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2001 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

125 reports with mileage · 103 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 50 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 →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports4 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

228 reports
120,000 miles · Mar 20, 2012
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE FRONT PARKING LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE FRONT PARKING LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10452360

150,000 miles · Feb 29, 2012
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING REGULAR MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC NOTIFIED HER THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING REGULAR MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC NOTIFIED HER THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10449756

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2012
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPRINGS THAT HELD THE SEAT BELT IN PLACE FRACTURED ON TWO OCCASIONS. IN MARCH 2011, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SPRING FRACTURED AND WAS REPAIRED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT APPROXIMATELY NINE MONTHS LAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPRINGS THAT HELD THE SEAT BELT IN PLACE FRACTURED ON TWO OCCASIONS. IN MARCH 2011, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SPRING FRACTURED AND WAS REPAIRED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT APPROXIMATELY NINE MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COLLAPSED/BROKE AND WAS REPAIRED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER. THE CONSUMER STATED NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. UPDATED 02/29/12

NHTSA ODI #10442422

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2011
Electrical System

THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WHERE THE WIRES ARE MOUNTED CLOSE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND THE DASH BOARD COMPONENTS ARE NOT READING/MOVING NEITHER IS THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT AND OVERDRIVE. I'VE LEARNED THROUGH BLOG POSTS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL CAR. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10441970

65,500 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTGAGE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED A DIFFICULT TIME STEERING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRACK BAR, WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO THE REAR AXLE, WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MAN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTGAGE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED A DIFFICULT TIME STEERING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRACK BAR, WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO THE REAR AXLE, WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,500. AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,600. UPDATED 01/10/12*LJ UPDATED 01/10/12

NHTSA ODI #10437444

120,238 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Tires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES SIZE 205/75R15, DOT NUMBER U9ULC2T2811. A FRIEND WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE SIDEWALL SEPARATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE TIRE SHREDDED INTO PIECES AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY AS THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER, WHERE HE INST…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES SIZE 205/75R15, DOT NUMBER U9ULC2T2811. A FRIEND WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE SIDEWALL SEPARATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE. THE TIRE SHREDDED INTO PIECES AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY AS THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER, WHERE HE INSTALLED A SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE BRAND NEW AND RECENTLY PURCHASED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH THE CONTACT. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRE WAS 3,562. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,238. UPDATED 12/29/11 *BF UPDATED 03/16/12

NHTSA ODI #10437430

112,000 miles · Oct 22, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

OUR 2001 KIA SPORTAGE HAD A GAS SMELL. NOW WE NOTICED GAS LEAKING OUT OF THE TANK. IT SEEMS TO STOP AT 1/4 FULL. WE BOUGHT IN BRAND NEW IN 2002. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432457

91,000 miles · Oct 3, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureSuspension

STABILIZER CONNECTED TO THE CHASIS ROTTED FROM THE FRAME AND THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE WHERE THE BRAKE LINE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME WAS ROTTED. BROUGHT THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO FIND THIS OUT. CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN CURRENT CONDITION AS IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I WAS LUCKY I WASN'T GOING FAST AND WAS…

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STABILIZER CONNECTED TO THE CHASIS ROTTED FROM THE FRAME AND THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE WHERE THE BRAKE LINE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME WAS ROTTED. BROUGHT THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO FIND THIS OUT. CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN CURRENT CONDITION AS IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I WAS LUCKY I WASN'T GOING FAST AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. PEOPLE SHOULD BE NOTIFIED TO HAVE THIS CHECKED IMMEDIATELY, IT COULD SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10428345

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL TANK LEAKING, STRONG FUMES INSIDE CABIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10423022

110,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED CAUSING A LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT FOUND A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE FUEL UNDER THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WOULD NEED REPLACING AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED CAUSING A LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT FOUND A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE FUEL UNDER THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WOULD NEED REPLACING AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10412022

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA06007 · Fuel Tank Leakage

Opened May 9, 2006 · Closed Nov 30, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; 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.

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.

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.

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