1997 KIA Sportage Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
217
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
37 complaints
KIA REFUSES TO INCLUDE MY 1997 SPORTAGE EX 4WD IN RECALL FOR 1997 KIA SPORTAGES EX 4WD. RECALL 1CMP005 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) HAS NEVER BEEN PERFORMED. ALSO NOT SURE THAT RECALL 2CMP014 ON WIRING HAS BEEN PERFORMED. MY MAIN CONCERN AND THE REFUSAL FROM KIA IS ON THE ECM. *JB
Dec 12, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 99V325000; KIA ISSUED AN ENGINE STALLING RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE STALLED, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. *AK
Dec 30, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Jul 01, 2003
CONSUMER STATES ANTIFREEZE LEAKS AND THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT AND HOLD LIGHT IS ON. DEALER REPLACED A STUCK THERMOSTAT. *TT
May 01, 2002
KIA HAS ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF ITS 1998 SPORTAGE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY 1997 SPORTAGE. A FRIEND OF MINE HAS THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR AS MY SPORTAGE AND THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO HER VEHICLE ALSO. I THINK THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED TO THE 1997 SPORTAGES ALSO. THE CAR WILL NOT PASS EMMISIONS INSPECTIONS AND I DONT THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A PROBLEM THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER.*AK
Jan 16, 2002
+ 32 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
31 complaints
WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT TALKING WITH MY WIFE, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Jan 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE OCCUPIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF WILMINGTON (1603 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19806, (302) 656-3100) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD TO DIAGNOSED WHY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,620. *BP*JB
Oct 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE FOR THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Aug 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. THE LOWER AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HIP AREA AND THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,226.
Jul 23, 2013
I PURCHASED A 2007 KIA OPTIMA USED IN OCTOBER 2007. THE CAR HAD ROUGHLY 18,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT. SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN LATE 2009, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS REMAINED ON EVER SINCE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, EVEN WHEN A NORMAL-SIZED ADULT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
Mar 23, 2010
+ 26 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
17 complaints
DT THE VEHICLE REVS UP TO ALMOST 2000 RPM'S, THE VEHICLE JERKED THEN STALLED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE SERVICE COMPUTER INDICATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY DONE. *NM
May 05, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 34 MPH SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Jun 08, 2004
I HAVE BEEN HAVING STALLING PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT 2WEEKS NOW, AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE BATTERY; BUT I CHECKED IT OUT AT AUTOZONE FOR FREE AND THE MACHINE THAT DETECTS HOW MUCH POWER IN THE BATTERY SUGGESTED THAT THE BATTERY WAS FINE. THE STALLING PROBLEMS STARTED TWO WEEKS AGO AND I HAD TO PUSH-START THE CAR ABOUT FOUR TIMES AND THEN IT DECIDED TO NOT START AT ALL, I KNOW ITS NOT THE BATTERY BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN CHECKED AND IT STILL HAS POWER.
Apr 13, 2004
MY CAR WILL NOT GET OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THE KIA COPRORATION FIELD EXPERTS CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, THEY SAY IT'S A WIRING NIGHTMARE, THEY REFUSE TO TAKE IT TO IRVINE (KIA HEADQUARTERS) BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THEY WIRING HARNESS RECALL OF 1997 PROVES THAT THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN PROPERLY FIXED, AND I CAN'T GET ANY ANSWERS. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE MISSION BAY KIA DEALERSHIP SINCE 12-1-02, AND I'M STILL WAITING TO FIND OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT.
