Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
240–25K
2325–50K
3650–75K
2975–100K
35100–150K
7150K+
154 reports with mileage · 150 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
23 crash reports7 fire reports13 injury reports
What owners actually said
304 reports
114,000 miles · Oct 9, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY.,WHEN YOU STEP ON BRAKE YOU CAN FEEL THE BRAKE OR TIRE SPENDING AND YOUR CAR IS STILL ROLLING WHEN YOUR ARE STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE, TURNING THE CAR ENGINE ON AND OFF. WHEN YOU START THE ENGINE THE ENGINES CLICKS BUT DOES NOT START. ITS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY SEVER…
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BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY.,WHEN YOU STEP ON BRAKE YOU CAN FEEL THE BRAKE OR TIRE SPENDING AND YOUR CAR IS STILL ROLLING WHEN YOUR ARE STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE, TURNING THE CAR ENGINE ON AND OFF. WHEN YOU START THE ENGINE THE ENGINES CLICKS BUT DOES NOT START. ITS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY SEVERAL TIMES BUT STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10429244
130,000 miles · Sep 12, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THERE WERE HOLES IN HER FUEL TANK AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THERE WERE HOLES IN HER FUEL TANK AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. UPDATED 10/19/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP IS LEAKING GAS. THE CONSUMER FOUND A RECALL FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE OR WARRANTY FOR A FREE REPAIR. UPDATED 11/04/11.
NHTSA ODI #10424729
180,475 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Structure
I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT WORKED ON THE BRAKES THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTED IN THE FALL OF 2009. I CHANGED THE EXHAUST MYSELF IN THE FALL OF 2010 AND SAW THE FRAME WAS ROTTED SO BAD THAT I COULD PUT MY HAND COMPLETELY THROUGH SEVERAL OF THE HOLES AND NOTICED SEVERAL CRACKS. IN MARCH OF 2011 THE CENTER LINK FOR THE REAR AXLE BRO…
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I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT WORKED ON THE BRAKES THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTED IN THE FALL OF 2009. I CHANGED THE EXHAUST MYSELF IN THE FALL OF 2010 AND SAW THE FRAME WAS ROTTED SO BAD THAT I COULD PUT MY HAND COMPLETELY THROUGH SEVERAL OF THE HOLES AND NOTICED SEVERAL CRACKS. IN MARCH OF 2011 THE CENTER LINK FOR THE REAR AXLE BROKE FREE FROM THE ROTTED FRAME AND FELL DOWN ON TOP OF THE DRIVE SHAFT. I DID 2 DAYS WORTH OF VERY CREATIVE WELDING TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. IN APRIL OF 2011 GAS TANK BEGAN TO LEAK. PUT CAR UP ON JACK STANDS TO REMOVE GAS TANK AND FOUND THE FRAME HAD BROKEN ABOVE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING, THE CROSS MEMBER JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR BUMPER HAS A 3-4 INCH GAP (ROTTED THROUGH-NO METAL LEFT) AND THE REAR AXLE HAS SHIFTED OVER ABOUT 4" CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TO RUB AGAINST THE SHOCK. I AM SHOCKED THAT A CAR CAN ROT THIS BAD IN ONLY 10 YEARS AND THERE IS STILL NO RECALL. WTF!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10410138
108,000 miles · May 17, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
GAS TANK LEAKING GAS
NHTSA ODI #10401977
129,907 miles · May 2, 2011
Unknown Or Other
THE FRAME HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MOST UNUSUAL THING ABOUT THIS IS THAT THERE IS ALL MOST NO RUST ON THE BODY. TWO OF THE MOTORS ON THE WINDOWS DON'T WORK AND THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HAS GONE OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME.
NHTSA ODI #10399055
85,520 miles · Jan 2, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
2000 KIA SPORTAGE NOTICE GAS FUMES, GAS LEAKING AND UNDER SEAT THE TOP PLATE IS LETTING OUT RAW GAS FUMES TO MAKE YOU SICK. I DID RESEARCH AN SEEN A RECALL SC059 MY CARE IS DOING THE SAME THING CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE SHE GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER GAVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE KIA DEALER SHE SAID COULDN'T DRIVE CAR HAVE IT TOW…
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2000 KIA SPORTAGE NOTICE GAS FUMES, GAS LEAKING AND UNDER SEAT THE TOP PLATE IS LETTING OUT RAW GAS FUMES TO MAKE YOU SICK. I DID RESEARCH AN SEEN A RECALL SC059 MY CARE IS DOING THE SAME THING CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE SHE GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER GAVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE KIA DEALER SHE SAID COULDN'T DRIVE CAR HAVE IT TOWED, HAVE JAKE SWEENY TO DIAGNOSE IF THIS IS DOING THE SAME PROBLEMS THE OLD RECALL DID FOR THEM TO CALL HER AND SHE WOULD ASK HER DIST MGR TO LET THIS CAR BE FIX. MY BROTHER IS HANDICAPPED AND HE CALLED THE DEALER AND HE ASK FOR THE VIN NUMBER AND SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. WE KNOW THERE IS NOT ONE AT THIS MOMENT BUT FOR HIM TO LOOK AT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF IT CAUSING A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. I HAVE CASE NUMBER FROM KIA JUST NEED TO GET THE DEALER TO LOOK AT THE CAR THE FUMES ARE MAKING HIM SICK AND NOW THE CHANCE OF THE CARE BLOWING UP. PLEASE HELP ASAP. MILEAGE ON CAR 85,520 I THINK KIA NEEDS TO FIX ALL THESE CARS I HAVE LOOKED ON THE WEB AND THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE VIN NUMBERS OUT THERE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT KIA IS OVERLOOKING UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT. THANK YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ISSUE A NEW RECALL OR REOPEN THE OLD ONE. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10373789
82,000 miles · Dec 27, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT SMELLED STRONG FUMES FROM THE GASOLINE TANK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,520. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
NHTSA ODI #10372494
120 miles · Oct 25, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
2000 KIA SPORTAGE, FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK SHIELD RUSTED AND FALLING OFF. UPDATED IVOQ 12/16/20 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10362360
80,000 miles · Oct 18, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,585. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10361006
100,000 miles · Oct 14, 2010
Structure
PURCHASED 2000 KIA SPORTAGE USED. HAD REAR TIRES REPLACED AND FOUND FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AND CRACKED AT SUSPENSION WHICH WAS READY TO BREAK OFF THE VEHICLE. UNABLE TO DRIVE CAR AT THIS TIME IT IS UNSAFE. *TR
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. THESE VEHICLES WERE DISTRIBUTED WITH OWNERS MANUALS WITH AN INCORRECT JUMP START DIAGRAM. THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR JUMP STARTING ARE ACCURATE. HOWEVER, THE DIAGRAM DEPICTS THE JUMPER CABLES ATTACHED TO THE WRONG POLARITY TERMINALS. IF THE DIAGRAM WERE FOLLOWED WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE INSTRUCTIONS, THE RESULTING IMPROPER CONNECTIONS COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY TO RUPTURE AGGRESSIVELY DUE TO INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY TO BYSTANDERS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADHESIVE LABEL WITH THE CORRECT ILLUSTRATION TO PERMANENTLY AFFIX TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS MANUALS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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 THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline
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 THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
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 THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
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 THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.
ON JANUARY 4, 2006, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE STEEL FUEL STORAGE TANK IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2000 KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON JANUARY 25, 2006 REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF 40 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGE FUEL STORAGE TANK LEAKAGE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ANALYSIS OF MANUFACTURER DATA INDICATES THAT ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE AT OR NEAR THE STORAGE TANK MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE MODES INVOLVING THE FUEL CONTAINMENT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED CORROSION AS A PRIMARY CAUSAL FACTOR RELATED TO FUEL STORAGE TANK COMPLAINTS AND CONTINUED FUEL SYSTEM PART SALES.ACCORDING TO KIA, FUEL TANK CORROSION CLAIMS RELATED TO LEAKAGE CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES: LOWER TANK CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTERIOR CORROSION DUE TO DISRUPTION OF THE POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PROTECTIVE COATING AND UPPER TANK CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION AT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT MOUNTING PLATE AREA.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED FUEL TANK CORROSION RESULTING IN LEAKAGE IS ONGOING.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-007) TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY, SCOPE, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
EA04007 · Seat Belt Buckle False Latch/malfunction
Opened Feb 27, 2004 · Closed Jul 26, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
THE MANUFACTURER HAS INITIATED A SAFETY RELATED CAMPAIGN TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CORRECTION OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DEFECT.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS/BUCKLES.THIS SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 04V305.
RQ03007 · Seat Belt Buckle False Latch/malfunction
Opened Oct 14, 2003 · Closed Feb 27, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
INFORMATION RECEIVED AND ANALYZED DURING THIS RQ DISCLOSED THAT MY 1999 AND 2000 KIA SEPHIA AND SPORTAGE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH MODIFIED VERSIONS OF THE SAME SAFETY BELT LATCH ASSEMBLY AS THOSE RECALLED IN CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.THESE LATCH ASSEMBLIES WERE IDENTIFIED AS TYPE A97. ODI ANALYSES INDICATE A CONTINUING TREND OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOLLOWING A SERIES OF DESIGN MODIFICATIONS MADE BY KIA TO IMPROVE THE A97 LATCH ASSEMBLY.MY 2001 AND 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH DIFFERENT DESIGN LATCH ASSEMBLIES (TYPE DB-6 OR AUTOLIV) AND EXHIBIT A MUCH LOWER COMPLAINT COUNT.THIS RQ HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN EA IN ORDER TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TYPE A97 LATCH ASSEMBLIES.
DP02006 · Vehicle Rollover
Opened Jun 5, 2002 · Closed Sep 23, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE00026 · Incorrect Battery JUMP-START
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Jul 31, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ALLEGE BATTETY MAY EXPLODE IF OWNER'S ATTEMPT TO JUMP-STATE THE VEHICLE BY FOLLOWING THE OWNER'S MANUAL DIAGRAM
Illustration