Owners have filed 98 complaints
about the 1996 KIA Sportage with NHTSA between 1996 and 2004.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 25 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the KIA Sportage. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
32.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
120.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
120.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
120.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
240.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 1996peak 11Dec 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 KIA Sportage
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA06007Opened 9 May 2006Closed 30 Nov 2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES...
PE02051Opened 17 Jun 2002Closed 20 Sep 2002SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 25, 2002, KIA ADVISED NHTSA THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.SPECIFIC CORRECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY KIA HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA AT THIS TIME.THE SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.
Recalls on the 1996 KIA Sportage
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
02V216000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
97V234000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MICROSWITCH ON THE REAR HATCH LOCK CYLINDER CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS TO UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY.
Risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, SECURITY FROM UNWANTED INTRUSION INTO THE VEHICLE IS LOST.
96V131000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY COULD BIND OR STICK DURING OPERATION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR TO HOLD THE THROTTLE PARTIALLY OPEN, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,000 milesClayton, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 25 MPH IN FOGGY CONDITIONS WHEN SUDDENLY SHE LOST SIGHT OF THE ROAD AND PROCEEDED TO STRIKE A TREE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10105282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CAFire
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SPEAKER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE LISTENING TO THE RADIO . FORTUNATELY MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH HER JACKET. THE FIRE BURNED PART OF THE DOOR PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #10041399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinsburg, WVCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE IT EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALER DETERMINED THAT THROTTLE PEDAL WAS STUCK, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #10034539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Stevens, WA1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER NOTICED THAT UPON LEANING FORWARD THE SET BELT LATCH CAME UNDONE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IN MARCH. ANOTHER AUTO HIT CONSUMER PUSHING THE VEHICLE INTO A TREE. THE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED AND CONSUMER WAS THROWN INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER SUFFERED HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDER INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #567553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Stevens, WACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BUT LAP AND SHOULDER BELT DIDN'T HOLD. CONSUMER WAS THROWN INTO WINDOW AND SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8015876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WHILE PARKED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE KEYS NOT IN IGNITION, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED INJURY ON HER FACE AND LEGS.
NHTSA complaint #8000931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesClayton, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 25 MPH IN FOGGY CONDITIONS WHEN SUDDENLY SHE LOST SIGHT OF THE ROAD AND PROCEEDED TO STRIKE A TREE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10105282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesBakersfield, CA
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
THE REAR SEAT BELT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WILL NOT RELEASE.
NHTSA complaint #10050151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CAFire
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SPEAKER CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE LISTENING TO THE RADIO . FORTUNATELY MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH HER JACKET. THE FIRE BURNED PART OF THE DOOR PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #10041399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNorth Miami Beach, FL
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
RECEIVED RECALL 02 V 216 000 CONCERNING FRONT SEAT BELTS, BUT REAR SEAT BELT FAILED IN THIS VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT REPLACING THE REAR SEAT BELT UNDER THE RECALL REMEDY.
NHTSA complaint #10040370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinsburg, WVCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE IT EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALER DETERMINED THAT THROTTLE PEDAL WAS STUCK, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #10034539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madera, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE COILS. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.
NHTSA complaint #10024174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32 milesWinston-Salem, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
THE VEHICLES HORN DID NOT BLOW LOUD ENOUGH TO WARN OTHER VEHICLES. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10017402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,150 milesWichita, KS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT BELT FASTENER WILL NOT WORK. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA, BUT THEY SAY THAT THIS ITEM IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT ABUSED THIS PIECE OF EQUIPMENT AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A SEAT BELT FAIL (IN ANY OTHER CAR-- NOR HEARD OF THIS) BECAUSE IT COMES UNLATCHED. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AS IT SEEMS I WILL NEED TO PAY FOR THE NEW SEAT BELT FASTENER. TS
NHTSA complaint #10000519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Stevens, WA1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER NOTICED THAT UPON LEANING FORWARD THE SET BELT LATCH CAME UNDONE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IN MARCH. ANOTHER AUTO HIT CONSUMER PUSHING THE VEHICLE INTO A TREE. THE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED AND CONSUMER WAS THROWN INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER SUFFERED HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDER INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #567553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Stevens, WACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BUT LAP AND SHOULDER BELT DIDN'T HOLD. CONSUMER WAS THROWN INTO WINDOW AND SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8015876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Credmoor, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
OIL TURNED TO A SLUGGY/ PASTY THICKNESS, ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED. ALSO, HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #8007103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Credmoor, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
OIL TURNED TO A SLUGGY/ PASTY THICKNESS, ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED. ALSO, HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, AND IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #8007103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WHILE PARKED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE KEYS NOT IN IGNITION, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED INJURY ON HER FACE AND LEGS.
NHTSA complaint #8000931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING, SEAT BELT DETACHES. WHEN DRIVING MORE THAN 35-40 MPH CONSUMER HAS TO DEPRESS BRAKES HARDER THAN USUAL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE BELTS DETACHING 2-3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, ONE PERSON WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT, CONSUMER DID NOT LIST THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #899324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING, SEAT BELT DETACHES. WHEN DRIVING MORE THAN 35-40 MPH CONSUMER HAS TO DEPRESS BRAKES HARDER THAN USUAL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE BELTS DETACHING 2-3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, ONE PERSON WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT, CONSUMER DID NOT LIST THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #899324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
THE CAR'S REAR LEFT TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LUG NUTS AND THE ASSEMBLY WHERE INTACT. FROM WHAT THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME THE BALL BEARINGS MELTED CAUSING THE CASING WHERE THE BOLTS GO TO DETACH. I'M NOT A MECHANIC SO I DON'T KNOW THE DETAILS BUT IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE BODY SHOP THAT'S WORKING ON THE CAR. I CAN GET YOU THAT INFORMATION IF YOU REQUEST IT.
NHTSA complaint #754244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
WHEELS
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH REAR DRIVER WHEEL AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FELL OFF. NO ACCIDENT, AND NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #898719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS AT ANY GIVEN SPEED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS/ AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS AND NO ONE COULD LOCATE CAUSE. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER.*AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH, IN INTERSECTIONS, AND GOING AROUND CORNERS, THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS AND VEHICLE STILL STALLS, POSSIBLY ENGINE RELATED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #892623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, TN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO VIBRATION AND NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #884771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NMCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH ON HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO HER VEHICLE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, FRONTAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. THERE WERE SLIGHT INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #879948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AND DIE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #873272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AND DIE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #873272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NVCrash2 injured
WHEELS
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #727324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aptos, CA3 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NOTE: THIS INFORMATION WAS REPORTED TO THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC), WHO INDICATED THAT IT WAS NOT IN THEIR JURISDICTION, AND DIRECTED ME TO REPORT IT TO THIS (NHTSA) GROUP. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO FORM OR EMAIL NOTIFICATION METHOD ON THIS SITE FOR NON-VEHICLE NOTIFICATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ME TO DIRECT ME TO AN ALTERNATE WAY TO REPORT THIS FAILURE: THE KARRITE DUOSPORT CARTOP CARRIER IS A MOLDED PLASTIC "SHELL" TYPE CARRIER, SIMILAR TO THE YAKIMA AND THULE LINES. ON JULY 4, 2000, WHILE TRAVELING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, THIS CLOSED AND LOCKED CARRIER, OPENED, AND ALLOWED EQUIPMENT TO FLY OUT ONTO THE ROADWAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, INVOLVING SEVERAL CARS. YOU MAY CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #725130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Clara, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AT THE SPEED OF 40 MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE. THE IMPACT BETWEEN MY CHEST AND THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT ME WITH BRUISED RIBS. I AM VERY APPRECIATIVE THAT THE ACCIDENT OR THE INJURY WAS NOT SEVERE. IF YOU CAN LOOK INTO A COUPLE OF MY CONCERNS, 1) AT WHICH SPEED SHOULD THE AIR BAG DEPLOY, 2) IF IT WAS TO DEPLOY AT 40MPH THEN WHAT SHOULD BE MY NEXT STEP TOWARDS KIA TO VERIFY THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO ANY ONE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #722250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.