1998 KIA Sportage Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
383
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
57 complaints
CONSUMER NOTICED A LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER ENGINE, AND THEN ENGINE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN NOTICED ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
Sep 24, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IDLED ROUGHLY AND THEN STALL OUT. *AK
Aug 28, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHICH STATED THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION WERE MANUFACTURED IN 1997 BUT THE VEHICLE IS 1998. *NLM
May 21, 2003
THE MANUFACTURER SENT A RECALL NOTICE TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVER A YEAR AGO. THE REPAIRS WERE DONE AND THE CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. *NLM
May 19, 2003
THE VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN AT IDLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. *MR *AK *NLM
May 06, 2003
+ 52 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
48 complaints
THE ABS ON MY VEHICLE FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS RUN DIAGNOSTICS AND TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE ABS LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER CALLED KIA USA, WHO COULD OFFER NO HELP. BECAUSE THE ABS IS NOT ALWAYS RELIABLE, THE BRAKING CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS VEHICLE ARE VERY UNRELIABLE. ON 2 DECEMBER THE ABS SYSTEM SUDDENLY BECAME OPERATIONAL, CAUSING THE "FEEL" OF THE PEDAL TO CHANGE, STARTLING THE DRIVER, WHO WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BRAKING. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB AND NARROWLY MISSED A TREE. *NM
Dec 04, 2005
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Jun 10, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR BRAKE CLYINDER IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*JB
May 23, 2002
BRAKE HOSE COLLAPSED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE HARD TO STOP.*AK
May 09, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN COMING TO A STOP THERES GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT AREA OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING. CONSUMER STATES AT 7000 MILE VEHICLE GRINDING NOISE STARTED AGAIN AND DEALER REPLACED HUB ASSEMBLY AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. NLM
Apr 17, 2002
+ 43 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
42 complaints
THE 4WD SYSTEM ON THE 98 KIA SPORTAGE IS UNRELIABLE. THE VACUUM SYSTEM, WHICH ACTUATES THE FRONT HUBS DOES NOT WORK. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR THIS PROBLEM EVERY WINTER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 1998. THE DEALERS REPAIR LASTS A WEEK OR SO AND THEN FAILS. UNEXPECTED LACK OF 4WD IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB
Jan 23, 2005
THE VEHICLES 4-WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED SOMETIMES THEN POPPED OUT CAUSING A LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT ABOUT A HUB SEAL RECALL AND INQUIRED ABOUT IT AT THE DEALER . THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD FOR A RED MARK ON THE VACUUM CANISTER BRACKET BUT DIDN'T SEE ONE. THE CONSUMER THEREFORE BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. *AK *NM
Feb 19, 2004
SUNDAY, 11-02-2003, WHILE DRIVING ON MAIN ST IN MESA, ARIZONA, OUR 1998 KIA SPORTAGE'S GEARSHIFT LEVER SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. I WAS SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR AT THE TIME. THE BREAK WAS ABOUT 1 1/2 INCHES FROM FLOOR LEVEL, DOWN INSIDE THE CONSOL. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE MEDIAN WITHOUT CRASHING. MY PREGNANT WIFE AND THREE-YEAR-OLD SON WERE WITH ME IN THE VEHICLE.I CONTACTED KIA AND THE SHORT OF IT IS THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING DEFECT. KIA SHOULD BE VERY INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT HOW OR WHY A VEHICLE WITH NO HISTORY OF ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE THIS CRITICAL PART BREAK OFF UNEXPECTEDLY! NOT GIVING THE BRUSH-OFF! I HAVE DIGITAL PHOTOS THAT I AM WILLING TO EMAIL.*AK
Nov 04, 2003
AFTER GETTING STUCK IN SNOW FOUND THAT 4 WHEEL DRIVE WASN'T ENGAGING - MECHANIC SAID DUE TO SOMEONE OVER PACKING COMPONENTS WITH GREASE AND A PART PUT IN BACKWARDS THERE WAS NO WAY THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS ENGAGING. SO ESSENTIALLY WE HAVEN'T HAD 4 WHEEL DRIVE SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE IN 2000. AFTER THE PART WAS INSTALLED PROPERLY 4WD WAS ENGAGING. MAY 16TH BROUGHT IN VEHICLE DUE TO GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT WHEEL HUB. MECHANIC FOUND 4WD HUB RUST FILLED AND BAD, BEARINGS ALL RUSTED OUT, VACUUM HOSES TO THE BACK OF THE SPINDLE BROKEN BOTH SIDES. BOTH FRONT WHEELS HAD SAME PROBLEM. IN CHECKING YOUR COMPLAINTS ON FILE THERE ARE MANY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, SAME YEAR AND VEHICLE. *JB
May 19, 2003
THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE DID NOT HOLD WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN. *JB
Feb 10, 2003
+ 37 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
26 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE HOLD BUTTON ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT WHERE AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V325000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING) BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM IF HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,835.
Jul 14, 2010
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED,IT STALLED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAVE BASICALLY HAD THE ENTIRE MOTOR REPLACED.I WENT TO TEST DRIVE AND IT DONE THE SAME THING. IT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I SEARCHED FOR RECALLS AND CAME UP WITH ONE IN THE C123 AND C124 WIRE HARNESS. I BELIEVE THIS WAS THE PROBLEM FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. *TR
Nov 11, 2009
I DROVE OUR SUV ABOUT 2 MILES PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. I NOTICED THE CLOCK,RADIO, DOOR LOCKS, AND PASSENGER WINDOW WERE NOT WORKING. I DROVE THE CAR THE NEXT DAY FOR A SHORT DISTANCE TO WORK. THAN CALLED KIA TALKED TO A JANSON COOK WHO CHECKED MY VEHICLE FOR RECALL ON THIS WIRING. HE SAID MY SPORTAGE WAS NOT ON FILE FOR THE VIN# AND WOULD NOT BE FIXED UNDER THE RECALL. I CHECKED THE INTERNET AND THE 1998 SPORTAGES HAD A RECALL FOR A C123 AND C124 CABLE WHICH BECAME LOOSE AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH OR US OF MY SUV. I THAN CALLED THE NHTSA AND TALKED TO KIM SHE SAID FILE A COMPLAINT. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE FOR LONG DISTANCES MORE THE 5 MILES WITHOUT SOMETHING HAPPENING TO CAUSE ME OR SOMEONE ELSE INJURY. THE RECALL NOTICE IS 99V325000 THIS TO FIX THE LOOSE WIRING THAT CAN CAUSE SUV TO STOP COMPLETELY CAUSING INJURY OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *NM
Aug 16, 2005
OWNER SAYS THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH DAMAGED THE WIRE HARNESS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
May 27, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER . DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE FOUR TIMES, AND STILL PROBLEM RECURRING. *AK
Jun 11, 2003
+ 21 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
17 complaints
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR SPARE TIRE RELEASE CABLE IS BROKEN.*JB
Sep 06, 2001
THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS INOPERABLE, DEALER REPLACED THE A/C COMPRESSOR BELT WHICH CAME OFF.*JB
Sep 06, 2001
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR SPARE TIRE RELEASE CABLE IS BROKEN.*JB
Sep 06, 2001
THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS INOPERABLE, DEALER REPLACED THE A/C COMPRESSOR BELT WHICH CAME OFF.*JB
Sep 06, 2001
SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY IS RUSTING - REPAINTED- HOWEVER IT IS RUSTING AGAIN ON 4/13/01. *AK
Apr 14, 2001
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
16 complaints
EXTREME CORROSION AT REAR OF FRAME WHERE AXLE IS SUPPORTED READY TO COLLAPSE AND WILL REQUIRE REMEDIATION TO PREVENT FRAME FAILURE. *TR
May 13, 2013
PAINT CHIPPING OFF TRIM OF SPORTAGE. *AK
Sep 05, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS, DEALER REPLACED THE WEATHER STRIP.*JB
Sep 06, 2001
CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS, DEALER REPLACED THE WEATHER STRIP.*JB
Sep 06, 2001
CENTER CONSOL LID BROKE UNABLE TO OPEN- REPLACED WITH NEW ONE. *AK
Apr 14, 2001
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
16 complaints
WHILE DRIVING SPRING FROM THE LEFT REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL CAME OFF. VEHICLE WAS TOWED.*AK
Sep 17, 2004
THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AT HIGH SPEEDS, AND WHEN IN IDLE OR DRIVE.*AK *JB
Mar 03, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT FRONT BEARING SEIZED TO THE HUB. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED KIA WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR WHEEL BEARINGS AND/OR SPINDLE. *MR *NLM
Nov 13, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING SNAPPED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. NLM
Apr 19, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS DUE TO WHEEL BEARINGS HAD WORN.*JB
Nov 11, 2001
+ 11 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
15 complaints
DUE TO A DEFECT THE HEATER VENTS BLOW EXTREMELY HOT AIR THAT SMOKE COME THOUGH THE VENTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Dec 30, 2002
ALL THREE, 2 FRONTAL AND 1 REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE RUSTING WITH ONLY 31,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *NOTE: THIS WAS JUST REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP ON APRIL 16, 2001.*AK
Apr 24, 2001
PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR UNABLE TO ADJUST- BROKEN INSIDE, NEED TO REPLACE- PARTS ON BACK ORDER. *AK
Apr 14, 2001
DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WOULD STOP HALF WAY- THEY LUBRICATED WINDOW. *AK
Apr 14, 2001
VEHICLE HAS AIR LEAKAGE THROUGH WINDSHIELD AND WHEN ON HIGHWAY SPEED IN ROCKS. DEFROST DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY A FAN IS ALWAYS RUNNING WITH EITHER HOT/COLD. THE SEAT BELT LOCKS ON YOU AT ANY TIME. THE BREAKS MAKE A GRINDING NOISE.
Nov 17, 2000
+ 10 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
13 complaints
FUEL TANK IS LEAKING, WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, KIA WILL ONLY REPLACE TANK IF THE LEAK IS ON THE VERY BOTTOM OF TANK. THEY ARE SAYING MINE IS LEAKING AT THE SEAM. I VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM NO MATTER WHERE THE TANK IS LEAKING. I ONLY HOPE NOONE HAS A FIRE BECAUSE OF IT. I HAVE TO PAY THE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE BILL. I WAS TOLD NOT ONLY DO I NEED THE TANK I WILL NEED THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY ALSO AND POSSIBLY MORE PARTS. THE TOTAL APPROXIMATELY $1000.00 TO HAVE INSTALLED. THIS IS BS AN OUTRAGE. HAD I KNOWN THE PROBLEM WITH THE KIA'S I WOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED IT. *TR
Oct 13, 2011
I NOTICED A SMELL GAS NEAR THE PASSENGER DOOR AT THE REAR OF THE CAR. I LOOK UNDERNEATH AND THERE WAS A LEAK OF GAS UNDERNEATH. MY MECHANIC HAS REPLACED SOMETHING UNDER IT 2 X AND IT IS LEAKING AGAIN. *NM
Jan 17, 2007
THE GAS TANK ON MY 1998 KIA SPORTAGE IS SERIOUSLY CORRODING. MY LOCAL GARAGE MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS CONDITION AS IT COULD START LEAKING OR BREAK LOOSE FROM THE CAR. AS I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A NHTSA INVESTIGATION (EA06007) CURRENTLY BEING CONDUCTED. PLEASE INCLUDE ME INTO THE INVESTIGATION SO THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN BE REMEDIED. *JB
Nov 14, 2006
STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN AND AROUND THE CAR INDICATED A FUEL LEAK. WHEN INVESTIGATED THE LEAK WAS FOUND COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK UNDERNEATH THE CENTER PART OF THE VEHICLE. APPEARS TO BE DUE TO CORROSION OF THE TANK. WE ARE STILL CHECKING ON REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS FOR REPLACEMENT AND ARE NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *NM
Jun 20, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST INDICATED IT WAS THE MAXIMUM AIRFLOW UNIT. THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE EXACT PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 12/7/2005. *NM
Dec 07, 2005
+ 8 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11 complaints
CONSUMER HAS A CONCERN THAT THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WOULD NOT REGISTER THE PROPER SPEED. THE NEEDLE WOULD MOVE BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JP
Sep 16, 2004
I AM SO DISSATISIFIED WITH KIA. I HAVE 30226 MILES ON MY CAR, AND I'M ALREADY HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS. I JUST GOT DONE PAYING $200.86 FOR AIRPLUGS AND AIRFILTER TO BE REMOVED. WELL, THAT DIDN'T HELP THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE NOW. WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN PARK MY RPM REVS UP TO 5 AND WHEN I'M DRIVING THE CAR SHIFTS REALLY BAD AND THE RPM GOES TO 4. KIA SAYS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE SPARK PLUGS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. WHICH I TOLD THE OWNER OF KIA THAT IT WASN'T. BUT NO THEY DISAGREED! I HAVE TRIED ON 3 OCCASION TO GET RID OF MY CAR, BUT EVERYTIME I TRY I GET TOLD THAT I STILL OWE TO MUCH ON MY KIA. I HAVE HAD TIMES WHEN I'M STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND MY CAR DIES. WHAT THE HELL, 30,226 IT SHOULDN'T BE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS. I AM COMING SO CLOSE TO GIVE THE KEYS RIGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LET THEM DEAL WITH IT. I'M TIRED OF DRIVING AROUND IN A UNSAFE CAR. KIA SHOULD TAKE EVERY SINGLE ON OF THOSE CARS BACK AND GIVE US OUR MONEY BACK. EVEN A GUY THAT WORKED AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME, THAT I MADE A BAD DECISION ON BUYING A KIA. THAT IS PRETTY SAD!*AK
Oct 31, 2001
FINAL CONTINUATION 5...THE FENDER. THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER 3 DAYS WHILE THEY KNOCKED OUT THE DENT AND REPAINTED THE FENDER. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE BACK FOR A MONTH NOW AND EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING ALL OVER AGAIN. I AM NOW AT 35,150 MILES AND FEAR THAT I WILL HAVE TO INCUR ALL OF THESE CHARGES FOR THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE NOW BACK AND DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS RIGHT. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS STARTED HAPPENING 2 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED IN THE 19 MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. I KNOW THAT YOU RECEIVE SEVERAL OF THESE TYPES OF COMPLAINTS FROM THE AUTOMOTIVE WORLD AS WELL AS OTHER FIELDS BUT I THINK THAT IF ENOUGH PEOPLE CAME OUT AND SPOKE ABOUT WHAT PROBLEMS THEY ARE HAVING WITH THERE VEHICLES, MAYBE SOMETHING WILL BE DONE ABOUT IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Sep 23, 2001
VEHICLE HESITATES IN ACCELERATION ONCE CONSUMER LIFTS OFF THE GAS. ENGINE VIBRATES HARD AND WILL SHUT OFF IF NOT ACCELERATING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES TO REPLACE MASTER AIR FLOW. PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE A/C IS ON AND OFF.*AK
Jun 27, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, MY CAR ACCELERATED ITSELF TO 85 MPH AND THEN BECAME STUCK. WHEN SHIFTED INTO NUETRAL, THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO INCREASE TO THE TOP OF THE SCALE. THE ONLY WAY WE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WAS BY USING BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW IT ENOUGH IN 5TH GEAR TO CAUSE A STALL. KIA AND MY DEALERSHIP ARE BEING NO HELP, SAYING THAT "THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM." ON THIS WEBSITE, I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE.
Aug 31, 2000
+ 6 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaints
RIGHT REAR FRAME RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY STABLIZER RUSTED OFF FRAME
Apr 24, 2017
MY STEERING COLUMN DOESN'T LOCK WHEN I TURN OFF THE ENGINE. IT HAS ALSO STARTED FAILING TO START BUT WHEN WE JUMPSTART IT IT RESPONDS IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE LEARNED; THAT SOMETIMES IF I ROCK IT OR PUSH IT A FEW FEET IT WILL START RIGHT UP TOO. IT ACTS ALMOST LIKE A VAPOR LOCK BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS WARM AND JUST DOESN'T START AFTER HAVING SET FOR AN HOUR. ALMOST LIKE A SHORT OR DISCONNECT. ADDITIONALLY THE BLOWER MOTOR SEEMS TO HAVE DIED TOO. HEAT/AC WORKS, JUST DOESN'T DISTRIBUTE. I'M WONDERING IF THERE'S A RECALL ON EITHER OF THESE SINCE THEY SEEM TO BE ELECTRICAL OR WIRING HARNESS ISSUES.
Oct 10, 2015
SWAY BAR HAD BROKEN OFF FROM HALF OF THE FRAME.IT WAS FOUND THE FRAME HAS ROTTED MOST OF THE WAY THROUGH IN THE BACKEND OF VEHICLE ON BOTH SIDES. I WAS TOLD THE BACK END COULD BREAK OFF FROM VEHICLE AT ANY MOMENT.
