Recall 22V651 affects 19,701 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles for a loose alternator battery positive terminal nut. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 19,701 2023 Sportage vehicles under recall 22V651 because the alternator battery positive terminal nut can loosen and cause an engine stall or electrical surge. A stall increases crash risk, and an electrical surge increases fire risk; Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The alternator on the 2023 Kia Sportage generates electrical power while the engine is running and helps keep the battery charged. Its B+ terminal is the main positive electrical connection from the alternator to the battery and vehicle electrical system. A nut clamps that connection tight so power can move without interruption.
On affected Sportage vehicles, the supplier did not tighten that terminal nut to the required torque. As the connection loosens, electrical contact becomes unstable. That loose connection can interrupt charging, stall the engine, or create an electrical surge through the system.
The warning sign Kia identified is the Charging System Warning Light, such as the battery light, on the instrument panel. If that light comes on, the alternator connection is not keeping the charging system working as intended.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Kia Sportage | electrical system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 19,701 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Engine stall increases crash risk, and an electrical surge increases fire risk. If the charging system or battery light comes on, pull over when safe and arrange Kia dealer service before continuing normal use. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Kia Sportage is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free alternator battery positive terminal nut inspection and tightening that fixes the loose connection behind the stall and electrical-surge risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V651 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete; an engine stall increases crash risk, and an electrical surge increases fire risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the alternator battery positive terminal nut and tightens it if needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the repair is free. Kia also provides reimbursement through its General Reimbursement Plan for owners who already paid repair expenses related to this issue. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and any related paperwork to the Kia service desk, or contact Kia customer service, to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 29, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 20, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| September 20, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 23, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 23, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 23, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V651?
Recall 22V651 covers 19,701 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles with an alternator battery positive terminal nut that can loosen. The problem can lead to an engine stall or an electrical surge. Kia dealers will inspect and tighten the terminal nut for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Kia Sportage is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sportage is included in recall 22V651. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the alternator battery positive terminal nut inspection and tightening. Reference recall number 22V651 and Kia recall number SC248 when you call.
Does the Kia recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 22V651, Kia dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 22V651?
The safety risk is engine stall or fire. Kia's filing says a loose alternator battery positive terminal nut can cause an engine stall, increasing crash risk, or an electrical surge, increasing fire risk. The dealer repair fixes the terminal nut issue for free.
What if I bought my 2023 Kia Sportage used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Kia mailed owner letters on September 23, 2022, but a used buyer can miss that notice, so check your VIN before scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V651000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V651 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V651000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →