2000 Kia Sportage Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Kia Sportage, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system9022.0%
- Brakes5413.2%
- Engine4711.5%
- Electrical338.1%
- Body & structure317.6%
- Visibility245.9%
- Suspension235.6%
- Airbags184.4%
- Tires & wheels184.4%
- Transmission184.4%
- Powertrain (other)153.7%
- Seat belts82.0%
- Steering82.0%
- Other / unspecified71.7%
- Driver assistance61.5%
- Interior & seats61.5%
- Heating & air conditioning30.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUEL TANK LEAKING GAS I BELIEVE THE FUEL TANK IS NO GOOD ANYMORE I PURCHASE A VEHICLE FILL UP THE TANK AND START TO LEAK GAS I THOUGHT IT WAS A GASKET SO GASKET WAS PLACED AND IT'S STILL LEAKING
NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL, LOOKED UNDER CAR AND NOTICED GAS DRIPPING FROM UNDER CAR. UPON FURTHER LOOKING I NOTICED THE GAS TANK PROTECTIVE PLATE IS ROTTING OUT WHICH MAKES ME BELIEVE THE GAS TANK IS TOO.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL, BRAKES GOES DOWN TO FLOOR, OXYGEN SENSOR BAD IN BANK ONE, POPPING IN TIRES. MY FRAME CAN BREAK FROM CAR AT ANY TIME, DEALER KNEW I HAD KIDS, WE COULD GET SERIOUSLY HURT RIDING IN THIS CAR.
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RUSTED FRONT BRAKE LINES. WHILE VEHICLE WAS ON THE LIFT THE FRAME WAS FOUND TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU IN MANY PLACES MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE FAN BLADE DETACHED AND WENT THROUGH THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,477.
THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN 2 DAYS. MY DAUGHTER STARTED THE CAR, DROVE IT ABOUT 1/4 - 1/2 MILE WHEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CONSOLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE, GOT OUT AND RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO SEE IF SHE COULD TELL WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM AND COULD SEE FIRE THROUGH THE CRACK IN THE CONSOLE WHERE THE COVER OVER THE CONSOLE WAS JOINED TOGETHER. WITHIN SECONDS, THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A GASOLINE LEAK. SHE WAS IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC. HAD SHE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TRAFFIC, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT SCENARIO. SHE AND OTHERS WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR WORSE. HER POCKETBOOK HAD FALLEN ON THE FLOOR AND SHE REACHED OVER TO PICK IT UP AND THAT IS WHEN SHE SAW THE SMOKE. SHE HAD TIME TO GET OUT BEFORE THE CAR IMPLODED. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS GUTTED AND THE PAINT WAS BURNED OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE AND ROOF OF THE CAR. ALL THAT IS LEFT OF THE INSIDE IS SOOT, METAL AND CHARCOAL FROM FRONT TO REAR. WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A DEALER ON DECEMBER 21, 2012. IT RAN GREAT, WAS IN GOOD SHAPE AND WE HAD NO PROBLEMS OR WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I AM GOING TO NOTIFY KIA, BUT AM NOT VERY HOPEFUL OF ANY RESOLUTION WITHOUT SOME INTERVENTION FROM NHTSA. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY KIA BEGAN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. LONG STORY MADE SHORT: THE DEALER WANTED ME TO PAY $3000 PLUS FOR IT HAD ALL ITS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MELTED DOWN. I FOUND A RECALL AND AFTER A BATTLE WITH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER I GOT IT FIXED WHEN I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL. NEXT NIGHTMARE: JULY 2008 NO ONE DIED LUCKILY. I LEND MY CAR TO A FRIEND AND HE IS DRIVING HIS 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THE CAR FALLS TO THE GROUND. AXLE BROKE DOWN, WHEELS SPUN INWARDS AND KIA IS NOT WORKING AGAIN. LUCKILY THESE FRIENDS WERE GOING AT 20 MILES AN HOUR OTHERWISE THEY WOULD NOT HAVE TOLD THE STORY. GOT IT FIXED COST ME $$ APPARENTLY IT WAS A DEFECTIVE KIA PART CENTER LINK REPLACED. HAVE THE PART STILL IN MY CAR AS A NICE MEMORY. FINAL NIGHTMARE: APRIL 2009 I WAS THE MAIN CHARACTER: AGAIN THE AXLE FEELS WEIRD AND CLICKS WHEN