Apr 03, 2010
I HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE 3 MOST RECENT RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH GIVES ME GREAT CONCERN IN REGARDS TO MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER'S SAFETY. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO DO NEXT TO FIX THIS. *JB
Apr 27, 2006
ON GOING PROBLEM WITH A "CHECK LIGHT" WITH THE 1998 SPORTAGE KIA. WENT TO MECHANICS AT PONTIAC AND MARTIN MAZDA (WHEN THEY TOOK OVER) AND ALL THEY DID WAS UNPLUG THE BATTERY AND PUT IT BACK IN AGAIN. THE CHECK LIGHT COME BACK ON A DAY OR TWO LATER. THEY NEVER FIX THE PROBLEM. MY FEELING IS THERE WAS A CONSPIRACY BY MARTIN MAZDA AND NUCAR PONTIAC TO DELAY ACTUALLY FIXING THE PROBLEM. BEING THAT MY CAR WAS REGISTERED FOR THREE YEARS, THE STATE OF DELAWARE WOULDN'T CATCH IT ON THE INSPECTION REPORT. I WENT FOR INSPECTION AND IT FAILED BECAUSE THE "CHECK LIGHT" WAS ON AND IT PRODUCED CERTAIN CODES.
Jan 27, 2003
+ 3 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
8 complaints
AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE FAILURE.*AK
Apr 19, 2005
HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A DEER, HAD DAMAGE TO FRONT GRILL, THE HOOD SHIFTED WITH BIG DENTS FROM THE DEER, THE DEER HIT THE WINDSHIELD (60%) WAS GONE AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE RIPPED OFF. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30-35 MILES AND NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF. *TT
May 31, 2003
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 40 MPH WITH A LIGHT POLE AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK MANUFACTURER HAD NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *YH
Mar 06, 2002
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WAS GOING SOUTH BOUND. SHE SAW A TRUCK THAT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT TURN. WENT ONTO THE SHOULDERS WITH DIRT KICKING UP. GRAVEL WENT INTO CONSUMER VEHICLE TIRES, AND GRAVEL PULLED VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. SHE HIT A FENCE AND A LIGHT POLE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
May 16, 2001
AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING, DEALER REPLACED AIR BAG. *SLC
Oct 22, 2000
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
6 complaints
I CANNOT FASTEN MY SEATBELT BECAUSE IT WILL NOT EXTEND. I WENT TO POWER KIA IN SALEM, OR AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT UNLESS I PAY FOR REPAIRS. SEEING HOW THIS IS A PRODUCT DEFECT CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE, I FEEL THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE IT IS THE LAW TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELTS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR
Jun 28, 2013
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH DOES NOT HOLD, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO POP OPEN WHILE DRIVING. *SCC ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****743827
Apr 10, 2001
SEAT BELTS WERE CUT OUT OF CAR BY DEALER. *AK
Mar 07, 2000
WHEN CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR CRASH SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CAME UNHOOKED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER INFORMAITON. *AK
Feb 07, 2000
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UPON IMPACT IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Sep 28, 1999
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaints
SAFETY RECALL. *JB
Nov 17, 2006
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON AND FLUTTERING WHEN STARTING- DICOVERED O2 SENSOR WAS BAD- REPLACED
Apr 14, 2001
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, AND THE ENGINE WASN'T RUNNING PROPERLY. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER'S SHOP FOR REPAIRS SEVEN OR EIGHT TIMS, AND DEALER STILL CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
Aug 06, 1999
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND STARTING AGAIN THE ENGINE CUTS OFF. SOMETIMES WHEN GAS IS APPLIED VEHICLE HAS A DELAYED START. ALSO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 22, 1999
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE VALVES . ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM 4 TIMES.
Nov 12, 1998
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING
5 complaints
AFTER TURNING A CORNER AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE WHEEL WAS SLIPPING. AFTER GOING INTO A STORE AND COMING BACK OUT, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL BECAME DISCONNECTED. DEALER EXAMINED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. *AK THE LEFT FRONT ROD WAS REPLACED. *SC *JB
Jun 24, 2004
ALARM SYSTEM EXPERIENCED FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO START. *SLC
Oct 22, 2000
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, AND CONSUMER COULD NOT TURN OR DRIVE. DEALER/MANUFACTURER CONTACTED. *AK *ML
Jun 16, 2000
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE MAKING A 60 - 90 DEGREE TURN. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. *AK
Apr 28, 2000
POWER STEERING CASING CRACKED AND FLUID LEAKED OUT.
Nov 05, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
4 complaints
I OWN A 1998 KIA SPORTAGE 4WD. I HAVE ACCESS TO ALLDATA.COM. I HAVE RECENTLY PERFORMED SOME ENGINE WORK TO MY VEHICLE AND CAME ACROSS A RECALL THAT CAUSED ME SOME CONCERN. NUMBER: KT2006050901 IS LISTED AS A POSSIBLE CONCERN FOR "CERTAIN 1996 - 2002 SPORTAGE MODELS."I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT MAKES A PARTICULAR VEHICLE ONE THAT IS MARKED "FOR CONCERN." THE RECALL STATES THE EXACT ISSUE THAT I AM FACING WITH MY VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION IS BEING EXHIBITED AT THIS TIME. THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP HAS INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ONE THAT I STO BE SERVICED UNDER THIS RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS EXHIBITING WHAT THE RECALL INFORMATION OUTLINES. WHY, WOULD YOU PLEASE, IS MY VEHICLE NOT ONE THAT SHOULD BE A CANDIDATE FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL? I HAVE A LEAK FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. A DEALERSHIP IN NASHVILLE SAYS THAT FROM ALL THAT THEY UNDERSTAND, MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INSPECTED/REPAIRED FOR THIS RECALL CONCERN. *TR
Jul 22, 2007
GAS PUMP DOOR, INSIDE CAR RELEASE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. MAJOR PAIN WHEN TRYING TO GET GAS. HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM. *LA
Dec 10, 2003
ON 2-1-99 REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE SURGE TANK ASSEMBLY, AIR INTAKE PIPE AND WIRING DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING. HOWEVER, ON 9-1-99 VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN CAUSING LOST OF STEERING POWER WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ON 10-11-99 THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. PRIOR REPLACEMENTS WERE NOT THE CAUSE OF STALLING. *YC
Oct 18, 1999
FUEL LINE CAME LOOSE CAUSING GAS TO LEAK OUT.
Aug 10, 1998
TIRES
4 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TIRE FAILED DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER IS KUMHO. THE SIZE OF THE TIRE IS: 20575R15. *AK UPDATED 05/03/06
Apr 07, 2006
TIRE HAD LESS THAN 40% WEAR AND ARE BLOWING OUT AT 70 MPH. 3 OUT OF 4 HAVE BLOWN OUT. DT
Nov 09, 2002
TIRES ARE WEARING LOW- WAS TOLD TO REPLACE AT 22,000 MILES WILL NEED TO REPLACE- WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THEN FOR THEY ARE NOT WORN DOWN ENOUGH. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 5MUL TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)
Apr 14, 2001
SPARE TIRE RELEASE CABLE RUSTED CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING. *MJS
Mar 23, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
CONTINUATION PART 4...ON AS THEY USUALLY DID WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER 2 DAYS LATER AND FOUND THAT THE TECHNICIAN OR "SOMEONE" DISCONNECTED MY INSTRUMENT PANEL IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE ENGINE LIGHT FROM COMING ON AND ME COMING BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER 2 DAYS AND SO-CALLED FIXED THE PROBLEM. AS YOU KNOW BY NOW, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. BY THIS TIME, I HAD FILED WITH BBB AND BEGGED KIA TO TAKE THIS PROBLEM BACK. AT AN ARBITRATION HEARING, THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE DOWNPLAYED ALL OF MY RETURN TRIPS TO THE DEALER BY STATING THAT THE DEALER DID NOT REPORT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS TO THEM AND THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF WHAT WAS GOING ON. ALL OF THAT WAS A LIE SINCE KIA WAS NOTIFIED BY CERTIFIED LETTER OF THE PROBLEMS AND RETURN TRIPS. WELL, THE ARBITRATOR SIDED WITH KIA AND STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE PRESUMABLY MET THE CRITERIA FOR LEMON LAW, SHE FELT THAT THE DEALER SHOULD GET ONE MORE CHANCE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. SINCE I DID NOT LIKE THE ARBITRATORS DECISION, I UTILIZED ONE OF THE OTHER OPTIONS SHE OFFERED AND ACTED AS IF THE HEARING NEVER HAPPENED. I DROVE WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS UNTIL THINGS GOT WORSE. THE REAR END STARTED JINGLING LOUDER THAN EVER, THE FRONT END WAS GRINDING LIKE NEVER BEFORE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JUST TAKE OFF ON IT'S OWN, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD BECOME STUCK IN ONE GEAR OR ANOTHER WITHOUT SHIFTING, THE WINDOWS WERE SLOW AGAIN, AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING LIKE A LEAF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY KEPT IT FOR ANOTHER 7 CONSECUTIVE DAYS AND WHEN I PICKED MY VEHICLE UP, THERE WAS A HIDEOUS DENT AND SCRATCH ON MY RIGHT FRONT FENDER AS IF A CINDER BLOCK HAD FELL ON IT. THE DEALER TRIED TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE TO ME THAT WAY BUT I REFUSED. THE KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER 3 DAYS WHILE THEY KNOCKED OUT THE DENT AND REPAINTED THE FENDER. THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER 3 DAYS WHILE THEY KNOCKED OUT THE DENT AND REPAINTED THE.
