NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
228 reports85,000 miles · Oct 16, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
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 B…
Read full complaint
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 ODI #10205816
72,104 miles · Oct 11, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CONTINUOUS LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. HE ALSO SMELLED GAS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,104.
NHTSA ODI #10205452
70,000 miles · Oct 4, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE HEAT IS ACTIVATED, A STRONG GASEOUS ODOR COMES THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP, BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE VENTS WERE NOT CLEANED AND NO COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE CURRENT M…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE HEAT IS ACTIVATED, A STRONG GASEOUS ODOR COMES THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP, BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE VENTS WERE NOT CLEANED AND NO COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE CONSUMER STATED HAS TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN DUE TO THE INTENSE ODOR. UPDATED 1/24/08 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10204861
52,800 miles · Aug 30, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline
I OWN A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE EX, IT IS LEAKING GAS FROM THE GAS TANK AREA. UPDATED 12-12-07. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT GAS TANK. UPDATED *JB
NHTSA ODI #10201296
42,000 miles · Aug 14, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS COMING FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED TWO HOLES IN THE FUEL TANK. THERE IS AN OPEN DEFECT INVESTIGATION FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM TANK ASSEMBLY (NHTSA CAMPAIGN …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS COMING FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED TWO HOLES IN THE FUEL TANK. THERE IS AN OPEN DEFECT INVESTIGATION FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM TANK ASSEMBLY (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER EA06007). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 09/06/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10199546
Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline
GASOLINE LEAK; FUEL CONTAINMENT
NHTSA ODI #10195299
100,000 miles · Jun 27, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
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 THI…
Read full complaint
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 ODI #10194792
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
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…
Read full complaint
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.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10189323
20,000 miles · Mar 19, 2007
Electrical SystemPower TrainSeat Belts
I BOUGHT MT 2001 KIA SPORTAGE IN 2003. IT WAS A 2 DOOR AUTOMATIC SOFT TOP. THE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTED WITHIN MONTHS. FIRST THE "HOLD" LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN WHILE DRIVING THE CARE WOULD STICK IN ONE GEAR. I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN WITH OUT IT STALLING ONCE THE GEARS GOT STUCK. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND THE REPLACED …
Read full complaint
I BOUGHT MT 2001 KIA SPORTAGE IN 2003. IT WAS A 2 DOOR AUTOMATIC SOFT TOP. THE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR STARTED WITHIN MONTHS. FIRST THE "HOLD" LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN WHILE DRIVING THE CARE WOULD STICK IN ONE GEAR. I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN WITH OUT IT STALLING ONCE THE GEARS GOT STUCK. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND THE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM B/C IT STILL HAPPENS EVEN TO THIS DAY AND EVERY PLACE I TAKE IT TO SAYS THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. IN 2005 EVERYTHING STARTED GOING DOWNHILL. THE POWER WINDOWS DONT WORK THE CD PLAYER EATS YOU CDS AND I GET NO RESEPTION ON THE RADIO. NOT TO MENTION THE SEAT BELT LIGHT COMES ON ALL THE TIME AND CONTINUES TO FLASH AND BEEP EVEN WITH YOUR SEAT BELT IS ON. THE PASENGER SEATBELT DOES NOT STAY CLASPED. THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IF I TURN ON THE AIR. THE AIR ONLY BLOWS ON YOUR FEET. MY CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY IT I GO ABOUT 50 MPH. THE CAR MAKES A WIERD CHATTERING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. AND THE BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP FOR NO REASON. ALL OF THESE THINGS I HAVE STATED ARE TRUE AND I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS OF TIMES AND SEEM TO GET IT "FIXED" BUT SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS BEFORE THE MONTH ENDS. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS TOTAL, AND IT STILL DOESNT RUN PROPERLY. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THE TRAMISSION REPLACED, THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS, THE MASTER AND REAR CYLINDER(2X), WHEEL BARRING, ALTERNATER, STARTED , BATTERIES(4X),AIR VENTS, AD MANY OTHER THING BUT I CANT KEEP TRACK OF EVERYTHING THAT GOES WRONG WITH THIS CAR. IM A COLLEGE STUDENT THAT HAS A VERY LIMITED INCOME, AND I CANT WASTED ANY MORE TIME AND MONEY DEALING WITH THIS CAR THAT SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN I IS. MY FIRST CAR WAS BETTER THA THIS ONE AND IT WAS MADE IN THE 80'S.
NHTSA ODI #10185532
64,550 miles · Jan 15, 2007
Power Train
2001 KIA SPORTAGE 4WD DOES NOT ENGAGE. IT WORKED GOOD IN WINTER OF 2005, BUT THIS YEAR FINALLY HAVING SNOW IN JANUARY, I TRIED THE 4WD WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT SPINS, SO THE TRANSFER CASE WORKS, HOWEVER THE DRIVE ISN'T BEING INITIATED TO THE FRONT WHEELS. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH, I NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEMS O…
Read full complaint
2001 KIA SPORTAGE 4WD DOES NOT ENGAGE. IT WORKED GOOD IN WINTER OF 2005, BUT THIS YEAR FINALLY HAVING SNOW IN JANUARY, I TRIED THE 4WD WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT SPINS, SO THE TRANSFER CASE WORKS, HOWEVER THE DRIVE ISN'T BEING INITIATED TO THE FRONT WHEELS. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH, I NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEMS OCCURRED TO SAME MAKE AND MODEL, BUT IN A DIFFERENT YEAR. IT IS ALSO STATED THAT THE DOUBLE SEALED HUBS WAS APPARENTLY SUPPOSED TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM WITH THE HUBS BECOMING FROZEN DUE TO RUST. COULD IT BE POSSIBLE THAT THIS REMEDY DIDN'T ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10178699
NHTSA investigations
2EA06007 · 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.