Owners have filed 299 complaints
about the 1997 KIA Sportage with NHTSA between 1997 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 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 — 66
Against the median year of the KIA Sportage. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 5
3% 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.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
26.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1135.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
39.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1238.7%
150,000+ miles
39.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1997 Kia Sportage 4-DR. 4x4
—
—
—
—
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.
Sep 1997peak 18Jan 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 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...
RQ02013Opened 18 Oct 2002Closed 2 Sep 2003ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ENGINE STALLING POST-RECALL
RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE...
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.
SQ99021Opened 30 Jun 1999Closed 2 Feb 2000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON
A monthly Technical Times published by Kia and distributed to dealer technicians identifying a wiring harness problem that could cause connectors C123 and C124 to pull apart slightly during engine load changes.This could lead to erratic or tempory loss
Recalls on the 1997 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.
99V325000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,226 milesMarietta, GA1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. THE LOWER AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HIP AREA AND THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,226.
NHTSA complaint #10526426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBowling Green, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS
DT: DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE BACKING FROM A DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR IMPACT. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED OR WARNING SIGNALS. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN A SHADED AREA FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER'S HUSBAND DROVE VEHICLE HOME AFTER THE INCIDENT. HAVE NOT TAKEN THIS TO A DEALER FOR THIS ISSUE, VEHICLE WAS PARKED AFTERWARDS AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE. NO EXPLANATION OR CLUE AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10128464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Wolf, PACrash1 injured
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DT: KIA SPORTAGE 1997, VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE, AFTER THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING PUSHED DOWN. CONSUMER HEARD A WHISTLING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE THEREFORE TRADED IT IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10127028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Wolf, PACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DT: KIA SPORTAGE 1997, VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE, AFTER THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING PUSHED DOWN. CONSUMER HEARD A WHISTLING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE THEREFORE TRADED IT IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10127028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SCCrash1 killed
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT FAILURE
NHTSA complaint #10122422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesEustis, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY NEEDED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WITH THE TOWING WOULD BE PROVIDED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10097582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 176,700 milesWilmington, DE
AIR BAGS
WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT TALKING WITH MY WIFE, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11170851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK IS LEAKING
NHTSA complaint #11161711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,620 milesWilmington, DE
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE OCCUPIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF WILMINGTON (1603 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19806, (302) 656-3100) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD TO DIAGNOSED WHY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,620. *BP
NHTSA complaint #11140727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHonesdale, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE FOR THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11119011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kiel, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN APPROXIMATELY AT 55MPH ENGINE WILL STALL. SLOW DOWN AND STOP WITHOUT WARNING. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN TURN ENGINE OFF RESTART RUN IT THRU ALL OF THE GEARS AND IT WILL BE FINE FOR AWHILE UNLESS ON BUMPY ROAD OR STOP WARNING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. I CAN NOT FILL GAS TANK UP DUE TO IT LEAKING OUT UNDER VEHICLE REFRASE THAT POUR OUT. IT WILL ALSO VIBRATE REALLY BAD AFTER BEING DROVE FOR OVER 2 HOURS STRAIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE IT CAUSES A INJURY OR DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10586244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kiel, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN APPROXIMATELY AT 55MPH ENGINE WILL STALL. SLOW DOWN AND STOP WITHOUT WARNING. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN TURN ENGINE OFF RESTART RUN IT THRU ALL OF THE GEARS AND IT WILL BE FINE FOR AWHILE UNLESS ON BUMPY ROAD OR STOP WARNING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. I CAN NOT FILL GAS TANK UP DUE TO IT LEAKING OUT UNDER VEHICLE REFRASE THAT POUR OUT. IT WILL ALSO VIBRATE REALLY BAD AFTER BEING DROVE FOR OVER 2 HOURS STRAIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE IT CAUSES A INJURY OR DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10586244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,226 milesMarietta, GA1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. THE LOWER AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HIP AREA AND THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,226.
NHTSA complaint #10526426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,186 milesWaynesboro, TN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE DESIGN OF THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE FUEL TANK ALLOWED SAND AND PEBBLES TO ACCUMULATE TO THE EXTENT THAT I STARTED NOTICING FUEL VAPORS. THE VEHICLE IS HOUSED IN A GARAGE, SO I RAISED A WINDOW TO HELP DISSIPATE THE VAPORS. IN A FEW DAYS, FUEL WAS DRIPPING FROM THE LEAKS IN THE TANK. I APPLIED A PUTTY PRODUCT IN JUNE, 2006, WHICH HELPED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED AGAIN. I RE-APPLIED PUTTY IN AUGUST, 2007. THEN AGAIN IN JULY, 2008, WITH TWO DIFFERENT (PERMANENT?) PRODUCTS THAT HAVE NOT WORKED, YET. THE TANK STILL LEAKS.
NHTSA complaint #10236584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Putnam Valley, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
1997 KIA SPORTAGE HAVE A DEFECTIVE FUEL TANK. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE RECEIVED A NOTICE AFTER THE REPAIR TO THE FUEL TANK WAS DONE AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR WORK. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE REPAIR, SHE SMELLED GAS AND THERE WAS GAS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. IT WAS DETERMINED THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING
NHTSA complaint #10236059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesPaden City, WV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
A FEW YEARS BACK I STARTED SMELLING GAS. SO MY FATHER IN LAW AND UNCLE TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND IT YEP YOU GOT A GAS LEAK. SO THEY TRIED TO PATCH IT SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING HAS SEEMED TO WORK. SO BACK IN FEBRUARY I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM KIA STATING A REPAIR BENEFIT NOTIFICATION ABOUT MY GAS TANK LEAKING. SO A FEW WEEKS AGO I CALLED A KIA DEALER AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THEM TO LOOK AT MY TANK. AFTER A HOUR DRIVE AND A FORTY MINUTE WAIT THEY TELL ME THAT MY KIA DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR KIA TO FIX MY TANK. SO I COME HOME AND THE NEXT I CHECK MY TANK AND IT IS OBVIOUS TO ANYONE THAT MY KIA IS LEAKING GAS. I CALLED KIA MOTORS AND THEY WENT TO TELL ME THAT SINCE MY 10 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2007 THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. BUT WHAT MAKES NO SENSE IS THAT THEY DIDN'T SEND OUT MY LETTER UNTIL 2008. I HAVE A 7 MONTH OLD THAT IS IN MY KIA DAILY, SO I ASKED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. FROM KIA MOTORS, WHAT IF MY KIA SOMEHOW CATCHES ON FIRE AND I AM NOT ABLE TO GET TO MY CHILD QUICK ENOUGH, AND SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS. HE TOLD ME THAT ALL REPAIRS MADE TO THE TANK WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY NO MATTER WHAT, AND THAT KIA WOULD NOT FIX OR REPLACE MY TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10224254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesThulavista, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THE USED CAR DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND THE MAIN HOSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT, AND WHEN DIAGNOSED ,THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE OVERHEATING WAS DUE TO THE CLUTCH OVERHEATING AND THE FAN STICKING. THE CONTACT DIDN'T THINK THAT TRANSMISSION OIL WAS CIRCULATING THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY WILL NOT START. THE DEALER WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS.
NHTSA complaint #10178267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesThulavista, CA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THE USED CAR DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND THE MAIN HOSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT, AND WHEN DIAGNOSED ,THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE OVERHEATING WAS DUE TO THE CLUTCH OVERHEATING AND THE FAN STICKING. THE CONTACT DIDN'T THINK THAT TRANSMISSION OIL WAS CIRCULATING THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY WILL NOT START. THE DEALER WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS.
NHTSA complaint #10178267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesAtlanta, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
KIA REFUSES TO INCLUDE MY 1997 SPORTAGE EX 4WD IN RECALL FOR 1997 KIA SPORTAGES EX 4WD. RECALL 1CMP005 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) HAS NEVER BEEN PERFORMED. ALSO NOT SURE THAT RECALL 2CMP014 ON WIRING HAS BEEN PERFORMED. MY MAIN CONCERN AND THE REFUSAL FROM KIA IS ON THE ECM.
NHTSA complaint #10144954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
AIR BAGS
DT: THE CONTACT STATED AT 15 MPH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. HE DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SINCE HE PURCHASED IT. HE HAS TRIED CONTACTING THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, BUT EVERY TIME HE CALLED HE WAS PLACED ON HOLD. THEREFORE, HE HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10140700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBowling Green, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS
DT: DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE BACKING FROM A DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR IMPACT. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED OR WARNING SIGNALS. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN A SHADED AREA FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER'S HUSBAND DROVE VEHICLE HOME AFTER THE INCIDENT. HAVE NOT TAKEN THIS TO A DEALER FOR THIS ISSUE, VEHICLE WAS PARKED AFTERWARDS AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE. NO EXPLANATION OR CLUE AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10128464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Wolf, PACrash1 injured
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DT: KIA SPORTAGE 1997, VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE, AFTER THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING PUSHED DOWN. CONSUMER HEARD A WHISTLING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE THEREFORE TRADED IT IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10127028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Wolf, PACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DT: KIA SPORTAGE 1997, VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE, AFTER THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING PUSHED DOWN. CONSUMER HEARD A WHISTLING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE THEREFORE TRADED IT IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10127028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesHouston, TX
AIR BAGS
DT: CONSUMER STATES: THE DRIVER'S AIR BAGS DISCHARGED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10123839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SCCrash1 killed
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT FAILURE
NHTSA complaint #10122422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlantic Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
DT THE VEHICLE REVS UP TO ALMOST 2000 RPM'S, THE VEHICLE JERKED THEN STALLED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE SERVICE COMPUTER INDICATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10119992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,317 milesBayamom, PR
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
IN MAY 5, 2003 I TOOK TO INSPECT THE CAR FOR A NOISE AT THE BACK. ITS LIKE BEING ON A PLANE FOR DEPARTURE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE BACK DIFFERENTIALS WAS DAMAGED. IT ONLY HAD 25,317 MILEAGE IN 2003. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT. THIS YEAR 2005 A INSPECT THE CAR AT WESTER AUTO I WAS TOLD THE DIFFERENTIAL IS DAMAGE. AT THE STORE I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE SEEN OTHERS KIA SPORTAGE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I ALSO WHEN TO PED BOYS. ALSO, THEY SAID VERB THERE WERE PROBLEMS KIA DIFFERENTIAL. AT WESTER AUTO I CHANGE THE BACK BEARING THINKING THAT WILL FIX THE NOISE. KIA DEALER ESTIMATE THE REPAIR FOR $865 ON 2003.
NHTSA complaint #10118075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,500 milesAstoria, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HOOD LATCH SNAPPED AND THE HOOD FLEW OPEN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER THE LATCH THE HOOD DOWN. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK BROKEN WINDSHIELD REPAIRED, BUT DAMAGED HOOD NOT REPAIRED TO DATE. *BF
NHTSA complaint #10113415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holmes, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 99V325000; KIA ISSUED AN ENGINE STALLING RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE STALLED, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON.
NHTSA complaint #10105570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesSumner, WA
SEAT BELTS
THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO COME ON ITS OWN. THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR A YEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10098991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesSumner, WA
AIR BAGS
THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO COME ON ITS OWN. THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR A YEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10098991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
