FaultScore

2001 KIA Sportage engine problems

56 of the 354 complaints about the 2001 KIA Sportage are about the engine — 16% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 40,000 miles.

D

56

Complaints

2

Crashes

4

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 15 26.8%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 10 17.9%
Exhaust System 9 16.1%
Gasoline 5 8.9%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 4 7.1%
Catalytic Convertor 3 5.4%
FAN 3 5.4%
Radiator Assembly 2 3.6%
Belts AND Associated Pulleys 2 3.6%
Emission Control 1 1.8%

Engine & Cooling across every KIA Sportage year

1995 15 0.8%
1996 11 0.5%
1997 63 3.2%
1998 93 4.7%
1999 93 4.7%
2000 50 2.5%
2001 56 2.8%
2002 74 3.7%
2006 24 1.2%
2007 10 0.5%
2008 22 1.1%
2009 10 0.5%
2011 85 4.3%
2012 330 16.5%
2013 314 15.7%
2014 74 3.7%
2015 86 4.3%
2016 61 3.1%
2017 229 11.5%
2018 94 4.7%
2019 37 1.8%
2020 83 4.2%
2021 27 1.4%
2022 21 1.1%
2023 38 1.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 92,000 miles SAN Antonio, TX

ENGINE

I PURCHASED MY KIA SPORTAGE ON 6/29/11 WITH 90000 MILES ON IT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. I ALSO PURCHASED A ONE YEAR WARRANTY/10,000 MILES. AFTER 2 WEEKS OF DRIVING MY CAR WOULD TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. FIRST TIME SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME HAD NOT CONTROL WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKE WITH NO STEERING. CAR STARTED BACK UP. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP, DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NO WAY POSSIBLE OF THIS OCCURRING. I THEN DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND SAW THAT MANY OTHER KIA SPORTAGE OWNERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. PRINTED OUT THE INFORMATION FROM OTHER OWNERS AND BROUGHT BACK TO DEALERSHIP.THEY SAID MY BATTERY HOUSING WAS LOOSE AND THEY REPAIRED. A WEEK LATER MY CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. TOOK BAG TO KIA THEY THEN REPLACED MY BATTERY AND WIRES. NO PROBLEMS FOR A YEAR SAME ISSUE AGAIN. CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING. I CANT BELIEVE I HAVE YET TO GET IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THIS TIME MY WARRANTY WAS UP AND I HAD TO PAY FOR A NEW BATTERY AND WIRES AND THE HOLDER THAT THE BATTERY SITS ON BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS DEFECTIVE. IT IS NOW 5/9/2013. TODAY MY CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS LIVING IN NEW YORK AND NOW SAN ANTONIO TEXAS. I HAVE ALSO GONE THROUGH THREE THERMOSTATS IN 6 MONTHS DUE TO DEFECTS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. KIA NEEDS TO RECALL THE CAR NOT STARTING ISSUE IMMEDIATELY.

NHTSA complaint #10511321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Shadyside, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 30-70 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY YET THE FAILURE RECURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THERE WAS A SEPARATE OCCASION WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER EIGHT TIMES WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE PASSENGER SIDE WIRING HARNESS WAS CLEANED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE PERSISTED IN WHICH THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 05/05/11*LJ UPDATED 05/09/11

NHTSA complaint #10395854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 164,695 miles Fredericktown, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

POLYPROPYLENE COOLING FAN BLADE BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON MY WAY TO WORK, THE FAN PROCEEDED TO PUNCTURE MY RADIATOR AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO WRECK SINCE IT OVER HEATED AND SHUT OFF AND I HAD NO CONTROL.

NHTSA complaint #10290993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Fort Worth, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE PURCHASED ON AUGUST 25, 2009. THERE WAS A NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED BY A PIPE THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ON THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT CONTINUED TO LEAK WATER FROM THE VENTS AND ONTO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS ALLERGY IN THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,200.

NHTSA complaint #10282692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,479 miles Tell City, IN Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SMOKE ENTERING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED HER LOCAL KIA DEALER TO INQUIRE IF SHE COULD BRING HER VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING IT IN THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BLOWER MOTOR, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD THE BRAKE PADS REPLACED, BUT THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/13/08 *BF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED

NHTSA complaint #10226377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,500 miles Sylvania, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

IN JANUARY, 2007, MY 2001 KIA SPORTAGE WAS MAKING A LOUD, STRAINING ENGINE SOUND. TOOK THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD I NEED A COOLING FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY. MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I DIDN'T TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I HAD LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL THIS PART. I PLAN TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FROM KIA.

NHTSA complaint #10207580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Port Huron, MI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A POPPING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART IT, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT TWO CYLINDERS AND FOUR SPARK PLUGS WERE BURNT AND DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #10205816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Sedro Woolley, WA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

THE POLYPROPYLENE COOLING FAN BLADE BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, PUNCTURING THE RADIATOR, BREAKING THE COWLING, AND PUNCTURING A HOSE. THE RESULTS BEING THE SPORTAGE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE REPAIRS ARE COSTING $500 - $600. THE SPORTAGE IS STILL IN THE SHOP BEING FIXED AS I AM WRITING THIS. THE REPAIR SHOP WILL SAVE THE OLD PARTS FOR ME. I CONTACTED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY RESEARCHED MY VIN NUMBER, WHICH IS OUTSIDE THE WINDOW FOR THE PRESENT RECALL (07V161000). THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS OCCURRING WITH THE 2002 MODELS IS ALSO HAPPENING WITH THE EARLIER MODELS. I AM SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS HAD TO HAVE THESE REPAIRS MADE.

NHTSA complaint #10194792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hollywood, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MY 2001 KIA SPORTAGE'S ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THERE IS NO LOGIC TO THE INCIDENTS: WAITING AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR TO NEUTRAL AND TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL USUALLY RESTART THE ENGINE IN ONE TRY, BUT NOT ALWAYS. I HAVE REPLACED TWO EMISSION CONTROL SOLENOID VALVES, THE FUEL TANK AND THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE KIA DEALER AND ON-LINE CHATTERS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS QUITE A FEW OF THEM. A RECENT VISIT TO THE KIA DEALER FOUND O CODES STORED IN THE ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. THE DATE LISTED BELOW WAS AN INCIDENT WITNESSED BY MY PARENTS, ACTUALLY THE FOURTH SUCH OCCURRENCE IN AS MANY DAYS.

NHTSA complaint #10189323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 66,018 miles Cazenovia, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING FROM BOSTON ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE TOWARD NEW YORK STATE. AS SHE APPROACHED THE NEW YORK STATE TOLL BOOTHS, BRAKES, STEERING, AND ACCELERATION SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE, A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 66,018 MILES BEGAN SMOKING. THE DRIVER MANAGED TO TURN SLIGHTLY TO AVOID CRASHING INTO THE TOLL BOOTHS AND FOUND HERSELF HEADED FOR A LARGE PROPANE TANK ON THE GROUNDS. SHE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MANAGED TO STOP WITHIN A FEW FEET OF THE TANK. BELIEVING THE CAR TO BE ON FIRE, SHE EXITED QUICKLY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO LIA KIA IN SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK. THE ALLSTATE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR AND THE MECHANIC AGREED THAT THE FAN CLUTCH HAD BROKEN OFF AND MOVED THROUGHOUT THE AREA UNDER THE HOOD, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE ALLSTATE INVESTIGATOR HAS PICTURES OF THE FAN CLUTCH AND DAMAGE. INSURANCE DID NOT PAY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECTIVE PART. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR WAS $4500.00. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT LIA KIA WHILE THE NATIONAL KIA HEADQUARTERS WAS CONTACTED. MR. RYAN CHRISTIANSON WAS THE CONTACT THERE. HE MAINTAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SO KIA HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY. HE SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND WANTED ALL PAST RECORDS SENT TO HIM, UNTIL HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE PICTURES AT ALLSTATE. VERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ARE AVAILABLE. THE FACT THAT THERE WAS VERY NEARLY A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT WHICH WOULD HAVE INVOLVED MANY VEHICLES AND INDIVIDUALS WAS POINTED OUT TO HIM. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT LIA KIA UNTIL MAY, WHEN THEY BEGAN TO DEMAND RENT. WITH NO APPARENT REMAINING OPTIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $4595.99 AND DRIVEN HOME ON MAY 19, 2006. THERE WAS SOME DIFFICULTY DRIVING HOME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEGACY KIA IN E. SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE SITE, WHERE THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPAIRED AT A FURTHER COST OF $306.13. ITEMIZED LISTS OF ALL REPAIRS ARE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10162407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 66,018 miles Cazenovia, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING FROM BOSTON ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE TOWARD NEW YORK STATE. AS SHE APPROACHED THE NEW YORK STATE TOLL BOOTHS, BRAKES, STEERING, AND ACCELERATION SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE, A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 66,018 MILES BEGAN SMOKING. THE DRIVER MANAGED TO TURN SLIGHTLY TO AVOID CRASHING INTO THE TOLL BOOTHS AND FOUND HERSELF HEADED FOR A LARGE PROPANE TANK ON THE GROUNDS. SHE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MANAGED TO STOP WITHIN A FEW FEET OF THE TANK. BELIEVING THE CAR TO BE ON FIRE, SHE EXITED QUICKLY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO LIA KIA IN SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK. THE ALLSTATE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR AND THE MECHANIC AGREED THAT THE FAN CLUTCH HAD BROKEN OFF AND MOVED THROUGHOUT THE AREA UNDER THE HOOD, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE ALLSTATE INVESTIGATOR HAS PICTURES OF THE FAN CLUTCH AND DAMAGE. INSURANCE DID NOT PAY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS A DEFECTIVE PART. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR WAS $4500.00. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT LIA KIA WHILE THE NATIONAL KIA HEADQUARTERS WAS CONTACTED. MR. RYAN CHRISTIANSON WAS THE CONTACT THERE. HE MAINTAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SO KIA HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY. HE SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND WANTED ALL PAST RECORDS SENT TO HIM, UNTIL HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE PICTURES AT ALLSTATE. VERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ARE AVAILABLE. THE FACT THAT THERE WAS VERY NEARLY A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT WHICH WOULD HAVE INVOLVED MANY VEHICLES AND INDIVIDUALS WAS POINTED OUT TO HIM. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT LIA KIA UNTIL MAY, WHEN THEY BEGAN TO DEMAND RENT. WITH NO APPARENT REMAINING OPTIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $4595.99 AND DRIVEN HOME ON MAY 19, 2006. THERE WAS SOME DIFFICULTY DRIVING HOME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEGACY KIA IN E. SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE SITE, WHERE THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPAIRED AT A FURTHER COST OF $306.13. ITEMIZED LISTS OF ALL REPAIRS ARE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10162407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,111 miles Waldorf, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATING AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS HAD FAILURES IN SHIFTING GEARS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE ECT CONNECTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS DESPITE THE REPAIRS. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 02/13/06.

NHTSA complaint #10148392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Byesville, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

DT: THE CONTACT STATED ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE RPM GAUGE WAS READING INCORRECTLY, EITHER VERY HIGH OR NOT READING AT ALL WHEN THE SAME AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ALSO, THE EXHAUST WAS GLOWING RED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP EIGHT TIMES, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10145118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Byesville, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

DT: THE CONTACT STATED ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE RPM GAUGE WAS READING INCORRECTLY, EITHER VERY HIGH OR NOT READING AT ALL WHEN THE SAME AMOUNT OF PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ALSO, THE EXHAUST WAS GLOWING RED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP EIGHT TIMES, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10145118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,190 miles Tyndall AFB, FL Crash 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I WAS IN MY 2001 KIA SPORTAGE AND WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON 7/20/05. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE ROCKER ARM OF MY ENGINE SHEARED OFF AND THE ENGINE DROPPED DOWN ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE (DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY VEHICLE) AND FELL ONTO THE DRIVE TRAIN AND AXLE, CRUSHING EVERYTHING IT HIT. I WAS INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT, AS WELL, AND KIA IS BEING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ABOUT FIXING MY VEHICLE. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING ANY FASTER, LIKE I HAD BEEN ONLY MINUTES EARLIER, THE ENGINE COULD HAVE BEEN YANKED FROM UNDERNEATH THE SUV AND SEPARATED FROM MY VEHICLE, LEAVING ME STRAPPED INTO THE FRAME OF MY CAR WITH NO ENGINE IN IT AND FREE ROLLING IN THE FRAME. IT IS HIGHLY FORTUNATE THAT I WAS NOT KILLED IN THIS ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE BEEN A POSSIBILITY. INITIALLY, THE LOCAL DEALER WENT AHEAD AND REPAIRED THE AXLE, DRIVE TRAIN, AND ENGINE MOUNT REPAIRS; HOWEVER, MY FRAME IS BENT BADLY ON MY VEHICLE AND THE LOCAL DEALER SAYS THAT THEY DO NOT REPAIR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. AFTER REPORTING THE ACCIDENT, THEN GOING BACK AND FORTH BEING PUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES BY KIA CORPORATE, I NOW STILL HAVE NO VEHICLE FIVE WEEKS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD THAT SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS HAD MY CASE AND THAT THEY WOULD CALL ME. THEY NEVER DID UNTIL LAST NIGHT WHEN THE KIA CORPORATE NATIONAL CONSUMER AFFAIRS MANAGER LEFT ME A MESSAGE AT HOME WHILE I WAS AT DINNER. THIS IS THE FIRST PERSON TO CALL ME IN FIVE WEEKS, ASIDE FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE GOING FORWARD AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY, USAA, IS NOT WILLING TO HELP ME WITH THIS CASE BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I REPORTED THE ACCIDENT WITHIN MINUTES OF IT HAPPENING, THEY DID NOT FOLLOW THROUGH AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING THAT SINCE KIA TOUCHED THE VEHICLE AND MADE REPAIRS BEFORE THEY COULD LOOK AT THE EXACT NATURE OF THE DAMAGES THEY CANNOT HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. CALL LOGS AND ALL RELATED PAPERWORK IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.

NHTSA complaint #10134293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 13,623 miles Bayside, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TIRE LATCH ON THE BACK OF 2001 KIA SPORTAGE I BROKE. THIS WAS LATCH THAT HELD THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER, IT ALSO HAS TO OPEN IN ORDER FOR THE CONSUMER TO OPEN TRUCK. THE OWNERS MECHANIC HAS OILED AND FIXED THE TIRE CARRIER FOR A TEMPORARY FIX. THE OWNER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS, AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND COULDN'T FIX THE LATCH UNTIL IT WAS BROKEN, AND THEN THEY COULD REPAIR IT. THE OWNER HAS NOT CALLED KIA. THE LATCH HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. THE OWNER SUGGESTED THAT THE LATCH COULD HAVE ROTTED OUT. THE OWNER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE LAST YEAR ON JUNE 12, 2004 TO HAVE THE TAIL PIPE FIXED. THE KIA DEALERSHIP BODY SHOP THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX THE TAILPIPE, DID NOT REPAIR THE TAILPIPE. THE CAR WAS RATTLING FROM THE EXHAUST. THE OWNER'S MECHANIC REMOVED THE ROTTED EXHAUST SYSTEM, THE KIA DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX THIS AND DID NOT AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE ON HAD 13,623 MILES ON IT AT THIS POINT. THE DEALER IS NO LONGER WITH THE ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER THEY CLOSED DOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10129298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,230 miles Washington, PA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2001 KIA SPORTAGE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER REGISTERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING HOT. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED.*MR THE COOLANT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED, THE REAR HATCH PANEL INSIDE FELL OFF, NEW CLIPS WERE INSTALLED. REPLACED MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH, TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED, WIND NOISE FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AREA.

NHTSA complaint #10122633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 768 miles Wellesley, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

2001 KIA SPORTAGE SUFFERED TWO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURES.*MR ALONG WITH THE ENGINE FAILURES, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO, BATTERY AND THE TERMINALS, FRONT BRAKES, A SENSOR KNOCK, EXHAUST SYSTEM, AIR CONDITION, VALVE COVER GASKET, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, FRONT PADS AND ROTORS, CRUISE CONTROL, AND A DEFECTIVE IDLER ARM.

NHTSA complaint #10117452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 768 miles Wellesley, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

2001 KIA SPORTAGE SUFFERED TWO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURES.*MR ALONG WITH THE ENGINE FAILURES, THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO, BATTERY AND THE TERMINALS, FRONT BRAKES, A SENSOR KNOCK, EXHAUST SYSTEM, AIR CONDITION, VALVE COVER GASKET, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, FRONT PADS AND ROTORS, CRUISE CONTROL, AND A DEFECTIVE IDLER ARM.

NHTSA complaint #10117452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wellesley, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2001 KIA SPORTAGE, STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET A FULL ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE IDLER WAS DEFECTIVE, ON 2 OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND IT HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED, WHICH WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE BATTERY TERMINALS, THE RADIO, FONT BRAKES EXHAUST SYSTEM, AIR CONDITION VALVE COVER GASKET, FRONT WHEEL BEARING, CRUISE CONTROL WERE ALL INOPERATIVE, THE VEHICLE HAS HAD 2 ENGINE REPLACEMENTS, AND THE DRIVE BELTS WERE OUT OF TENSION.

NHTSA complaint #10115127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wellesley, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

2001 KIA SPORTAGE, STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET A FULL ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE IDLER WAS DEFECTIVE, ON 2 OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND IT HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED, WHICH WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE BATTERY TERMINALS, THE RADIO, FONT BRAKES EXHAUST SYSTEM, AIR CONDITION VALVE COVER GASKET, FRONT WHEEL BEARING, CRUISE CONTROL WERE ALL INOPERATIVE, THE VEHICLE HAS HAD 2 ENGINE REPLACEMENTS, AND THE DRIVE BELTS WERE OUT OF TENSION.

NHTSA complaint #10115127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arnold, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH 2001 KIA SPORTAGE CONVERTIBLE. REPLACEMENT OF BRAKES 5 TIMES, REPLACEMENT OF BELTS 6 TIMES AND 14 OTHER PROBLEMS. *BF THE CUP HOLDER, CONVERTIBLE TOP, AND BELTS WERE REPLACED. THE ALARM WIRES WERE RE-ADJUSTED, THE AC COMPRESSOR, IGNITION COIL PACK, CD PLAYER RIGHT REAR AXLE, RIGHT FRONT STRUT, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CENTER CONSOLE, REAR WINDOW FUSE, SPARK PLUG AND ENGINE HARNESS WERE ALL REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB

NHTSA complaint #10109781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arnold, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH 2001 KIA SPORTAGE CONVERTIBLE. REPLACEMENT OF BRAKES 5 TIMES, REPLACEMENT OF BELTS 6 TIMES AND 14 OTHER PROBLEMS. *BF THE CUP HOLDER, CONVERTIBLE TOP, AND BELTS WERE REPLACED. THE ALARM WIRES WERE RE-ADJUSTED, THE AC COMPRESSOR, IGNITION COIL PACK, CD PLAYER RIGHT REAR AXLE, RIGHT FRONT STRUT, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CENTER CONSOLE, REAR WINDOW FUSE, SPARK PLUG AND ENGINE HARNESS WERE ALL REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB

NHTSA complaint #10109781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 27,500 miles Kegley, WV

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

I PURCHASED A KIA SPORTAGE FROM A DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THE VEHICLE STILL HAD ITS FULL POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BUMPER TO BUMPER FOR 7 YEARS. THE KIA HAS LOW MILEAGE AND STILL DOES DUE TO THE FACT IT HAS BEEN SETTING AT THE KIA GARAGE AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH PROBLEMS FROM THE EXHAUST, FRONT SUSPENSION, MOTO, AND THE 4WD TRANSFER SYSTEM. I CANNOT GET THE KIA DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE VEHICLE SAYING THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO PAY MY LOCAL MECHANIC $100.00 TO FIND THE PROBLEMS AND SAID THEY DEFINITELY NEEDED FIXING OR THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN INTO MORE EXPENSE AS TIME LINGERS ON. THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN AND LEAKING OIL, LOOSING COMPRESSION AND EVENTUALLY THE MOTOR WILL FAIL TO OPERATE. MY WIFE HAS A QUADRIPLEGIC DAUGHTER WHO NEEDS AROUND THE CLOCK ATTENTION AND SHE NEEDS THE VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT HER BACK AND FORTH TO THE HOSPITAL TWICE MONTHLY, AND SHE ATTENDS CHURCH WITH HER DAUGHTER SEVERAL TIMES PER MONTH AS WELL. I AM AFRAID THAT THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO MALFUNCTION WITH HER DAUGHTER INSIDE AND IF SHE GETS COLD THEN SHE FACES POSSIBLE SOCK, PNEUMONIA AND IS EXTREMELY SUSPECTIBLE TO ANY KIND OF SICKNESS. KIA MOTORS HAS FOUGHT ME AS WELL AS THEIR SAFETY HOOK, LINE AND SINKER TRYING TO SAVE THEM A BUCK. IF THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE WHO WILL LISTEN TO MY COMPLAINT PLEASE CONTACT KIA AND TELL THEM TO FIX THIS VEHICLE OR RECOMMED SOMEONE WHO WILL TAKE THEM TO COURT TO BRING JUSTICE INTO THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10107774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 768 miles Wellesley, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

VEHICLE'S ENGINE AND A/C FAILED. *NM THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TWO ENGINES WITHIN A 40000 MILE USAGE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED DEAD ON A VERY BUSY US ROUTE 1 HWY. THE SUDDEN STOP CAUSED A TRAFFIC TIE UP AND THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED BY A AIR CONDITIONING, THE VEHICLE NEEDED A COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT, VALVE COVER GASKET, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, DRIVE BELTS OUT OF TENSION, CRUISE CONTROL, V BELTS REPLACED, BRAKES AND ROTORS, EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TC

NHTSA complaint #10101096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 768 miles Wellesley, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VEHICLE'S ENGINE AND A/C FAILED. *NM THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE TWO ENGINES WITHIN A 40000 MILE USAGE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED DEAD ON A VERY BUSY US ROUTE 1 HWY. THE SUDDEN STOP CAUSED A TRAFFIC TIE UP AND THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED BY A AIR CONDITIONING, THE VEHICLE NEEDED A COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT, VALVE COVER GASKET, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, DRIVE BELTS OUT OF TENSION, CRUISE CONTROL, V BELTS REPLACED, BRAKES AND ROTORS, EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TC

NHTSA complaint #10101096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cadyville, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, AND THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10087900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belleville, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE STARTING UP AS WELL AS STALLING. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO START AND THE GAS MILEAGE WAS DROPPING WAY DOWN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A TUNE UP BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE CONSUMER HIT A BUMP AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE SERVICED. THE FILLER NECK RUSTED AND THE FUEL CAP WAS LEAKING. THE FILLER NECK WAS REPLACED, BUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS WORN AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED. *SC

NHTSA complaint #10083971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 51,540 miles Bremen, AL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE COIL BECAME DEFECTIVE, AND BROKE INTO TWO PARTS. DEALER CONTACTED THE CONSUMER TO INFORM HIM THAT THEY REPLACED THE COIL WITH THE SAME ONE THAT CAME OUT OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10081805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,488 miles Eddy, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN APRIL OF 2003 AND THE CLUTCH REPLACED IN APRIL 2003. THE CLUTCH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WE PAID TOTAL COST $366.76. THE TRANSMISSION HAS NOW GONE OUT AGAIN. THE TRANSMISSION IS ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD. THIS WILL BE THE 6TH PROBLEM WE HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR SINCE OCTOBER OF 2002: (1) CLUTCH SWITCH OCT 2002 (2) EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED APR 2003 (3) PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP APR 2003 (4) TRANSMISSION FAILURE APRIL 2003 (5) CLUTCH FAILURE APRIL 2003 (6) TRANSMISSION FAILURE JUNE 2003

NHTSA complaint #10070012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2001 KIA Sportage problems

← Full 2001 KIA Sportage report