Sep 23, 2001
WHILE PERIODICALLY DRIVING 5MPH OR LESS VEHICLE WOULD AUTOMATICALLY SHUTOFF. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON FIRST, THAN IT SHUTOFF. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND CAUSE OR REMEDY. SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT, VEHICLE HAS SHUTDOWN 5 MORE TIMES. *AK
Sep 28, 2000
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT. SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, DEALER CONTACTED, AND ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO FAULTY WIRING, UNDER WARRANY, REPAIR WORK DONE. *AK
Oct 16, 1998
THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T GO OFF. WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF CAN SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. DEALER CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 16, 1998
WHEELS
4 complaints
WHEEL ASSEMBLY BECOMES "LOOSE" AND REQUIRES ROUTINE TIGHTENING BY DEALER. LOOSE WHEEL CAUSES SAFETY HAZARD & POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL AS WELL AS NEEDLESS DAMAGE TO REMAINING HUB ASSEMBLY AND DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS TOTALING AS MUCH AS $3,500 PER INCIDENT TO REPAIR.*AK
Jul 17, 2001
HUBS RECALL BY MANUFACTURE- DONE. *AK
Apr 14, 2001
WHILE THE VEHCLE WAS DRIVEN BY A SERVICE PERSON FROM THE DEALERSHIP, FRONT RIGHT WHEEL FROZE UP. THE WHEEL HUB WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP WITH ONE FROM A PREVIOUS MODEL. THE OWNER BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A NOISE THAT WAS HEARD WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY OTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jul 06, 1999
VEHICLE IS SOLD AS SUTOMATIC FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, ENCOURAGING DRIVERS TO DRIVE IN HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. WHEN I REALIZED THAT INDEED I DID NOT HAVE AUTOMATICE FOUR WHEEL, (RESULTING FROM GOING OFF THE ROAD AND GETTING STUCK IN SNOW BANK) THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THIS VEHICLE. I WAS GIVEN MANUAL HUBS AS A "FIX". MY PROBLEM IS THAT 1) THIS IS NOT WHAT I BOUGHT. 2) THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF THE MANUFACTURER NOT NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THE PROBLEM. 3) SAFETY ISSUES WITH HAVING TO DISMOUNT VEHICLE IN BAD WEATHER TO CHANGE HUBS.
Mar 16, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaints
DEAD BATTERY NEEDEDS JUMPED TWICE -REPLACED ON PRORATED WARRANTY: TEMPERATURE GUAGE WOULD GO TO COLD - SHOP FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *AK
Apr 14, 2001
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ENGINE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AND FLUID LEAKAGE PROBLEMS, CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS RELATED TO RECALL 99V325, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND THE DEALERSHIP NEVER STATED ANYTHING REGARDING THE RECALLS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE RECALL REPAIR BE COMPLETED, HOWEVER DEALER IS STATING THAT THE WARRANTY IS OVER AND NO RECALL REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED. *SLC
Feb 07, 2001
CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER TWICE AND ENGINE REPLACED ONCE, BUT DEFECT KEEPS OCCURRING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 24, 2000
ENGINE IDLES TOO HIGH, CORRECTION OF WIRING HARNESS TO THROTTLE POSITION DID NOT RECTIFY HIGH IDLE.
Oct 20, 1998
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
3 complaints
DRIVING UPHILL IN ONE INCH OF SNOW THE AXEL HUBS ON THE FRONT OF VEHICLE DID NOT ENGAGE CAUSING THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE STEERING, SLIDING SIDEWAYS AND BACKWARDS TO A STOP. THE PARTS REPLACED WERE AS FOLLOWS: AXEL HUB SEALS, AXEL BEARINGS, UPPER BALL JOINT, VACUUM LINE AND REALIGNMENT OF FRONT END.*AK
Dec 26, 2004
CONSUMER HAD RECALL FOR THE REAR AXLE AND BEARINGS REMEDIED IN 08/99. ACCORDING TO DEALER'S DIAGNOSTIC, THE COMPONENTS HAVE FAILED AGAIN ,AND COULD CAUSE WHEELS TO BECOME DETACHED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.*AK
Jul 11, 2003
THE 4- WHEEL DRIVE FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. VEHICLE ALSO MAKES HIDEOUS NOISES & THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VERY BADLY. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. NOISES AND VIBRATIONS ARE GETTING WORSE. *AK
Jun 18, 1999
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
1998 KIA SPORTAGE- TAIL GATE CABLE IS FREEZING UP, CALLED KIA WHICH HAS A RECALL ON THIS PART BUT NO ON MY VIN. HAVING A PROBLEM OPENING TAIL GATE. *LA
Dec 10, 2003
THE DOOR LOCKS, UNLOCKED AND LOCKED ON THEIR OWN.*JB
Feb 20, 2003
IF DOOR LATCHES ARE NOT ACTIVATED WITH KEY, CONSUMER CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK THE LATCHES MANUALLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
Feb 08, 1999
STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
DRIVER AND PASSENGER SCALDED WITH BOILING RADIATOR FLUID WITH FOOT ON PEDAL, HAD TO KEEP FOOT ON PETAL TO GET OFF ROAD ON MAY 30, 2013, AT APPROX. 4:30 PM EDT, I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 KIA SPORTAGE ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY NORTH, JUST AFTER ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AT EXIT 98 IN WALL, NJ. THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD NOT BEEN WORKING WELL. THE LOCAL TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE HIGH 90S, NEAR 100 DEGREES. I HAD A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SUDDENLY, ANTI-FREEZE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE DASHBOARD VENTS, THEN, HOT SCALDING ANTI-FREEZE BEGAN FALLING ON MY RIGHT FOOT AS IT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AT THE SAME TIME, THE FRONT-SEAT PASSENGER WAS ALSO GETTING SCALDED. IN MY CASE, I SUSTAINED A 1ST TO 2ND DEGREE BURN ON MY RIGHT SMALL (PINKY) TOE, WHICH WAS BLISTERED. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF AT THE MONMOUTH SERVICE AREA AT MILEPOST 100 IN WALL, NJ. MY VIEW IS THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE CAUSED BY DESIGN OVERSIGHT, NOT MERELY A MAINTENANCE ISSUE ON A OLD CAR. FOR EXAMPLE, IF A HEATER CORE BREAKS AND DOES NOT HEAT, THAT IS A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IF IT BREAKS AND AN UNEXPECTED DRIVER GETS HURT, AND COMPOUNDED, LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND MOREOVER, HAS TO PUT HIS FOOT BACK ONTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO CONTROL THE CAR IN A HOT-LIQUID STREAM, THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY CONDITION DUE TO FAILURE TO SAFELY CONTAIN HOT LIQUIDS. *TR
May 31, 2013
THIS IS A REPEAT OF CONFIRMATION NO. 10514519, BUT WITH "WAS THERE AN INJURY OR FATALITY? MARKED "YES" ABOVE. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SCALDED WITH BOILING RADIATOR FLUID WITH FOOT ON PEDAL, HAD TO KEEP FOOT ON PETAL TO GET OFF ROAD. ON MAY 30, 2013, AT APPROX. 4:30PM EDT, I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 KIA SPORTAGE ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY NORTH, JUST AFTER ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AT EXIT 98 IN WALL, NJ. THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD NOT BEEN WORKING WELL. THE LOCAL TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE HIGH 90S, NEAR 100 DEGREES. I HAD A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SUDDENLY, ANTI-FREEZE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE DASHBOARD VENTS, THEN, HOT SCALDING ANTI-FREEZE BEGAN FALLING ON MY RIGHT FOOT AS IT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AT THE SAME TIME, THE FRONT-SEAT PASSENGER WAS ALSO GETTING SCALDED. IN MY CASE, I SUSTAINED A 1ST TO 2ND DEGREE BURN ON MY RIGHT SMALL (PINKY) TOE, WHICH WAS BLISTERED. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF AT THE MONMOUTH SERVICE AREA AT MILEPOST 100 OF THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN WALL, NJ. MY VIEW IS THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE CAUSED BY DESIGN OVERSIGHT, NOT MERELY A MAINTENANCE ISSUE ON A OLD CAR. FOR EXAMPLE, IF A HEATER CORE BREAKS AND DOES NOT HEAT, THAT IS A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IF IT BREAKS AND AN UNEXPECTED DRIVER GETS HURT, AND COMPOUNDED, LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND MOREOVER, HAS TO PUT HIS FOOT BACK ONTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO CONTROL THE CAR IN A HOT-LIQUID STREAM, THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY CONDITION DUE TO FAILURE TO SAFELY CONTAIN HOT LIQUIDS. *TR
May 31, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE DID WORK AND REAR THE BRAKES WERE NOT IN LINE. *JB
Apr 01, 2003
WHEEL BEARING AND HUBS CRACKED, CAUSING THE METAL TO GRIND WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN. ALSO WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSE UNKNOWN. WAS ADVISED BY MIDAS NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE- WHEELE COULD COME OFF. *AK
May 18, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE INTO PARK AND THEN PUTTING UP HAND BRAKE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE, AND RAN THROUGH GARAGE INTO THE BASEMENT.*AK
May 24, 2002
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES FRONT END WILL SHAKE/VIBRATE, RESULTING IN POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. 2. VEHICLE WILL ACCELRATE BY ITSELF WITHOUT APPLYING ACCELERATOR. IN BOTH CASES, DEALER CLAIMS THAT IT IS NORMAL OPERATION. DEFECTS ARE INTERMITTENT. *AK
Sep 03, 1999
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
THE REAR LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALSO THERE IS EXTREME WIND NOISE IN COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR.*JB
Nov 11, 2001
THE REAR LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALSO THERE IS EXTREME WIND NOISE IN COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR.*JB
Nov 11, 2001
TIRES,WHEELS
2 complaints
TWO WHEELS OUT OF BALANCE, DEALER ALSO NOTICED WEAR PATTERN ON TIRES, POSSIBLY RELATED TO WHEELS BEING OUT OF BALANCE, NO TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. *SLC
Sep 06, 2001
TWO WHEELS OUT OF BALANCE, DEALER ALSO NOTICED WEAR PATTERN ON TIRES, POSSIBLY RELATED TO WHEELS BEING OUT OF BALANCE, NO TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. *SLC
Sep 06, 2001
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
CONDENSATION IN LEFT HEADLIGHT- THEY CLEANED OUT VENT HOLE- SAME PROBLEM ON1/1/98 , HOWEVER LIGHT WAS REPLACED THEN. *AK
Apr 14, 2001
INSTRUMENT LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP DUE TO FUSE PROBLEMS. THERE MAY BE A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. BURNING SMELL WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT.
Nov 27, 1998
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
I AM A KIA TECH IN CT . THE 1998 AND 1999 SPORTAGE WAS RECALLED TO HAVE THE STEERING KNUCLES REPLACED.THE FOUR WHEELDRIVE VACUM HUBS WOULD SUCK WATER AND DIRT INTO THE WHEELBEARINGS CAUSING THEM TO FAIL.IN SOME CASES I HAVE SEEN THE BEARINGS WERE SO LOOSE THE VEHICLES WOULD LOSE THERE BRAKES. THE RECALL KITS WE HAVE INSTALLED ARE NOW FAILING IN GREAT NUMBERS AND ARE NOT JUST 98 AND 99 VEHICLS BUT 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES.ALL OF THESE MODEL YEAR VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT.*AK
Mar 20, 2001
I FEEL THAT THE KIA SPORTAGE IS A POORLY MADE VEHCLE AND SHOULD BE BOUGHT BACK FROM ALL OWNERS.
Mar 12, 1999
SEATS
2 complaints
WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED DRIVER'S SEAT SEPARATED FROM THE ANCHORAGE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. *AK
May 11, 2000
SEAT MATERIAL DEFECTIVE, TWO REPAIR ATTEMPTS.
Feb 23, 1999
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 complaints
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND TAKES AWHILE TO STOP. DEALER SAYS VEHICLE NEEDS ALL NEW BRAKES AFTER ONLY 7,000 MILES. ALSO, 4 WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK AND THE CAR IS SHAKY WHEN DRIVEN. *AK *ML
Jan 12, 1999
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE BRAKES WERE SOFT AND THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP. CONSUMER COULD NOT MAKE U-TURN OR A RIGHT TURN. ALSO, THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING BECAUSE CONSUMER CAN'T TURN TO THE RIGHT. *AK
Dec 24, 1998
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
REAR FRAME RUST/ROT IS INCREDIBLY EXCESSIVE. NOTICED TODAY WHILE CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE. ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. REAR CROSS MEMBER IN TERRIBLE SHAPE. VISIBLE DETERIORATION HAPPENED QUICKLY. PURCHASING THE CAR IN 2012 THERE WAS NO SIGN OF ROT ON THE FRAME. NOW I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE CAR, OR SELLING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER. AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, THE INTEGRITY OF THE SQUARE TUBE FRAME IS COMPROMISED TO THE POINT THAT SAFETY IN A REAR END COLLISION IS IN QUESTION, ANY KIND OF TRAILER LOAD WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE AND UNSAFE. REALLY A DANGER TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC BECAUSE IT COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME. *TR
Aug 14, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
1998 KIA SPORTAGE A RECALL ABOUT THE WIRING HAS BEEN REPORTED I [XXX] HAS BEEN SUFFERING FOR TRANSPORTATION DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION JUST NEED JUSTIFICATION A.S.A.P MY MAILING ADDRESS IS [XXX] MY PH. IS [XXX] ALSO [XXX]. THANK YOU AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 23, 2011
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH HORN, STEERING WHEEL AND AIR CONDITIONER ON 1998 KIA SPORTAGE.*MR THE VEHICLE DASH LIGHTS ALSO FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. *NM
Aug 20, 2004
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES A THUMPING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL.CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED WHEEL BEARING. *AK
Mar 22, 2004
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAD FOUR RECALLS AND AIRBAG LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. RECALLS WERE ON BRAKE HOSES, FRONT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL WIRING AND MISSING LABEL. *LA WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE HAD FAILED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE COILS WERE CRACKED. TRANSMISSION LINE WAS LEAKING. *NM
Dec 12, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
CONTINUAL FAILURE OF BATTERY , REPLACED 5 TIMES AND REPLACED ALTERNATOR BUT CONTIUES TO HAVE BATTERY FAILURE ALSO WINDOWS AND DOOR LCKS GO ON AND OFF BY THEMSELVES.*AK
Jul 19, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE KIA WHEN REPORTING PROBLEMS STATED THEY SAID CONTACT DEALER BUT NEVER ASSIST ME WITH WORKING WITH DEALER. ONCE THEY SELL ME THE VEHICLE ITS MY PROBLEM AND WORK IT OUT WITH DEALER. I FEEL WHEN THE AXLE CRACKS ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT AND BRAKES FAIL. ALSO SENSORS FAIL CAUSING LOST OF POWER WOULD THIS NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUES AND BE OF A BIG CONCERN TO KIA. DT
Nov 06, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,TIRES
1 complaint
RECALL 99V325000 CONCERNING STALLING. VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT INTERFERED WITH PERFORMANCE. VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND REPAIRS DONE, BUT SYMPTOMS RETURNED. MANUFACTURER CLAIMED NO RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE CONSUMER WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *AK CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED, SMOKED AND WAS OVERHEATING. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. IGNITION COILS CRACKED AND WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. FRONT LEFT TURN SIGNAL CLIPS BROKE. OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED. RIGHT FRONT DOOR LOCK FELL OFF. VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL PARTS ON RECALL BEFORE THE CONSUMER PURCHASED IT AND THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THOSE RECALLED PARTS WERE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. *YH
Sep 16, 2002
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING, 4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL KICK IN INTERMITTENTLY ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, CANNOT FIND CAUSE. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THE CATALYST HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS AN OIL LEAK AND FRONT END WAS SERVICED 3 TIMES. *TT
May 24, 2002
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
FIRST TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK WAS BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND I HAD A OIL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE. CAR STARTED TO SHAKE EVEN AFTER IT WAS HOT AND MADE A WEIRD NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE MOTOR RR WINDOW WAS NOT WORKING AND THE BRAKES WERE MAKING SOME WEIRD NOISE. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER TO FIX AND HE SENT IT TO KIA FOR REPAIR, THE KIA CREW FOUND THE FRONT CALIPER FROZEN, BUT THE CUSTOMER DENIED TO FIX IT. SO I BROUGHT IT TO A SPECIALIST TO CHECK DOUBLE CHECK THE CAR. THEY FOUND THE FOLLOWING DEFECTS AND FOUND THE CAR UNSAFE (CALIPER RGT WORN, FROZEN, CALIPER HARDWARE WORN, WHEEL CYL RGT- NEW/KIT LEAKY, SHOE HARDWARE WORN, C.V. BOOT/JOINT RFO/RFI/LFO/LFI WORN, COIL SPRINGS FRONT BROKEN RR BROKEN, BALL JOINTS/LOWER L WORN). I SPOKE WITH THE DEALER BECAUSE I STILL HAD WARRANTY AND TOLD HIM I DIDN'T WANT THE CAR IT WAS GIVING ME HARD TIMES ALREADY AND ONLY HAVING IT AT THAT TIME FOR NOT EVEN A MONTH. AS I WOULD DRIVE I WOULD HAVE TO RELEASE THE GAS, BECAUSE IT WOULD START TO SHAKE AND FELT AS IF IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF. *JB **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****760758