Feb 10, 2003
TWICE IT HAS SHOT SPARK PLUG RIGHT OUT OF ENGNE. *AK
Jul 24, 2001
+ 12 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
12 complaints
IN MAY 5, 2003 I TOOK TO INSPECT THE CAR FOR A NOISE AT THE BACK. ITS LIKE BEING ON A PLANE FOR DEPARTURE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE BACK DIFFERENTIALS WAS DAMAGED. IT ONLY HAD 25,317 MILEAGE IN 2003. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT. THIS YEAR 2005 A INSPECT THE CAR AT WESTER AUTO I WAS TOLD THE DIFFERENTIAL IS DAMAGE. AT THE STORE I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE SEEN OTHERS KIA SPORTAGE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I ALSO WHEN TO PED BOYS. ALSO, THEY SAID VERB THERE WERE PROBLEMS KIA DIFFERENTIAL. AT WESTER AUTO I CHANGE THE BACK BEARING THINKING THAT WILL FIX THE NOISE. KIA DEALER ESTIMATE THE REPAIR FOR $865 ON 2003.*AK
Apr 19, 2005
CONSUMER STATES WHEN HITTING BUMP SOMETHING IS LOOSE. DEALER FOULD BROKEN PROPELLER SHAFT. *TT
May 01, 2002
I TOOK MY CAR IN TO BE SERVICED ON 05/15/01 TO WESTCOTT KIA, I WAS HEARING A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND MY VEHICLE WAS RESISTING TO GO FOWARD, ALSO LACK OF POWER TO MY VEHICLE OVERALL, I FELT LIKE IT WAS A TRANSMISSION CONCERN AT THAT TIME MY VEHICLE HAD 50888 MILES ON IT, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY EGR VALVE , IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING, THEY REPLACED IT. ON 03/06/02 I TOOK MY CAR TO RANCHO KIA TO BE SERVICED, THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED MY EGR VALVE KIT REPLACED AT WHICH TIME I DIDNT REALIZE I HAD HAD IT DONE LESS THAN A YEAR EARLIER, THEY CHARGED ME 133.40, I CONTACTED KIA CONSUMMER AFFAIRS WHEN I REALIZED THE REPAIR HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, THEY STATED MY CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN MORE THAN 12000 MILES (12656 TO BE EXACT) AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME, I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR.*AK
Mar 09, 2002
VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WITH A "CLUNKING" NOISE DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT TRANSFER CASE BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK
Dec 18, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING 55MPH REAR AXEL BROKE AND RIGHT REAR TIRE CAME OFF, AND WHEEL AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE. TOOK TO DEALER AND HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
Feb 23, 2001
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
12 complaints
ABS AND PARKING BRAKE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. MECHANIC SAID THAT LOW FLUID IN MASTER CYLINDER CAUSED THE LIGHTS AND THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD A LEAK AND NEEDED REPLACED. ALSO STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE. COULD HAVE LOST ALL BRAKING CAPABILITY IF CAR WAS CONTINUED DRIVEN WITH THE LIGHTS ON CAUSE FLUID LEVELS WOULD DROP.*AK
Aug 25, 2003
CONSUMER STATES TOOK VEHICLE FOR SERVICES AND THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING ALSO FOUND PASSENGER BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Jan 03, 2003
WHILE DRIVING WOULD STEP ON BRAKE PEDAL AND EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DUE TO REAR CYLINDERS.*AK
Apr 24, 2001
THE FRONT CALIPER EATS UP THE DISC. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE DISC 3 TIMES. *AK
Apr 14, 2000
WHILE DRIVING APPLIED BRAKES AND HEARD NOISE, LIKE GRINDING METAL TO METAL NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. *AK
Mar 27, 2000
+ 7 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
11 complaints
THE DESIGN OF THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE FUEL TANK ALLOWED SAND AND PEBBLES TO ACCUMULATE TO THE EXTENT THAT I STARTED NOTICING FUEL VAPORS. THE VEHICLE IS HOUSED IN A GARAGE, SO I RAISED A WINDOW TO HELP DISSIPATE THE VAPORS. IN A FEW DAYS, FUEL WAS DRIPPING FROM THE LEAKS IN THE TANK. I APPLIED A PUTTY PRODUCT IN JUNE, 2006, WHICH HELPED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED AGAIN. I RE-APPLIED PUTTY IN AUGUST, 2007. THEN AGAIN IN JULY, 2008, WITH TWO DIFFERENT (PERMANENT?) PRODUCTS THAT HAVE NOT WORKED, YET. THE TANK STILL LEAKS. *TR
Jul 31, 2008
1997 KIA SPORTAGE HAVE A DEFECTIVE FUEL TANK. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE RECEIVED A NOTICE AFTER THE REPAIR TO THE FUEL TANK WAS DONE AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR WORK. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE REPAIR, SHE SMELLED GAS AND THERE WAS GAS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. IT WAS DETERMINED THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING *JB
Jul 24, 2008
A FEW YEARS BACK I STARTED SMELLING GAS. SO MY FATHER IN LAW AND UNCLE TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND IT YEP YOU GOT A GAS LEAK. SO THEY TRIED TO PATCH IT SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING HAS SEEMED TO WORK. SO BACK IN FEBRUARY I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM KIA STATING A REPAIR BENEFIT NOTIFICATION ABOUT MY GAS TANK LEAKING. SO A FEW WEEKS AGO I CALLED A KIA DEALER AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THEM TO LOOK AT MY TANK. AFTER A HOUR DRIVE AND A FORTY MINUTE WAIT THEY TELL ME THAT MY KIA DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR KIA TO FIX MY TANK. SO I COME HOME AND THE NEXT I CHECK MY TANK AND IT IS OBVIOUS TO ANYONE THAT MY KIA IS LEAKING GAS. I CALLED KIA MOTORS AND THEY WENT TO TELL ME THAT SINCE MY 10 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2007 THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. BUT WHAT MAKES NO SENSE IS THAT THEY DIDN'T SEND OUT MY LETTER UNTIL 2008. I HAVE A 7 MONTH OLD THAT IS IN MY KIA DAILY, SO I ASKED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. FROM KIA MOTORS, WHAT IF MY KIA SOMEHOW CATCHES ON FIRE AND I AM NOT ABLE TO GET TO MY CHILD QUICK ENOUGH, AND SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS. HE TOLD ME THAT ALL REPAIRS MADE TO THE TANK WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY NO MATTER WHAT, AND THAT KIA WOULD NOT FIX OR REPLACE MY TANK. *TR
Apr 11, 2008
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO DISCOVERED WATER IN FUEL TANK. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION DETERMINED A BURNED WIRE INSIDE OF FUEL TANK COULD HAVE CAUSED AN EXPLOSION.*AK
Sep 19, 2002
FUEL LEAK BELOW BATTERY RIGHT SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK
Feb 25, 2000
+ 6 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
10 complaints
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPEED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 27, 2004
CONSUMER IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH VEHICLE STALLING WHEN ACCELERATING, AND LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING.HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THEY PROBLEM WAS STILL BEING INVESTIGATED.*AK
Jul 15, 2003
THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED IT TO FLIP AND LAND UPSIDE DOWN. DEALER STATED THE THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *NLM
May 07, 2003
WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND LETTING UP ON THE CLUTCH VEHICLE ACCELEREATED INTO REVERSE AND RAN OVER A MAILBOX. DRIVER HAD PUSHED CLUTCH AND BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP. ENGINE STILL RAN HIGH.*AK
Sep 05, 2000
VACUUM RESERVOIR FAILED CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL TO NOT HOLD SPEED. NLM
Mar 15, 2000
+ 5 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaints
TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK TO EVEN BEGIN TO LIST. ITS BEEN TO THE GARAGE 7 OR 8 TIMES FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT , THE MASTER CYLINDER WENT LAST YEAR, NOW THE CLUTCH, WHATS NEXT? I SO TIRED OF TAKING TIME OUT OF MY LIFE TO DEAL WITH THIS PIECE OF CRAP. I WANT A REFUND OR SOME KIND OF SATISFACTION. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Jul 30, 2000
THE VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. NLM
May 15, 2000
THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN UP TO ITS STANDARDS AND VERY DISAPPOINTED.
Nov 07, 1998
DASHBOARD IS TUNING BROWN ABOVE A/C VENT IS LOCATED.
Aug 25, 1998
ENGINE LIGHT FAILED.
Aug 25, 1998
+ 2 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
6 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HOOD LATCH SNAPPED AND THE HOOD FLEW OPEN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER THE LATCH THE HOOD DOWN. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK BROKEN WINDSHIELD REPAIRED, BUT DAMAGED HOOD NOT REPAIRED TO DATE. *BF *NM
May 13, 2005
KIA SPORTAGE 4 DOOR. REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. DOOR OPENED FROM INSIDE. DOOR WAS THEN SHUT AND DID NOT LATCH, UPON SECOND CLOSING DOOR LATCHED. DROVE AROUND TWO MILES AND WENT AROUND CURVE AT ABOUT 10 MPH DOOR LATCH RELEASED AND DOOR FLEW OPEN. 16 MONTH OLD CHILD WAS IN CAR SEAT BESIDE THE DOOR. DOOR HAD TO BE STRAPPED TO OTHER DOOR TO KEEP SHUT. CAR TAKEN TO DEALER WHO SAID LATCH WAS RUSTED OUT. ORDERED REPLACEMENT LATCH, OTHER BACK DOOR HAS SHOWN SAME SYMPTOMS OF NOT CLOSING AND THEN CLOSING AND LATCHING, ALSO NOT OPENING FROM OUTSIDE. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS INCIDENT IF CHILD HAD NOT BEEN IN SAFETY SEAT, PROBABLY RESULTING IN A DEATH.*AK
Aug 25, 2003
LOCKS ARE NOT OPERABLE. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK IS SUPPOSE TO LOCK ALL OF THE DOORS ON VEHICLE. *AK
May 10, 2000
WHEN DRIVING DOORS WILL UNLOCK. ALSO, WHEN CONSUMER PARKS AND GETS OUT THE DOORS WON'T LOCK. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR REPAIR SERVICE. CONSUMER JUST GOT THE VEHICLE OUT TODAY FOR REPAIR SERVICE. *AK
Apr 09, 1999
PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR FAILED.
Aug 25, 1998
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
SEAT BELT FAILURE
May 29, 2005
ON IMPACT DURING AN ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT BROKE IN ABOUT 4 PERFECT PIECES, AS A RESULT OF THE BUCKLE BREAKING THE DRIVER SUSTAINED 2 BREAKS IN CERVICAL SPINE.
Sep 25, 2001
ON IMPACT DURING AN ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT BROKE IN ABOUT 4 PERFECT PIECES, AS A RESULT OF THE BUCKLE BREAKING THE DRIVER SUSTAINED 2 BREAKS IN CERVICAL SPINE.
Sep 25, 2001
BOTH, PASSENGER'S SIDE AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS, RELEASE AT WILL. *AK
Mar 20, 2000
SAFETY BELTS CONTINUALLY TWIST AND FAIL.
Aug 25, 1998
TIRES
5 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD A VIOLENT BLOW OUT. THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE TIRE BLEW OU IN TWO PLACES. IT HAS SEVERE CUTS IN BOTH THE SIDEWALL AND THE BOTTOM TREAD AREA. THE CUT LOOKS AS THOUGH SOMEONE TOOK AN AXE TO IT AND CUT ACROSS THE WIDTH OF THE TIRE. THE BLOWOUT WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT BLEW OUT AN ENTIRE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING. A FEW DAYS LATER WE MET SOMEONE IN THE PARKING LOT OF A STORE AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING HAD HAPPENED TO THEM BUT NOT AS BAD AS OURS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HAD TIRES BLOW BEFORE BUT NOTHING LIKE THIS. IT FELT AS IF SOMEONE HAD CRASHED INTO IT. I HAVE A WIFE, A 2 1/2 YEAR OLD SON, AND A 4 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER AND I THANK GOD THAT MY WIFE WASN'T DRIVING BECAUSE I KNOW SHE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS SUCH A BAD BLOW OUT. I KNOW GENERAL TIRES ISN'T RECALLING ALL OF THEIR TIRES BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T HAD ANY ROLLOVERS OR FATALITIES YET, WHO IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE THE FIRST? (TIRESIZE: 205/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 205/75R15 )
Oct 07, 2000
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD A VIOLENT BLOW OUT. THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE TIRE BLEW OU IN TWO PLACES. IT HAS SEVERE CUTS IN BOTH THE SIDEWALL AND THE BOTTOM TREAD AREA. THE CUT LOOKS AS THOUGH SOMEONE TOOK AN AXE TO IT AND CUT ACROSS THE WIDTH OF THE TIRE. THE BLOWOUT WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT BLEW OUT AN ENTIRE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING. A FEW DAYS LATER WE MET SOMEONE IN THE PARKING LOT OF A STORE AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING HAD HAPPENED TO THEM BUT NOT AS BAD AS OURS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HAD TIRES BLOW BEFORE BUT NOTHING LIKE THIS. IT FELT AS IF SOMEONE HAD CRASHED INTO IT. I HAVE A WIFE, A 2 1/2 YEAR OLD SON, AND A 4 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER AND I THANK GOD THAT MY WIFE WASN'T DRIVING BECAUSE I KNOW SHE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS SUCH A BAD BLOW OUT. I KNOW GENERAL TIRES ISN'T RECALLING ALL OF THEIR TIRES BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T HAD ANY ROLLOVERS OR FATALITIES YET, WHO IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE THE FIRST?( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 205/75R15 )
Oct 07, 2000
BACK TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING DMG TO BACK BUMPER. FIRESTONE TIRE FR480 P205/75R15, SEE LOG 8 PHOTOS SHOW TREAD SEPARATION. (CLAIMS 43-R496-677) *MW
Sep 12, 2000
THE SIDEWALLS OF THE FACTORY TIRES WERE CRACKING. WENT TO A GENERAL TIRE DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED 5 NEW TIRES UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER HAD SOLD THE RIGHTS TO THE GENERAL NAME TO A KOREAN TIRE CO. THE FACTORY TIRES ARE NOT MADE IN THE US TIRES. THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND GAVE US THE NEW TIRES QUICKLY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )
Apr 08, 2000
TIRE AIR STEMS ARE BAD. (GENERAL TIRE)
Feb 01, 1999
STRUCTURE
4 complaints
BOTH REAR DOORS CAN'T BE OPENED EITHER MANUALLY OR ELECTRICALLY. REAR DOORS ARE A TRAP FOR PASSENGERS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS. *AK
Jan 24, 2003
THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY EVEN AFTER RECALL REPAIR (SC006). NLM
Mar 15, 2000
DOORS UNLOCK AND RELOCK CONSTANTLY BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED. MANY VISITS TO THE DEALER...CANNOT REPAIR. POOR SERVICE. *AK
Jun 14, 1999
DOORS UNLOCK AND RELOCK CONSTANTLY BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED. MANY VISITS TO THE DEALER...CANNOT REPAIR. POOR SERVICE. *AK
Jun 14, 1999
STEERING
4 complaints
CAR STRUCK ON REAR PASSENGER DOOR/CAR LOST CONTROL/SPUN OUT OF CONTROL/ROLLOVER. *AK
Jun 05, 2001
STEERING IS LOCKING UP, REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP BUT THAT DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM.
Sep 29, 1998
STEERING COLUMN MALFUNCTIONED.
May 08, 1998
ALARM FAILED.
Nov 25, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH APPLIED BRAKES AND WITHOUT WARNING, BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION, DRIVER HAD TO RUN A RED LIGHT, RESULTING IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR LEG INJURIES.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE AIRBAG FAILED. CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT THE ACCELERATOR AND TRANSMISSION STUCK. *SLC
Jun 10, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 10-20 MPH APPLIED ON BRAKES AND WITHOUT WARNING BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION. CONSUMER THEN TRIED TO SHIFT VEHICLE MANUALLY; HOWEVER, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR LEG INJURIES. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TT
Jun 10, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH, FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS HIT AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THE BRAKES FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATOR. *TT
May 28, 2002
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
WINDSHIELD WASHER MOTOR FAILED. NLM
Mar 15, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED TWO TIMES.
Sep 29, 1998
WINDOWS FAILED TO OPEN WITH MASTER SWITCH AND BURNING SMELL WHEN TRYING.
Nov 25, 1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THE USED CAR DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND THE MAIN HOSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT, AND WHEN DIAGNOSED ,THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE OVERHEATING WAS DUE TO THE CLUTCH OVERHEATING AND THE FAN STICKING. THE CONTACT DIDN'T THINK THAT TRANSMISSION OIL WAS CIRCULATING THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY WILL NOT START. THE DEALER WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. *AK
Jan 09, 2007
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE DAY THAT I PURCHASED IT, ENGINE FAILED AND IT WAS IN SHOP FOR TWO MONTHS, TRANSMISSION FAILED, THE REAR END FAILED, THE FUEL ECONOMY SWITCH FAILED, THEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN, AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED THREE TIMES SINCE JULY, 2000. I HAVE HAD TWO NEAR ACCIDENTS ON THE INTERSTATE DUE TO THESE MECHANICAL FAILURES. I HAVE TRIED FOR OVER TWO YEARS TO CONTACT A KIA REPRESENATIVE BUT THEY WILL NOT RESPOND TO MY COMPLAINTS . THE DEALER IS NO HELP, THEY ONLY GIVE YOU THE DELAY GAME. I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS NO GOOD, IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND A DANGER TO PUT ON THE ROAD. IT CONTINUALLY HAS PROBLEMS AND I AM HAVING TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON IT.PLEASE HELP
Dec 12, 2000
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
VEHICLE STARTED SHIMMYING VIOLENTLY WHILE GOING 60MPH. VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT END AND GRDUALLY COASTED TO A STOP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE, AND T FRAME FELL TO THE GROUND. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE MOE INFORMATION.*AK
Jun 20, 2002
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER IS ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH LEAKAGE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *ML
Nov 18, 1998
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
RADIO FAILED AS WELL KEPT KIA OVER 33 DAYS. *AK
Dec 19, 1999
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.
May 08, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM . ALSO VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jul 21, 1999
WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THE VEHICLE STARTS BUCKING. HAS BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES IN A MONTH. DEALER CLAIMS THE VEHICLE IS FIXED NOW. *AK
Jul 01, 1998
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FUEL TANK IS LEAKING
Dec 15, 2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN APPROXIMATELY AT 55MPH ENGINE WILL STALL. SLOW DOWN AND STOP WITHOUT WARNING. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN TURN ENGINE OFF RESTART RUN IT THRU ALL OF THE GEARS AND IT WILL BE FINE FOR AWHILE UNLESS ON BUMPY ROAD OR STOP WARNING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. I CAN NOT FILL GAS TANK UP DUE TO IT LEAKING OUT UNDER VEHICLE REFRASE THAT POUR OUT. IT WILL ALSO VIBRATE REALLY BAD AFTER BEING DROVE FOR OVER 2 HOURS STRAIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE IT CAUSES A INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
May 02, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DT: KIA SPORTAGE 1997, VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE, AFTER THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING PUSHED DOWN. CONSUMER HEARD A WHISTLING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE THEREFORE TRADED IT IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
Aug 26, 2005
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO COME ON ITS OWN. THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR A YEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *SC
Nov 17, 2004
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
I JUST PURCHASED A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 38,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE TWO WEEKS SINCE PURCHASE I HAVE ALREADY HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR TWICE. WITH SUCH LOW MILES ON THE VEHICLE I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD AND SAFE PURCHASE BUT NOW I AM AFRAID I HAVE MADE A MISTAKE. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SWITCH BROKE AND I COULD NOT ROLL MY WINDOW UP. I TOOK IT IN THE SHOP TO HAVE A NEW ONE PUT IN. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT GEAR BOX BROKE AS I WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH TWO OF MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING SLOW AND COULD STOP RIGHT AWAY. IF I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT A FAST SPEED AND COULD NOT GET OVER IMMEDIATELY THE REAR TIRES COULD HAVE SEISED UP CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO ME AND MY CHILDREN. SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND FIX IT RIGHT AWAY BEFORE PEOPLE LOOSE THEIR LIVES OVER A POORLY MANUFACTURED SUV.*AK
Oct 03, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THIS CAR IS ABSOLUTELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE; AT ANY MOMENT IT MAY STALL DUE TO THE FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN FOR SERVICE NUMEROUS TIMES AND I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. I HAVE SIMPLY HAD ENOUGH AND WOULD LIKE SOME HELP.
Jan 15, 2004
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL ALL COME ON AND STAY ON FOR A LITTLE WHILE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM. SOON AFTER LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN, CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT, AND SUFFERED SOME MAJOR INJURIES.*AKJG
Jun 18, 2002
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES. *AK THE TRANSMISSION JAMMED AND THE ACCELERATOR STUCK. *JG
Jun 10, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLED AT 35 MPH. CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE, THEN SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
Apr 22, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
ON 4/23/01 I TOOK MY CAR TO WESTCOTT KIA MOTORS, I HAD A CONCERN REGUARDING MY TRANSMISSION, THEY INSPECTED AND SAID THEYFOUND SWITCH STOP LAMP WASNT WORKING AT WHICH TIME THEY REPLACED IT , IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, THEY ALSO REPLACED AN EGR VALVE THAT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, STILL TO NO AVAIL OF HAVING MY TRANSMISSION CONCERNES RESOLVED WITH THIS DEALER (AFTER ALL THESE REPAIRS , MY CAR STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM I BROUGHT IT IN FOR) I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS. I WAITED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND DECIDED TO TRY MY LUCK AT ANOTHER DEALER IN THE AREA SO I WENT TO EL CAJON KIA ON 11/19/01 AN ALLOWED THEM TO WORK ON MY CAR AT WHICH TIME THEY ORDERED A TRANSFER CASE TO BE INSTALLED ON 12/05/01, THEY REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE AND IT BROKE WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY 12/07/01 AT WHICH TIME I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEIR SHOP, THEY REPAIRED THE TRANSFER CASE AGAIN AND STILL THE CLUNKING NOISE I HAD BROUGHT IT IN FOR WAS STILL THERE IN MY CAR, I DROVE MY CAR FOR A FEW MORE DAYS UNTILL IT STARTED TO HESITATE ON ME AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I HAD MY CAR TOWED BACK TO EL CAJON KIA AND THE TECHNICIAN TOOK A TEST DRIVE WITH ME AND STATED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING MY CAR THAT KIA ONLY PAYS THEM FOR 2 HOURS OF SERVICE TO VEHICLES, AND THAT IT WAS NORMAL PLAY THAT I WAS HEARING IN MY VEHICLE, AFTER ALL THE DAYS IN THE SHOP AND ALL THE REPAIRS DONE, MY CAR WAS NO BETTER THAN WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR IT TO BE REPAIRED, I FEEL LIKE THEY DID MORE DAMAGE THAN GOOD TO MY VEHICLE, AND I ALSO FEEL THAT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION THAT THE DEALER FAILED TO REPAIR, I JUST TOOK MY CAR TO RANCHO KIA (WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM AND HAD REPAIR PROBLEMS WITH REGUARDING MY TIRE LATCH) AND THEY HAD TO REPAIR WIRING TO MAF SENSOR AND REPLACED MY EGR VALVE AND ALSO MY PURGE SOLENOID WAS BROKEN AND THEY SAID THE CLUNKING NOISE IS MY FRONT HUB BEARINGS ARE LOOSE.
Mar 07, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 99V325000, AND HAD SERVICE DEPARTMENT TAKEN CARE OFF ON JUN 13, 2000. SINCE THEN, PROBLEM HAS COME BACK ON AND OFF FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. AND AS SOON AS VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN IT STALLED. DEALER STATED VEHICLE NEEDED NEW WIRING HARNESS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN A ONGOING SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN SEPT. OF 1997. SERVICLE MANAGER TOLD CONSUMER THEY CORRECTED WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM. BUT, CONSUMER FELT WORK COULD HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY DONE.*AK
Aug 13, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH CEL COMING ON AND STAYING ON, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH CLUTCH, THE BELTS, AND RECENTLY THE EMISSION SYSTEMS, EACH TIME I GO IN THE PEOPLE AT THE DEALER SHIP ACT LIKE I AM DOING THESE THINGS ON PURPOSE AND THIS LAST TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. AND THAT IT WOULD COST 1,000 DOLLARS TO FIX. I WAS OUT RAGED.
Mar 14, 2001
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, HORN DOESN'T WORK, AND THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. DOOR WILL BE REPAIRED, DEALER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM WITH HORN OR UNDER THE HOOD. *AK *ML
Jun 26, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER. DEALER FINALLY (AFTER TWO WEEKS IN THE SHOP) DECIDED FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED, CAUSING RUST PARTICLES TO DAMAGE FUEL INJECTORS. DEALER IS REPLACING FUEL TANK, LINES, SENDER UNIT, AND INJECTORS. (I'VE NEVER HAD A FUEL TANK RUST AT 39,000 MILES!)
Jun 05, 2000
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON, AND THE VEHICLE MAKES A VIBRATING/HUMMING NOISE. ALSO, VEHICLE DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR PROPERLY. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE, AND CAN'T FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
May 24, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 9764. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS, BUT STALLING BEGAN AGAIN. ALSO, ALARM SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING WHICH CAUSED THE HORN TO STOP WORKING. *AK
May 18, 2000
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON COUNTY ROAD AN ANIMAL RAN OUT IN FRONT OF VEHICLE, IT SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING THE ANIMAL. ROAD WAS WET. WENT INTO A DITCH, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *AK
Mar 17, 2000
SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVERS SEAT CUSHION COMMING UNSTITCHED. NLM
Mar 15, 2000
WHEELS
1 complaint
TOOK VEHICLE FOR SERVICE ON TIRES. INFORMED THE WHEELS WERE LOOSE & WERE DANGEROUS. TOOK TO MECHANIC, WITH A FRIEND FROM KIA. THE SEAL ASSEMBLY FOR HUB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE NOT ON RECALL. WAS NOT REPAIRED. CAR TRADED IN WITH PROBLEMS UNRESOLVED. *AK *ML
Mar 02, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
BRAKES- EXCESSIVE BRAKING DISTANCE WHEN BRAKES APPLIED; ENGINE COOLANT SYSTEM- VEHICLE OVER HEADED CAUSED VENTS ON DASHBOARD TO POP; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UNDER HOOD- CONTINUOUS "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILLS; ENGINE- SHAKES LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE, STALLS WHILE DRIVING, SCARED WILL CAUSE ACCIDENT/DEATH
Feb 13, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION SHIFT SLIPS OUT OF PARK, AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, COOLENT LEAK AT ENGINE LOWER LEFT , LOWER FRONT PULLEY BEARING DAMAGED ENGINE
Dec 02, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CAR CONTINUALLY STALLS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY COMES OFF AND ON, WHEN CONTINUALLY STALLS AT IDLE SPEED AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ENGINE EXPERIENCES TROUBLE CONTINUOUSLY WHEN IT SURGES AND JERKS. IT HAS BEEN A REAL HAZARD TO MY HEALTH AND ALMOST PUT ME IN ACCIDENTS MANY TIMES WHILE STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND INTERSECTIONS. ALMOST KILLED MYSELF AND MY FAMILY SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES WITH THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE VEHICLE.IT HAS HAD SO MANY THINGS WRONG WITH IT SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT THAT IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO LIST ALL OF THEM. DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEM! EVEN WHEN IT GETS TOWED IN DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT WON'T RUN! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE PEOPLE ARE INNOCENTLY KILLED DUE TO THE MALFUNCTIONING KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.
Nov 28, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
VEHICLE WOULD JERK. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. VEHCLE WOULD OVERHEAT & FAIL TO START. ALSO, VEHICLE HAD REVVED WHILE AT STOP LIGHT DUE TO FAST IDLE . THE PORTED PASSAGE HOLE WAS TOO SMALL. IT NEEDED TO BE WIDER ACCORDING TO MECHANIC. DRIVESHAFT BROKE TWICE IN LAST 6 MONTHS. *AK
Aug 23, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. IDLE STAYS HIGH AT STOP LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. HAS BEEN HAPPENING AT LEAST 3 TIMES A WEEK. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED PROBLEM CAUSED BY GOING OVER BUMPS, BUT WOULD REPAIR PROBLEM. PICKED VEHICLE UP & LIGHT CAME BACK ON AGAIN. *AK
Aug 03, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE NEW WE ARE VERY UPSET AT THE LACK OF CONCERN AND ASSISSTANCE FROM THE NUMEROUS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES I HAVE CONTACTED, COMPLETED FORMS AND MAILED THEM, I HAVE YET TO BE CONTACTED. BOTH MY 4 YEAR OLD SON & I ALMOST LOST OUR LIVES WHEN MY ENGINE STALLED ON AN INTERSTATE SPEED LIMIT 70 CARS TURNING EVERYWAY TO AVOID US, I REALLY FELT THERE WAS NO HOPE WHEN I SAW AN 18 WHEELER APPROACHING, I TURNED TO MOVE MY SON FROM THE REAR SEAT TO THE FRONT SO I COULD AT LEAST HOLD HIM, THE DRIVER SAW ME AND WHEN HE MANAGED TO STOP HIS RIG WAS JACKKNIFED AND 1 SIDE HIT THE BLOCK BARRIER. I HAVE DOCUMENTS TO PROVE THE ENGINE PROBLEMS IN 97 KIA'S CAN'T BE REPAIRED.WILL LIVES BE LOST BEFORE KIA IS HELD RESPONSIBLE? PLEASE HELP
Jul 21, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CAR AT DEALER 3 DAYS, PROBLEM FIXING LOCKS, DEALER PAID FOR CAR RENTAL. *AK
Jul 02, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON. WHENEVER TURNING ON INTERIOR LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND STAYS ON. DEALER SAIS VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
May 20, 1999
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
THIS IS THE MOST UNRELIABLE VEHICLE THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED-SOMEONE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS OCCURRING WITH KIA'S. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) MENTIONE DIN THE SUMMARY. *AK
May 20, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. NEEDS NEW EGR KIT (CONTROLS EMISSIONS MIX). 6/99 EXPERIENCED ENGINE RACING ON IGNITION, HIGH IDLE AT STOPS, ENGINE SURGES AT ALL SPEEDS. THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAPPENED FIRST 6/98. THEY TIGHTENED TERMINAL CONNECTIONS. SECOND TIME 7/98 - ADJUSTED C123 & C124 ACCESS CONNECTIONS. THIRD TIME 5/99 REPLACING EGR KIT - AWAITING PART. SERVICE PERFORMED BY MAITA OLDS, 2211 FULTON AVE., SACRAMENTO, CA 95825. *AK
May 13, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH DRIVESHAFT FELL OUT, DAMAGING ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE GOUGING FUEL TANK IN SEVERAL PLACES. REAR END FELL LOCKING UP BRAKES AND THROWING VEHICLE INTO UNCONTROLLABLE BOUNCING FOR OVER QUARTER MILE. DRIVESHAFT FLEW INFRONT OF OTHER VEHICLES WINDSHIELD. WIFE(9 MO. PREG.) & SON IN CAR WITH ME. *AK
Apr 18, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY HAS INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORT/ABS INDICATOR CONTINUALLY COMES LOOSE AND "BACKS OUT OF RELAY BLOCK/ POWER WINDOWS/MIRRORS SWITCH CONTACTS BACKING OFF, CAUSING "OPEN CIRCUITS". *AK
Mar 31, 1999
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE IS GARBAGE - BOTH FRONT WINDOW MOTORS-REPLACED. TRANSMISSION REPLACED, AND IS NOW ACTING UP AGAIN. REAR-END REPLACED, ACTING UP, ENGINE SQUEALS, DEALER CAN'T HEAR IT, BURNING ANTI-FREEZE SMELL UPON WARMUP, TEMP GAUGE GOES CRAZY, IN 4WD VEHICLE DOES NOT WANT TO TURN, ONLY WANTS TO GO STRAIGHT, MAKINGS HARD "CLUNKING" NOISE IF YOU ATTEMPT TO TURN. THE YUGO WAS A BETTER VEHICLE! *AK
Feb 19, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS ON, THE CAR IS STALLING, THE AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE ON. I AM AFRAID THAT THEY WILL DEPLOY AT ANY GIVEN TIME. ALMOST KILLED MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER ON THE QUEENBORO BRIDGE, I WAS GOING 40 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THEY HAD TURNED HARD, I HAD NO BRAKES, PUT EMERGENCY BRAKES, BUT NOTHING, WHEN IT WAS NEARING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I HAD TO STOP I THREW THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHICH SLOWED IT DOWN ENOUGH FOR ME TO SAFELY PUT IT IN PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF A BRIDGE. THE CARS ENGINE ROARED WHEN I PUT IN PARK I COULDN'T MOVE OR FEAR OF KILLING MYSELF. THE LOCKS ON THE CAR KEEP OPENING AND CLOSING BY THEMSELF. IT NEEDS 2 QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL EVERY MONTH. I AM TOTALLY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS CAR. *AK
Jan 25, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE GIVES NO PRIOR WARNING. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON. CONTACTED DEALER , CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES. *AK CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE STALLES AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING DUE TO EGR VALVE FAILURE. HOOD RELEASE HANDLE WAS BROKE. RIGHT FRONT HUBCAP FELL OFF. RADIO BEZEL WAS BROKE. *YH
Oct 01, 1998
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE SURGES AND BUCKS. A HOLD LIGHT IS FLASHING WHICH MEANS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *AK
Aug 27, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AUTO LEAKING FLUID NEAR ENGINE. IN ADDITION, INTERMITTENT STALLING/ELECTRICAL DOOR AND WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON/OFF. *AK
Jul 30, 1998
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF NOT HAVING ANY HAZARD LIGHTS, AND WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER TO REPAIR THEM. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON THE PARTS. *AK
Jul 22, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE 1997 KIA SPORTAGE AND THEY HAVE ALL HAD PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS AND FUEL SYSTEMS.
Jun 22, 1998
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY , AND THE RESTRAINTS FAILED TO LOCK UP UPON IMPACT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Mar 11, 1998
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
COMING TO A STOP SIGN, APPLIED BRAKES AND THE CLUTCH, VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, LOST CONTROL, ENDED UP HITTING 3 TREES AND THEN A HOUSE HEAD-ON. DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES. *AK
Dec 15, 1997
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
FUEL GAUGE FAILED.
Nov 25, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE PROBLEMS;. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL IS VERY HARD AND THERE IS VERY LITTLE STOPPING ABILITY. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP SINCE JULY 9, 1997. IN ADDITION, WINDSHIELD WIPERS BROKE IN A DRIVING RAIN STORM, AND ELECTRIC SIDE MIRRORS BROKE, PREVENTING DRIVER FROM ADJUSTING THEM. *AK
Sep 03, 1997
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 KIA Sportage have?
The 1997 KIA Sportage currently has 217 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1997 KIA Sportage?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 KIA Sportage are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1997 KIA Sportage problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 KIA Sportage comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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