets emissions standards and to address the 2023 Kia Sportage center muffler issue.
For owners in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, a "Proof of Correction Card" will be provided upon completion of the campaign. This card is essential for vehicle registration renewal in these states, as they require completion of emissions campaigns prior to renewal. Owners should retain this card as proof.
Important Information for Dealers
Kia America, Inc. has provided comprehensive information to dealers, including a copy of the owner notification letter and a Q&A guide. Samples of the "Vehicle Emissions Recall Proof of Correction Cards" and under-hood campaign labels are available. The "Proof of Correction Cards" and under-hood campaign labels are specifically for California and S.177 State dealers and can be ordered through the Parts Distribution Center (PDC).
NHTSA ID: 10219354
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the issue with the 2023 Kia Sportage center muffler?
- Some 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles with 2.5L GDI engines may have a center muffler that does not meet US EPA regulations, potentially causing the vehicle to release excess air pollutants.
- How will Kia address the center muffler issue on the 2023 Sportage?
- Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC239) where dealers will inspect the center muffler and replace it if it does not meet specifications. This service will be performed at no cost to the owner.
- What is the "Proof of Correction Card" for the Kia Sportage emissions campaign SC239?
- The "Proof of Correction Card" is a document provided to owners upon completion of the SC239 campaign, particularly important for those in California and other specific states where it may be required for vehicle registration renewal.
What Kia Sportage owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 32 model years.
- 4,907
- Owner complaints
- 38
- Recalls
- 679
- Service bulletins
- 322
- Crashes reported
- 208
- Fires reported
- 274
- Injuries reported
The 2023 model year
310 complaints, the 4th most of 32 model years on file. Owners reported 28 crashes, 1 fire and 18 injuries for this year, which also has 7 recalls on file.
Engine And Engine Cooling and Power Train, the system this article covers, accounts for 898 of 4,907 complaints (18%), including 41 for 2023.
Complaints by model year
| 1998 | 303 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 284 | |
| 2000 | 304 | |
| 2001 | 228 | |
| 2002 | 234 | |
| 2011 | 181 | |
| 2012 | 392 | |
| 2013 | 381 | |
| 2017 | 404 | |
| 2023 | 310 |
Most-reported systems
- Engine — 1,558
- Electrical System — 687
- Service Brakes — 613
- Power Train — 481
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 477
Latest recalls for the 2023 model year
- 25V874000 — Trailer Hitches (Dec 2025)
- 24V025000 — Structure (Jan 2024)
- 23V531000 — Power Train (Jul 2023) — Park outside
Recent owner reports about engine and engine cooling and power train
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle shifted into neutral and failed to properly shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated.
Read owner complaints →When driving at speeds slightly above 50 mph between 1,700 and 1,900 RPM, maintaining light pressure on the accelerator pedal causes a noticeable physical vibration and shaking throughout both the pedal and the vehicle.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
Related Articles
2023 Kia Sportage Health Check: Common TSBs and Known Issues
The 2023 Kia Sportage has no recalls or owner complaints registered with NHTSA, but several manufacturer service bulletins address issues like cooling system performance, engine misfires, AVNT screen flickering, and infotainment connectivity problems.
2023 Kia Sportage Cooling System Performance TSB
Kia has issued Technical Service Bulletin ENG259 (Rev 1) for 2023 Sportage models experiencing a Multifunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination with specific cooling system performance DTCs. The bulletin outlines the procedure to replace the Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM) and update…
2021-2023 Kia Sorento Sportage GDI Misfire DTC TSB
Kia has issued Technical Service Bulletin FUE068 (CA2505) for 2021-2023 Sorento and Sportage models with the Theta III 2.5L GDI engine. This bulletin addresses cylinder misfire DTCs (P030000-P030400) that can lead to no-start, misfire, or reduced power due to GDI fuel injector damage.
2023 Kia Sportage Cooling System Performance TSB
This Kia Technical Service Bulletin (TSB ENG259) addresses Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination with DTCs P218100, P2181F0, or P2181F1 in 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles. The issue stems from Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM) degradation, leading to cooling system performance issues…
2023 Kia Sportage AVNT Screen Flickering TSB
A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB ELE355) has been issued for the 2023 Kia Sportage (NQ5a) regarding the Audio Video Navigation Telematics (AVNT) head unit. Owners may experience the AVNT screen flickering 'ON/OFF' due to an intermittent coaxial cable connection.
Leave a comment
Comments are moderated and may take a moment to appear. Only your first name and the initial of your last name are shown publicly.
Comments
Be the first to comment.