Apr 16, 2002
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING A DEER APPEARED IN THE STREET. TO AVOID HIM, CONSUMER SWERVED AND HIT AN ENBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK CONSUMERS SEAT BELT POPPED CAUSING CONSUMER TO LURCH FORWARD AND AND HIT HER HEAD. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES. *JG
Mar 21, 2002
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF GEAR. THE SHIFTER JUMPS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATES. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
Feb 28, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
OXYGEN SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AFTER ROUTINE SERVICE WAS PERFORMED.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE WIPERS WERE NOT CLEARING WINDSHIELD, WINDOWS GO UP SLOWLY, 4-WHEEL DRIVE WAS INOPERATIVE,VEHICLE WAS LOOSING POWER STEERING, DEALER REPLACED THE FAN BELT,AIR CONDITION WAS INOPERATIVE,WHEEL BEARING WERE LOOSE,WEATHERSTRIP WAS REPLACED,THE ENGINE BOGGS DOWN WHILE DRIVING, FRONT BRAKES WERE NOISY.*SLC
Jan 25, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I CAN SEND YOU A EMAIL I SENT TO CHANNEL 7 OUT HERE IN DENVER COLO. NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Dec 13, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I AM REGISTERING A COMPLAINT AGAINST KIA MOTORS, INC. BECAUSE OF THE TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS I HAVE BEEN HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE. I PURCHASED A 1998 KIA SPORTAGE ON JANUARY 17, 2000 AND IT HAD ABOUT 2600 MILES ON IT. ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER AT 6683 MILES, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SINCE I WAS READY FOR AN OIL CHANGE ANYWAY, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE IS STILL NEW AND IN ITS "BREAKING-IN" STAGE, THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF IN A FEW DAYS. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE LIGHT DID GO OFF BUT THE VEHICLE JUST DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I WAS AGAIN ADVISED THE DEALER THAT IT WILL GO OFF BY ITSELF, THIS TIME I DIDN'T TAKE THEIR WORD AND INSISTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE CHECKED OUT. THE DEALER THEN FOUND THAT A SENSOR WAS OUT. THE REPLACED THE SENSOR AND THE LIGHT WENT OUT. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I ALSO RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A CATALYTIC CONVERTER CONCERN. SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR BOTH PROBLEMS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL AND BOTH WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THEY WEREN'T. THE SAME DAY I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I IMMEDIATELY MADE A U-TURN WENT BACK INTO THE SERVICE DRIVE. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE SENSOR WAS OUT AGAIN AND THE PART AS NOT IN. I WAITED FOR ABOUT 4 WEEKS UNTIL THE PART CAME IN ALL WHILE DRIVING WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR AGAIN AND OF COURSE, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. AT THIS TIME, I WAS ABOUT TO GO INSANE ABOUT THIS NAGGING PROBLEM THAT EITHER THE DEALER COULD NOT FIX OR THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE FIXED. I DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR BECAUSE I HAD JUST STARTED A NEW JOB AND COULD NOT AFFORD TO TAKE TIME OFF OF WORK TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR INCUR ANYMORE RENTAL COSTS. I THEN CHECKED THE NHTSA WEBSITE FOR RECALLS OR SER*
Sep 23, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CONTINUATION OF COMPLAINT.... I THEN CHECKED THE NHTSA WEBSITE FOR RECALLS OR SERVICE CAMPAIGNS AND FOUND 3 RECALLS THAT FIT IN MY VIN RANGE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED KIA'S 800 NUMBER AND ASKED IF MY VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND WAS PROMPTLY TOLD NO. I BELIEVED THIS RESPONSE SINCE IT WAS COMING DIRECTLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND NOT THE DEALER. ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER, I RECEIVED A DISTURBING CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE FROM KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS TELLING ME TO IMMEDIATELY STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE SAME 3 RECALLS I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND CALLED TO INQUIRE ABOUT INCLUDED MY VEHICLE. THE RECALLS WERE: BRAKE LINE RECALL-THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING CAN CONTACT A HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPE CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. ELECTRICAL WIRING- THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE THIRD RECALL WAS AN OBD LABEL. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT KIA PUT MY FAMILY AND ME IN SO MUCH DANGER BY TELLING ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED. THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT KIA WOULD PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER VEHICLE. SINCE I KNEW THAT I COULD POSSIBLE DIE BY CONTINUING TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, I TOOK A DAY OFF OF WORK AND TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DLR. BY THIS TIME, I HAD KEPT A TIMETABLE AND LOG OF EVERYTHING THAT HAD GONE WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND PRESENTED IT TO THE DEALER. THE LIST INCLUDED, OF COURSE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, HESITATION ON ACCELERATION, VEHICLE SHAKES SEVERELY WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED, THE IDLE SURGES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER HAD COME OFF OF THE VEHICLE, THE RADIO HAD STARTED TO STATIC AND TURN ON LOUD EVEN WHEN IT WAS TURNED OFF, THE VOLUME KNOBS ON THE RADIO WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND DOWN
Sep 23, 2001
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONTINUATION PART 3...VERY SLOWLY, THERE WAS A TERRIBLE CRUNCHING OR GRINDING METAL ON METAL NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED DOWN (NOT THE BRAKES), THE WAS A HORRIBLE GROAN SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON THE FREEWAY, THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE HUBS ON THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME. WHEN I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER AFTER BEING OUT OF SERVICE FOR 8 CONSECUTIVE DAYS, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DUPLICATED EACH AND EVERY CONCERN AND ADDRESSED THEM ALL. EXACTLY 1 WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND THE VEHICLE DIED ON ME AT THE MALL. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD TO GET THE BATTERY BOOSTED SINCE SOMETHING THAT THE DEALER DID ELECTRICALLY WAS IMPROPER. I MADE IT BACK HOME BUT WAS UNSURE WHETHER OR NOT I COULD MAKE IT TO WORK THE NEXT DAY WITH A WEAL BATTERY. SURE ENOUGH, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START IN THE MORNING. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER, AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK TO MY HOUSE TO PICK UP THIS LEMON. AFTER ANOTHER 5 DAYS OUT OF SERVICE, I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A BAD ENGINE HARNESS IN THE VEHICLE. EXACTLY 2 DAYS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED LEAKING OIL, THE WINDOWS STARTED MOVING SLOW AGAIN, THE REAR END OF MY VEHICLE STARTED RATTLING, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE HAD THE METAL ON METAL NOISE AGAIN, THE GROAN NOISE HAD COME BACK, THE VEHICLE HAD LOST POWER GOING UP THE SLIGHTEST INCLINE. FEELING LIKE THERE WAS NO OTHER OPTION AVAILABLE TO ME, I SENT KIA A LETTER ASKING FOR A BUYBACK AS WELL AS ALL OF MY REPAIR INVOICES AND ALL THEY DID WAS OFF TO PAY ONE OF MY CAR NOTES AND TOLD ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. I DECLINED THEIR OFFER TO PAY 1 CAR NOTE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT STAYED FOR 16 CONSECUTIVE DAYS. AGAIN, ALL CONCERNS WERE DUPLICATED AND ADDRESSED. AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THAT NONE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE COMING ON AS THEY USUALLY DID WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 23, 2001
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
HAD SUV INTO SHOP ABOUT 7 TIMES FOR WHEEL BEARING. ONCE ON A RECALL FOR BEARING ALSO HAD BRAKES FIXED BECAUSE OF BEARING. FAILED TWO STATE INSPECTIONS DUE TO BEARING.HAD A RECALL FOR EXAUST.*AK
Jul 21, 2001
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ALL FOUR WINDOWS GET STUCK, DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES, VEHICLE IS TRYING TO SHIFT INTO 4X4 WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AIR CONDITIONER WORKS 1 OUT OF 4 TIMES, LATCH OPENS ON BACK OF VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION. BLACK TARRY DUST ON FRONT TIRES.
Jul 17, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. DEALERSHIP HAS WORKED ON VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES SINCE 1998, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR VEHICLE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR, HEAD GASKET, WIRING HARNESS AND TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND THE VEHICLE WAS A LEMON OR DEFECTIVE. *YH
Apr 04, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
FUEL TANK SENSOR WENT OUT IN VEHICLE 7 DIFFERENT TIMES. DOOR HANDLE ON PASSENGER'S SIDE HAD CAME OFF TWICE. 4-WHEEL DRIVE DID NOT WORK WHEN USING IT. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. WAS INFORMED THAT FUEL TANK SHOULD NOT BE FILLED COMPLETELY. WILL BE LOOKING AT THE OTHER PROBLEMS FOR REPAIRS.*AK
Mar 28, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAS A SHOCK PROBLEM WHEN GETTING INSIDE OF VEHICLE. WHEN TURNING VEHICLE ON CONSUMER GETS A SHOCK. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DOESN'T GO ALL THE WAY DOWN. *AK
Feb 15, 2001
STRUCTURE,CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
ACORDING TO DEALERSHIP , THE PREDRILLED HOLES AND THE CHILD SAFTY SEAT ANCHORING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 1998 KIA SPORTAGE AND ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. ITS IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE ITEMS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW. IM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I BECAME AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN I PURCHASED A NEW CARSEAT FOR MY TWO YEAR OLD SON. THE MANUAL FOR THE CARSEAT STRICTLY SAYS THAT WITH OUT THE PROPER ANCHOR HARDWARE THE CARSEAT CAN NOT BE INSTALLED PROPERLY.*AK
Dec 04, 2000
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MAIN CONCERN IS 4 WHEEL DRIVE, COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF INDICATOR LAMP IS ON AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS NOT ENGAGING. CAUSING A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY ON HAZARDOUS ROADWAYS, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.*AK
Sep 15, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND HAVE HAD MANY REPETITIVE PROBLEMS. CAR STALLS / LOSES POWER AT VARIOUS TIMES. DEALER SERVICED CAR MANY TIMES BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND I ALMOST GOT KILLED YESTERDAY WHEN IT LOST POWER AS I WAS GETTING ON THE PARKWAY. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOESN'T OPEN FROM INSIDE. HAS BEEN WORKED ON SEVERAL TIMES. BUT IS NOW BROKE AGAIN. ALARM DOESN'T SHUT OFF WHEN PUTTING KEY IN LOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE. ALSO WORKED ON NUMEROUS TIMES BUT NOW BROKE AGAIN. I'M OUT OF THE WARRANTY AND STUCK WITH A LEMON. PLEASE HELP.*AK
Sep 11, 2000
PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
IM NOT HAPPY THAT I BOUGHT A NEW CAR AND IT AVERAGES GOING INTO THE SHOP EVERY 6-8 WEEKS. I CANT AFFORD THIS. IM TO ARRANGE MY OWN TRANSPORTATION WHILE MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP, ITS BEEN TOWED 3 TIMES FOR THE ENGINE LITE, WHEN WORK IS DONE THEY DON'T CALL AND TELL US WHAT WAS WRONG AND IT CAN BE PICKED UP, LAST TIME THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP THEY DIDNT CALL FOR OVER A WEEK TO TELL ME TO COME GET IT, I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A MANAGER AND LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES AND THEY STILL HAVENT CALLED. I WIL NEVER BUY A KIA AGAIN OR BUY FROM ANY RIZZA. I FEEL LIKE I BOUGHT JUNK, I WANT MY MONEY BACK, TAKE THE CAR. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN THE PROCESS AT WEBSITE 100% I HATE KIA. THANK YOUL
Sep 10, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY
Sep 01, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
THERE IS SO MANY THINGS WRONG WITH KIA PRODUCTS AND THEY SHOULD NOT EVEN BE ALLOWED ON THE ROAD. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING WRONG WITH THEM AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK! NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK
Jun 30, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD SLOW DOWN, LIKE THERE WAS NO GAS AND MOTOR SHUT DOWN. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL TAKE OFF. ALSO, ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY CAME ON. ONCE WHILE COMING ACROSS RAILROAD TRACKS, VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT TOOK OFF, AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND WENT INTO A DITCH. *AK
Apr 14, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONNECTOR CORROSION CAUSED VEHICLE NOT TO START. ALSO, THERE WAS A CAMSHAFT OIL LEAK. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 65MPH, ENGINE STARTED TO RACE. WAS AS IF SOMEONE PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND STEPPED ON GAS.
Apr 05, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE ENTIRE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED. KIA DOES LITTLE TO ASSIST WITH CARS THAT HAVE CRONIC PROBLEMS.NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK
Mar 10, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHILE ACCELERATING IN REVERSE VEHICLE CUTS OFF. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS CHANGED TWICE. ALSO, THE MOULDING AROUND THE SPARKS PLUGS BROKE LOOSE, AND IT WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING STALLING PROBLEMS. SHIELD OVER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED. THE REAR LATCH FOR THE SPARE CABLE RUSTED AND CAME OUT UPON PULLING, THE MOUNTING FOR THE REAR WHEEL HAS RELEASED ITSELF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. *AK
Feb 28, 2000
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE TRNAMISSION FAIL TWICE ONCE AFTER THE CAR WAS CHECKED BEFORE WE LEFT ON VACATION, THE DEELER WILL NOT HELP MY AND WE HAVE ENDED UP HAVING A RESTRAINING ORDER DRAW UP BECAUSE OF THE THREATS FROM HIS STAFF. KIA IT'S SELF HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND HAV OFFERED A REDICULUS TRAID IN OF $7000. THE CAR WAS OVER $18000. THE HUBS HAVE NEARLY COST ME MY LIFE I WENT OFF THE INTERSTATE HITTING ICE I WAS NOT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE AT THE TIME BUT I WENT IN TO A DITCH,WHEN I TRIED TO PUT IT IN TO 4 WHEEL I WOULD NOT GO I HAD TO TRAVEL IN A DITCH ON A BUSY INTERSTATE FOR 5 MILE TILL I COULD REACH THE EXIT. THE WASHER MOTOR FAILED ON THE INTERSTATE IN SMOWING CONDITIONS, I HAD TO EMPTY WATER ON THE WINDOW AS I WAS DRIVING TO SEE. THIS THE WORST CAR EVER AND THE DEALER AND KIA WILL NOT HELP WITH ANY OF THESE MATTERS. THE DATES OF THESE INCIDENTS MIGHT NOT BE THE CORRECT DATE MY ATTORNEY HAS ALL THE PAPER WORK FROM THE DEALER. *AK
Jan 20, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I'VE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR SINCE PURCHASING IT, IT HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO THE SHOP FOR THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON 2 TIMES, THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR, BUT THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED 2 DAYS LATER , THEY THEN SAID IT WAS A HARNESS, THAT WAS REPLACED THEN I'VE TAKEN IT IN FOR TWO RECALLS ON THE BRAKES AND A HUB PROBLEM, I'M CURRENTLY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR HANDLES STICKING SO IT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOORS WITH THE KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE, DEALER STATES THAT THEY CAN'T GET IT TO HAPPEN WHEN I TAKE IT TO THE SHOP BUT IT OCCURES CONTINUALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MY POSSESSION, BACK HATCH DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY UNLESS YOU SLAM IT SEVERAL TIMES, DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONG, ENGINE ALWAYS SMELLS LIKE IT IS BURNING AND NOW THE CAR WILL ONLY START WHEN IT WANTS TO, DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY BUT THE CAR IS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD, I'VE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER SPORTAGE OWNERS WHO ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, I FEEL THE MANUFACTERER NEEDS TO BUY ALL THESE CARS BACK, I'VE TRIED TO TRADE THIS CAR AND NONE OF THE DEALERS WANT IT THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS NOT WORTH WHAT I'VE PAID FOR IT SO I'M STUCK WITH IS PIECE OF JUNK, I'M AT MY WITTS END...I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I'M AFRAID TO GET STUCK SOMEWHERE. THE CAR IS LITTERALY FALLING APART IN MY HANDS AND THERES NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT, I'VE TALKED TO A LAWYER IN REGARD TO THE LEMON LAW BUT THEY SAY THAT IT HAS TO BE A REOCCURING PROBLEM OF THE SAME ORIGIN BUT THERES APPARENTLY HELP FOR THE COMSUMERS THAT ARE STUCK WITH AWFUL PRODUCTS LIKE THESE SUV'S. THERE WERE 166 COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE AND ALMOST EVERY PERSON HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS I'M HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE. I AM PERSONALLY TELLING AS MANY PEOPLE AS I CAN ABOUT THESE JUNKIE KIA'S. THE MANUFACTERER SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. IF I OR ANYBODY IN MY CAR SHOULD BE HURT IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THESE PROBLEMS, KIA WILL SEE A LAW SUIT THAT WILL MAKE THEIR HEAD SPIN. *AK
Dec 22, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP IN DRIVEWAY OF HOME, I WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT JUST TOOK OFF, I TRIED BRAKING , BUT IT CONTINUED TO GO FORWARD STRAIGHT THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR AT A VERY HIGH SPEED, FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT PROBLEM, HAD CAR TOWED TO THEM. THEY STATED THEY HAD NEVER HAD ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS . CONTACTED THE 1-800-4KIA HELP LINE AND WAS TOLD I WAS THE THIRD COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS. DEALER IS NOW TRYING TO TELL ME THIS WAS A BRAKE PROBLEM, IT IS NOT A BRAKE PROBLEM, FRONT BRAKES HAD JUST BEEN REPLACED BY AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT USING CERTIFIED PARTS FROM THE KIA DEALER. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING THE SOUND OF AIR IS COMING IN MAKING ME THINK A WINDOW IS DOWN , BUT NO WINDOWS ARE DOWN. THE CAR FAILED TO START ONE DAY AND WE CKECKED THE BATTERY, WHICH BY THE WAY THE MANUAL STATES IS MAINTENCE FREE, BUT IS NOT, YOU HAVE TO PUT WATER IN IT. I HAVE NEVER BEEN INFORMED OF ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE , BUT KNOW THERE ARE SOME. THE KIA DEALER IS TRYING TO PUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR ON EVERYTHING FROM THE BRAKES TO MY MISTAKE, I KNOW WHAT THE CAR DID AND THERE IS A PROBLEM SOMEWHERE THAT SOMEONE SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF. *AK
Nov 21, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH TO 70 MPH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER. ALSO, WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO BRAKES FAILING. CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK
Jul 14, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS MANY PROBLEMS THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF. NO SAFETY DEFECTS LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Jun 09, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THERE ARE MANY OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AS OF TODAY THER ARE ONLY 1700 MILE ON THE VEHICLEAS WHERE MOR THAN 1/2 THOSE MILES ARE FROM GOING BACK AND FORTH TO THE SERVICE DEPT AS IT IS AN 80 MILE TRIP TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AS FOR KIA THEY ARE TOTALLY IGNORANT AS THEY DO NOT EVER RETURN ANY OF MY PHONE CALLS. THIS SUVIS A LEMON IF I EVER SAW ONE . YOU WOULD THIN. NO SAFET DEFECT (S) LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
May 20, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
THE HUBS WERE CRACKED AND WHEEL BEARING WAS GONE, CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. KIA HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP. *AK *ML
May 18, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS AIR LEAKS & AT HIGH SPEEDS THE WIND IS ANNOYING. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS INTO PLACE AS SOON AS THE PASSENGER CLAMPS INTO PLACE. ONE DOESN'T HAVE TO PRESS BRAKE PEDDLE FOR IT TO TIGHTEN AROUND PERSON. WHEN DRIVING AND PARTICULARLY ENGAGING THE CLUTCH TO DOWN SHIFT THE GEAR LINKAGE DISENGAGES AND THE GEARS CAN'T BE LOCATED ESPECIALLY IN SECOND, THIRD OR FOURTH GEARS AND BECAUSE OF SUCH HAS ALMOST CAUSED THREE CRASHES. WE HAD THIS CHECKED BY THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE GEAR SHIFTING MECHANISM. I BEG TO DIFFER BECAUSE I DRIVE THAT CAR EVERY DAY AND I'VE DRIVEN MANY MANUAL SHIFT TRANSMISSIONS CARS AND I BELIEVE THAT AFTER DRIVING FOR SOMETIME (I.E., ONE TO TWO HOURS) THE TRANSMISSION HEATS UP AND CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH GEAR SELECTION.
Apr 12, 1999
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I PURCHASED MY KIA SPORTAGE ON 7/14/98. ON 11/20/98, MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. I TOOK MY SPORTAGE TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL FOR THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING AS SOON AS I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE. MY BRAKES MADE A "SQUEALING" SOUND SINCE PURCHASE, BUT I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR DISC BRAKES. THE BRAKE LIGHT BEGAN FLICKERING, THEN STAYING LIT SO I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. BUT WAS UNABLE TO KEEP IT DUE TO ILLNESS. THE BRAKES NOW HAVE A "GRINDING" SOUND AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY FACTOR. IN AUGUST OF 1998 I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC FOR OVER 2 HOURS DUE TO A BAD HIGHWAY ACCIDENT AND THE RADIATOR OVERHEATED SO I HAD TO TURN OFF, AND KEEP OFF, THE A/C. RECENTLY, THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING AND FLUID DRAINS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A LOT OF PROBLEMS FOR A NEW CAR LESS THAN 9 MONTHS "OLD". COULD THESE PROBLEMS BE DEFECTS? COULD THE BRAKE PROBLEM BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL PROBLEM? THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REPORT MY PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS.
Apr 03, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WE HAVE AN ANTIFREEZE PROBLEM STILL TO THIS DAY; OUR BRAKES STILL ARE SQUEALING NOW; IT DIDN'T START TWICE; ICE BUILDS UP WHERE THE DOOR AND THE CAR COME TOGETHER-DAMAGING DOOR; HAS ICED OVER INSIDE THE CAR; WINDOWS WOULD NEVER CLEAR OFF-COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING WHILE DRIVING; DIDN'T IDLE PROPERLY-AND STILL DOESN'T
Mar 03, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Feb 09, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
BRAKES: HYDRAULIC BRAKE PEDAL HAS TO BE PRESSED TO THE FLOOR BEFORE VEHICLE STOPS. THE LIFTERS MADE LOUD NOISES & RATTLING & NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. REAR DOOR IS OFF LINE & NOT SHUTTING PROPERLY. *AK CUSTOMER STATES DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR FELL OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON DUE TO OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE. THE REAR HATCH DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. THE CUSTOMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A TICKING NOISE AT ENGINE WHEN HOT OR COLD, THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. DOME LIGHT SCREW FELL OFF, DEALER FOUND LOOSE GROUND AT LIGHT, THE GROUND WAS RESECURED AND A NEW SCREW WAS INSTALLED. *YH
Nov 23, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHEN CONSUMER IS AT A STOP SIGN AND THEN ACCELERATES, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE AT ALL LIKE THERE IS NO GAS IN THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. *AK VEHICLE IDLED LOW, WHEN FIRST STARTED IN THE AM VEHICLE HAD NO POWER AND STUMBLED UNTIL IT WARMED UP, DEALER STATED THE IAC WOULD NOT OPEN, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE TPS SENSOR BEING OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS. TAIL LIGHT LENS CRACKED AND THE DASH LIGHT DIMMER SWITCH FELL IN THE DASH. VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO IGNITION COIL AND SPARK PLUGS, VEHICLE BACKFIRED AND HESITATED, DEALER REROUTED THE WIRING HARNESS AND REPAIRED THE PIN CONNECTORS. VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR RATTLED WHEN CLOSING AND THE WINDOW WAS DOWN, DEALER STATED THIS WAS NORMAL. CARPET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR WOULD NOT LIE FLAT. REAR HATCH WOULD NOT POP AFTER BEING UNLOCKED, THERE WAS AN INTERNAL LEAK FROM THE SEAL. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE A/C LEAKED ON THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD, DEALER REPLACED THE EVAPORATOR. *SLC
Jun 11, 1998
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 KIA Sportage have?
The 1998 KIA Sportage currently has 383 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 1998 KIA Sportage?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 KIA Sportage problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 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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