I TURN. PROBLEM: TIE ROD IS BROKEN. DIFFERENT THAN THE PREVIOUS TIME BUT RELATED TO THE PREVIOUS PROBLEM. LUCKILY WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED OTHERWISE WOULD NOT BE TELLING THIS STORY. IN SHORT: THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD! KIA NEEDS TO RECALL THIS DEFECT URGENTLY. MY FRIEND AND KID AND I COULD HAVE GOT KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT LITERALLY. FORTUNATELY WE BOTH WERE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS AND COULD MANAGE THIS PROBLEM WITH NO ONE GETTING INJURED? KIA NEEDS TO MAKE THESE CARS SAFER AND PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS PLEASE!! BE RESPONSIBLE NOT ONLY WITH YOUR NEW CARS, TAKE PRIDE ON YOUR BRAND AND FIX THE OLD JUNK YOU CREATED!! *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAS PAID FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS. BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, SHE NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING WEEK, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SEVERELY. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES, BUT THE SHAKING PERSISTED. THIRDLY, A TIRE BLEW OUT AND HAD TO BE CHANGED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND A NEW TRANSMISSION LINE WAS INSTALLED. LASTLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING AND THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE GLASS CAVED IN ON THE CONTACT, BUT DID NOT BREAK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. CURRENTLY, THE GLASS WILL NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN THE GAS TANK WAS FALLING APART. A SHIELD WAS NEEDED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DRIVERS WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE CABLE HAD MELTED. UPDATED 01/09/09*JB
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 KIA SPORTAGE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, RIGHT FRAME HAS A HUGE HOLE, MY CHILD IS AT RISK CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ALSO LOCKS DON'T WORK, BATTERY DIES, SEATBELTS SUCK, RADIO GOES OFF ...
FRAME RUSTED
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 KIA SPORTAGE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, RIGHT FRAME HAS A HUGE HOLE, MY CHILD IS AT RISK CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ALSO LOCKS DON'T WORK, BATTERY DIES, SEATBELTS SUCK, RADIO GOES OFF ...
ON APRIL 12, 2013 I GOT INTO MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE TO GO TO WORK. AS SOON AS I GOT INTO THE CAR I HIT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO GET THE DEW OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD AND INSTEAD OF JUST GOING ONCE THEY WENT OFF EXTREMELY FAST WITH OUT STOPPING FOR ABOUT 45 SECONDS. ONCE I GOT THEM TURNED OFF I WENT UP THE ROAD AND TURNED TO HEAD TO WORK VIA THE BACK ROADS. I DROVE ABOUT 1 MILES WHEN OUT OF THE BLUE MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GOING OFF AGAIN THEN A SECOND LATER I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND 2 OF MY AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED AND I FELT A THROBBING PAIN IN MY RIGHT SHIN. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND THE LOWER AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED. MY CAR WAS THE ONLY CAR INVOLVED AND HAS A CLEAR CARFAX. THE ROAD I WAS DRIVING ON WAS SMOOTH AND I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE WHERE IT SITS. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STRUCTURE IS ROTTEN AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS AND CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR
THE CHASSIS, AND THE AUTO BODY FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE DETERIORIZE AND COMPLETE HODEN I JUST TALK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC WHEN WAS FIND OUT. WE BELIEVE THAT IS MANUFACTURE PROBLEMS. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL, BRAKES GOES DOWN TO FLOOR, OXYGEN SENSOR BAD IN BANK ONE, POPPING IN TIRES. MY FRAME CAN BREAK FROM CAR AT ANY TIME, DEALER KNEW I HAD KIDS, WE COULD GET SERIOUSLY HURT RIDING IN THIS CAR.
ON APRIL 12, 2013 I GOT INTO MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE TO GO TO WORK. AS SOON AS I GOT INTO THE CAR I HIT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO GET THE DEW OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD AND INSTEAD OF JUST GOING ONCE THEY WENT OFF EXTREMELY FAST WITH OUT STOPPING FOR ABOUT 45 SECONDS. ONCE I GOT THEM TURNED OFF I WENT UP THE ROAD AND TURNED TO HEAD TO WORK VIA THE BACK ROADS. I DROVE ABOUT 1 MILES WHEN OUT OF THE BLUE MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GOING OFF AGAIN THEN A SECOND LATER I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND 2 OF MY AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED AND I FELT A THROBBING PAIN IN MY RIGHT SHIN. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND THE LOWER AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED. MY CAR WAS THE ONLY CAR INVOLVED AND HAS A CLEAR CARFAX. THE ROAD I WAS DRIVING ON WAS SMOOTH AND I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE WHERE IT SITS. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. WHEN THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WOULD ENGAGE, IT WOULD CAUSE TREMENDOUS FRICTION WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN DRASTICALLY. ALSO, WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED IN A TURNING MODE, THE FRONT GEAR WOULD SLIP. THE GAS TANK SHIELD WAS THREE QUARTERS OF THE WAY ROTTED DUE TO RUST AND THERE SEEMED TO BE MINOR GAS SEEPAGE UNDER WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE TANK SHIELD. THE CHASSIS FRAME RAILS, BOTH REAR SIDES WERE APPROXIMATELY 85% ROTTED OUT BY RUST. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS THAT THE RAILS COULD NOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE WAS VERY LITTLE GOOD METAL TO REPAIR AND STRENGTHEN THE VEHICLE FRAME. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAS PAID FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS. BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, SHE NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING WEEK, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SEVERELY. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES, BUT THE SHAKING PERSISTED. THIRDLY, A TIRE BLEW OUT AND HAD TO BE CHANGED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND A NEW TRANSMISSION LINE WAS INSTALLED. LASTLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING AND THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE GLASS CAVED IN ON THE CONTACT, BUT DID NOT BREAK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. CURRENTLY, THE GLASS WILL NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN THE GAS TANK WAS FALLING APART. A SHIELD WAS NEEDED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DRIVERS WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE CABLE HAD MELTED. UPDATED 01/09/09*JB
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE EX [4X4] AND ADD I DONE MORE RESEARCH ON THIS I NEVER WOULD'VE PURCHASED IT. LIKE ALL SPORTAGES APPARENTLY THE 4WD DOESN'T WORK. I LIVE IN CLEVELAND OHIO AND WE NORMALLY GET 6MONTHS OF SNOW. THERE IS NO WAY I CAN DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH ONLY REAR WHEEL DRIVE. IT'S INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE BACK WHEELS ALWAYS SPIN OUT DURING BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS. KIA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND HASN'T RECALLED THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE FOR SOME STRANGE REASON. I WON'T COMPLAIN ABOUT SOME OF OTHER MINOR DEFECTS OF THIS SUV, BUT SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE FAULTY 4WD!!!! RECENTLY I GOT STUCK IN 2INCHES MUD IN MY BACKYARD AND IT TOOK 4 HOURS OF ROCKING, LIFTING THE SUV WITH A JACK AND 2X4'S, AND CLEVER IDEA'S TO GET UNSTUCK. KEEP IN MIND I RECENTLY PURCHASED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES AND HAD THE SUV IN 4WD THE ENTIRE TIME. THIS IS A MAJOR FAULT OF KIA THAT SHOULDN'T BE IGNORED!!! *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAS PAID FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS. BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, SHE NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING WEEK, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SEVERELY. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES, BUT THE SHAKING PERSISTED. THIRDLY, A TIRE BLEW OUT AND HAD TO BE CHANGED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND A NEW TRANSMISSION LINE WAS INSTALLED. LASTLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING AND THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE GLASS CAVED IN ON THE CONTACT, BUT DID NOT BREAK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. CURRENTLY, THE GLASS WILL NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN THE GAS TANK WAS FALLING APART. A SHIELD WAS NEEDED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DRIVERS WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE CABLE HAD MELTED. UPDATED 01/09/09*JB
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY KIA BEGAN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. LONG STORY MADE SHORT: THE DEALER WANTED ME TO PAY $3000 PLUS FOR IT HAD ALL ITS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MELTED DOWN. I FOUND A RECALL AND AFTER A BATTLE WITH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER I GOT IT FIXED WHEN I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL. NEXT NIGHTMARE: JULY 2008 NO ONE DIED LUCKILY. I LEND MY CAR TO A FRIEND AND HE IS DRIVING HIS 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THE CAR FALLS TO THE GROUND. AXLE BROKE DOWN, WHEELS SPUN INWARDS AND KIA IS NOT WORKING AGAIN. LUCKILY THESE FRIENDS WERE GOING AT 20 MILES AN HOUR OTHERWISE THEY WOULD NOT HAVE TOLD THE STORY. GOT IT FIXED COST ME $$ APPARENTLY IT WAS A DEFECTIVE KIA PART CENTER LINK REPLACED. HAVE THE PART STILL IN MY CAR AS A NICE MEMORY. FINAL NIGHTMARE: APRIL 2009 I WAS THE MAIN CHARACTER: AGAIN THE AXLE FEELS WEIRD AND CLICKS WHEN I TURN. PROBLEM: TIE ROD IS BROKEN. DIFFERENT THAN THE PREVIOUS TIME BUT RELATED TO THE PREVIOUS PROBLEM. LUCKILY WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED OTHERWISE WOULD NOT BE TELLING THIS STORY. IN SHORT: THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD! KIA NEEDS TO RECALL THIS DEFECT URGENTLY. MY FRIEND AND KID AND I COULD HAVE GOT KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT LITERALLY. FORTUNATELY WE BOTH WERE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS AND COULD MANAGE THIS PROBLEM WITH NO ONE GETTING INJURED? KIA NEEDS TO MAKE THESE CARS SAFER AND PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS PLEASE!! BE RESPONSIBLE NOT ONLY WITH YOUR NEW CARS, TAKE PRIDE ON YOUR BRAND AND FIX THE OLD JUNK YOU CREATED!! *TR
THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE ON MY KIA SPORTAGE 2000 HAS STOPPED WORKING. MY MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM WITH THE KNUCKLE/HUB ASSY W/O ABS (PART # QK081-33-020-DQ). IT'S A SYSTEM THAT WORKS BY AIR PRESSURE TO ENGAGE THE 4X4. THE DEFECT WITH THIS PART IS THAT AIR LEAKS OUT OF IT AND CAUSES THE 4X4 TO STOP WORKING. KIA HAS MADE A NEW VERSION OF THIS PART (PART # QK082-33-020-EQ) THAT CORRECTS THE ISSUE BY DOUBLE SEALING THE AIR PRESSURE LEAK. THEY ARE NOT HOWEVER WILLING TO MAKE THE REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE, WHICH I THINK THEY SHOULD. THE REASON WHY THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IS BECAUSE THIS CAR HAS REAR WHEEL DRIVE AND WE LIVE IN UTAH WHERE IT SNOWS EVERY WINTER. REAR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES IN SNOW-COVERED ROADS ARE USELESS AND CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR THE 4X4 FACTOR THAT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN SNOWY WEATHER. WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE FACT THAT THE COMPANY IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE FREE OF CHARGE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN THIS KIND OF WEATHER. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE THAT THIS DEFECT WAS ALSO IN THE 98, 99, 00 AND 01 MODELS OF THIS CAR. UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME I DIDN'T FIND OUT ABOUT THIS UNTIL AFTER THE PART BROKE. CURRENTLY WE ARE NOT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE ROADS ARE COVERED WITH SNOW. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY THE $800.00 PART + LABOR FEES. I WAS TOLD BY KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT RECALLS ARE ONLY MADE WHEN YOUR COMPANY DETERMINES THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT. I DON'T KNOW IF MY SINGLE REPORT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE BUT I WOULD JUST LIKE TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THE SITUATION WITH THIS VEHICLE. *JB
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNDER NORMAL USAGE TWO OF THE THREE REAR SEATBELTS FAILED TO RELEASE CAUSING CHILDREN TO BE STUCK IN SEAT. AFTER SEATBELTS ARE FREED FROM BUCKLE THEY DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY ANY MORE. NEW BUCKLES HAVE TO BE PURCHASED WHICH IS DIFFICULT DUE TO PART AVAILABILITY. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON A WET ROAD, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND STRUCK A PARKED VEHICLE AT 35MPH AND THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY UNLOCKED. ALTHOUGH THE SEAT BELT WAS PROPERLY LOCKED, THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY RELEASED ALLOWING THE CONTACT TO SUSTAIN MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V305000, REGARDING THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 KIA SPORTAGE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, RIGHT FRAME HAS A HUGE HOLE, MY CHILD IS AT RISK CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ALSO LOCKS DON'T WORK, BATTERY DIES, SEATBELTS SUCK, RADIO GOES OFF ...
(1) NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK SHIELD IS SEVERELY ROTTED OUT AND IS BARELY CONNECTED. (2) SMELL FUEL VAPORS PERIODICALLY WHILE IN THE VEHICLE. (3) FUEL TANK APPEARS TO BE RUSTING, AFRAID TO MESS WITH TANK IN FEAR OF DISTURBING THE RUST AND RUPTURING A HOLE IN TANK. (4) BRAKE LINES WERE SO SEVERELY RUSTED IN ONE AREA THAT IT BLEW A HOLE IN THE LINE AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING AND REQUIRED THE PROMPT ACTION FOR REPAIR. OTHER BRAKE LINES LOOK LIKE THEY MAY FAIL IN NEAR FUTURE. (5) STEEL PORTION OF POWER STEERING LINE RUSTED OUT AND BLEW FLUID EVERYWHERE PREVENTING THE ABILITY TO TURN THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. (6) THE FRAME HAS HEAVY RUST SCALE AND APPEARS TO BE ROTTING IN SEVERAL PLACE. (7) PAINT IS STARTING TO BUBBLE WHICH IS INDICATING BODY IS RUSTING UNDER PAINT JOB. THIS IS A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH VERY BAD ROTTING OF METAL FROM SALT CORROSION. HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS MUCH RUST ON 20+ OLD VEHICLES THAT ARE IN THE SAME NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE US. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY COMPLAINT IS THAT WE HAVE BEEN SMELLING A STRONG ODOR OF GAS IN OUR KIA SPOARTAGE WE TOOK IT IN TO A SHOP AND FOUND OUT THAT THE FUEL PUMP IS NO GOOD AND NEEDS REPLACE THAT A HOSE BROKE ON IT AND THEN TO FIND OUT THAT THE TANK IS SO RUSTED IT CANT HOLD THE NEW ONE ON THE CAR IS ONLY 8 YRS OLD I THINK THIS IS UNREAL THAT ONLY 8 YRS OLD AND WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SYSTEM THIS IS JUST UNHEARD OF ANYTHING YOU CAN PROVIDE ME WITH WOULD HELP. *TR
ROTORS WERE BAD UPON PURCHASE, DEALER REPLACED THEM FOR FREE ONLY BECAUSE THE SERVICE REP. KNEW MY DECEASED HUSBAND. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH, WHEN THE TRUCK DIED AT 87,000 MILES. I WAS ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES. THE TIMING BELT BROKE-SOMETHING THAT WAS REPLACED A COUPLE MONTHS PRIOR BY THE DEALER. MY WATER PUMP AND PULLEYS AND BELT WERE REPLACED FOR ABOUT 700 DOLLARS LESS THEN DEALER ORIGINALLY CHARGED ME. THE DEALER SINCE HAS REPAID FOR THEIR INCORRECT BELT SIZE--BELT WAS INCORRECT FOR MY TRUCK. DEALER INSTALLED STRUTS BROKE AFTER ABOUT 25 MILES OF USAGE--DEALER CLAIMED THAT I DROVE MY TRUCK OVER SPEED BUMPS ROUGH--HAHAHA. THAN, I GUESS IS SUCH A BAD CA SMOG LAW, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR 2 YEARS PLUS STILL WILL NOT GO OFF. I PASSED ALL EMISSIONS FOR MY SMOG CHECK, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS FAILING ME. I HAD THE HEAT PLATE REMOVED AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED AND IT FROZE MY UPPER O2 SENSOR--REPAIR DONE BY PERSONAL MECHANIC WITH PARTS THAT I PURCHASED ONLINE FOR ABOUT 1/3 THE PRICE OF THE DEALER PARTS AND WORK DONE. OK, I THOUGHT THE LIGHT WOULD COME OFF..IT DIDN'T. I HAVE TO CHANGE THE OTHER O2 SENSOR. ALSO MY BRAKE SENSOR FOR ABS BRAKES--THAT I DON'T HAVE--WENT OUT AND NOW I HAVE TO OVERRIDE THE SYSTEM WITH AN ICE-PICK. YOU WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE A PROBLEM BUT IT ISN'T. THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SENSOR CAUSES NOT ONLY FOR THE GEAR BOX TO LOCK, IT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TURN SIGNALS--THEY ARE ON THE SAME FUSE SYSTEM. MY TRUCK HAS ABOUT 135K MILES AND FOR THE MOST PART RUNS GREAT, JUST MINOR ISSUES THAT MY PERSONAL MECHANIC HAS FIXED AND REPAIRED FOR FREE BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS A TEST TRUCK FOR THE OTHER KIA'S THAT COME IN FOR WORK AND THE DEALER CAN OR WILL NOT TROUBLE SHOOT. OH AND GET THIS, I TAKE THE TRUCK IN FOR THE SEAT-BELT REPLACEMENT DURING THE RECALL, DEALER TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE WORK AND THE PARTS ARE FREE. THAT WAS NOT PART OF THE PAPERWORK I GOT IN THE MAIL. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING. AND UPON PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. THEN, VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK *NM
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. NO WARNING SIGNS WERE AVALIABLE AT THAT TIME. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE HAS BEEN LEAKING GAS. WE HAVEN'T HAD IT REPAIRED, AS WE CANT AFFORD IT. SOMEONE SUGGESTED LOOKING FOR RECALLS, THAT'S WHEN I FOUND THIS SITE. THE "HEAT SHIELD" (?) HAS ALWAYS RATTLED BADLY. IN ADDITION TO THE RATTLING AND BAD GAS LEAK, THE MOTOR BLOWER FAN IS NOT WORKING, MY 4WHEEL DRIVE ISN'T WORKING. UNDERNEATH IT IS A RUST BUCKET! THE BACK DOORS WONT LOCK/UNLOCK. SOMETHING REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE!!! PLEASE, SOMEONE STAND UP FOR THE LITTLE GUY AND MAKE KIA FIX THESE PROBLEMS!!! *TR
POWER LOCKS GO ON AND OFF BY THEMSELVES. POWER WINDOWS DON'T WORK , THEN SUDDENLY WORKS. COMPUTER FAILURE WITH BRAKES. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUSE FOR POWER WINDOWS AND A/C BLOWER KEPT BLOWING OUT. VEHICLE BEEN TO DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM REOCCURRED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE OLD DEALER AT LEASE THREE TIMES; NEW DEALER THREE TIMES, THE LAST TIME I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHECK WITH KIA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HONOR THE WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM! I NOW HAVE 44,300 MILES ON IT.NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .