1995 Kia Sportage problems
The Kia Sportage (Korean: 기아 스포티지) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 1993 through five generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sportage transitioned to a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Tucson. Since the fifth-generation model launched in 2021, Kia developed the Sportage in two sizes with different wheelbase lengths for different markets.
The Sportage has been the best-selling Kia model globally since 2016 after surpassing the Rio. In 2018, the model reached the 5 million production milestone. As of 2023, the Sportage is positioned between the Seltos or Niro and the three-row Sorento in Kia's SUV global lineup.
In 2022, the Sportage won the 'Family SUV' and 'Full Hybrid' categories in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards. In 2023, the Sportage was chosen as Car of the Year in Morocco.
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Common 1995 Kia Sportage problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Kia Sportage 1995, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Front Seat Belt Buckles: Cars built before the end of 1998 were recalled due to a possible fault with the front seat belt buckles. This issue could lead to the buckles not latching securely, posing a safety risk in the event of a collision.
- Steering Concerns: Vehicles manufactured between November 2002 and April 2003 were recalled over steering concerns. This problem could affect the vehicle's handling and overall safety on the road.
- Electrical Niggles: While the Kia Sportage generally has good build quality, there have been reports of electrical problems. These issues may cause inconvenience to owners and could potentially impact the vehicle's performance.
- Interior Trim Wear: Owners have noted that the interior trim of the Kia Sportage tends to deteriorate quickly, leading to a less aesthetically pleasing cabin over time.
- Fuel Consumption: The Kia Sportage 1995 is known to be thirsty, especially in urban driving conditions. This high fuel consumption could result in increased running costs for owners.
- Lack of Standard Equipment: Despite being a good value for money in terms of purchase price and insurance costs, the Kia Sportage may lack standard equipment compared to other vehicles in its class.
These common problems highlight various areas of concern for owners of the Kia Sportage 1995, ranging from safety issues like faulty seat belt buckles to practical concerns such as high fuel consumption. Addressing these problems promptly and ensuring regular maintenance can help mitigate potential risks and ensure a better ownership experience for Kia Sportage owners.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Sportage?
System problems another common issue reported by 2023 Kia Sportage owners is with the electrical. System some owners have reported problems with the radio navigation. System and backup camera
Are old Kia Sportage reliable?
The Sportage is a well-made car that has had very few reported faults in this generation. There have been some issues with non-engine electrics, mostly relating to the sat-nav system (where fitted), and the starting procedure.
Is Kia Sportage cheap to repair?
Compared to other vehicles, Kias are fairly cheap to keep running. In 2019, RepairPal data put the annual cost to repair and maintain a Kia at $474.
Is Kia Sportage high maintenance?
Cost. The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Sportage is $462, compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
1995 Kia Sportage car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sportage problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Kia Sportage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1995 Kia Sportage
The NHTSA has received 67 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Kia Sportage. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1995 Kia Sportage vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-16
- VIN: KNDJA7219S5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE ENGINE LOCKED CAUSING LOSE OF POWER. THERE IS A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN #011, REGARDING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE CAMPAIGN; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CAMPAIGN DUE TO THE VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED. IT DIED IN TRAFFIC EVERYDAY. CONSUMER STATED HE WAS AFRAID OF BEING INVOLVED IN A COLLISION.*AK
SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNDJA7233S5
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF. AXLE BEARING OIL SEAL RETAINING NUT WAS MISSING. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-16
- VIN: KNDJA7235S5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE CROSSING A BRIDGE THE REAR AXLE AND TIRE FLEW OFF, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL AND COME TO A STOP. TOWED TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTRAL NEEDS REPLACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-05
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 45MPH FUMES COME THROUGH THE VENTS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNDJA7210S5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS "CONNECTING" PROPERLY. OFTEN WILL DETACH WHILE DRIVING UNLESS IT IS PROPERLY "SEATED" AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- VIN: KNDJA7232S5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 1997 AND HAVE REPLACED 4 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN 5 YEARS. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2000, AND WE REPLACED IT THE 4TH TIME DURING MY OWNERSHIP. IT IS OUT AGAIN AND I AM GETTING FROM KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT I MUST PAY FOR IT. I THINK THIS PART IS SERIOUSLY FAULTY FOR IT TO CHANGED OUT SO MANY TIMES. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AND THEN HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS EVERY YEAR OR SO AS LONG AS I OWN THE VEHICLE. I REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP FROM YOU. THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNDJA7231S5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS SOMETIMES LATCH PARTIALLY. A BELT SEEMS TO HAVE LATCHED, BUT POPS LOOSE LATER. WE REPLACED THE FRON-LEFT SEAT BELT TWICE, I BELIEVE, IN 1998, DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. NOW BOTH THE FRONT-LEF AND FRONT-RIGHT BELTS HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM. AN EMPLOYEE OF THE KIA DEALER SUNBURY MOTORS, SUNBURY, PA (RON, NIGHT SHIFT) VERIFIED THE PROBLEM AND APPLIED A LUBRICANT. HE SUGGESTED THAT WE REPORT THE PROBLEM AT THIS WEB SITE AND SAID HE WOULD MENTION IT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE PARTIAL LATCH DOES NOT SEEM TO HAPPEN ANY MORE AFTER LUBRICATION. WE HAVE ORDERED TWO NEW SEAT BELTS ANYWAY.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-06
- VIN: KNDJA7236S5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CAR HAS STALLED IN MAJOR INTERSECTIONS 6 TIMES NOW AND RETURNED TO DEALER 4 TIMES. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. OCCUPANT OF VEHICLE NARROWLY MISSED A MAJOR COLLISION TWICE. THE CAR STALLS BUT ELECTRICAL POWER STILL THERE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE LOST 4WD, GOT STUCK AND CRACKED BODY MOLDING, RESPONSE FROM DEALER WAS TO REPLACE FRONT END COMPONENTS,SECOND OCCURRENCE WHILE TRAVELING IN SNOW STORM, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE HIT TREE EMBANKMENT, WHEN PULLED OUT CONSUMER REALIZED 4WD HAD GONE OUT, DEALER RESONSE WAS TO BAD VACUUM SEALS, THIRD OCCURRENCE LOST 4WD DUE TO VACUUM LINE BEING RUSTED, AND FOURTH OCCURRENCE LOST 4WD AND DEALER REPLACE FRONT END COMPONENTS. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT IS RELEASING ,IT IS COMING OUT OF BUCKLE ON ITS OWN WHILE CONSUMER IS WEARING SEATBELT, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. BUCKLE HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, AND REPLACEMENT ONLY LASTED ABOUT 2 YEARS.*AK
SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-01
- VIN: KNDJA7218S5
- Components: SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THESE ARE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELTS. THE ORIGINAL ONES ALSO STOPPED WORKING. BOTH MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED. THEY SAID VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY (< 34K MILES). NHTSA NOTIFIED 2 YEARS AGO. NOW THESE BELTS ARE FAILING CONSTANTLY. LATCH MECHANISM IS NOT HOLDING. IT SLIPS OUT. REAR DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK DUE TO LATCH FAILURES. *SLC
SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNDJA7218S5
- Components: SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLES HAVE FAILED AND HAVE COME UNLATCHED ON THEIR OWN WHILE PASSENGERS WERE WEARING THEM,CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. BUCKLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE PRIOR, BUT REPLACEMENT PART HAS FAILED ONLY AFTER 2 YEARS OF USAGE. *AK *SLC REAR DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN DUE TO LATCH FAILURE. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED NEW TIRES FOR THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER WITHIN FIVE DAYS THE REPLACEMENT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT DUE TO POSSIBLE DEFECT, TIRE MAKE/MODEL NOT PROVIDED. *MJS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED NEW TIRES FOR THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER WITHIN FIVE DAYS THE REPLACEMENT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT DUE TO POSSIBLE DEFECT, TIRE MAKE/MODEL NOT PROVIDED. *MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-11
- VIN: KNDJA7239S5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AFTER STARTING VEHICLE COULD HEAR A LOT OF TICKING INSIDE OF ENGINE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO A TECHNICIAN, AND THE HYDRAULIC LIFTERS HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-15
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN FAILED TO OPERATE/ ALL OF THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY/ INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, AND DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WOULD COME UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER IN ANY OF THESE CONCERN. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KND
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE ENGINE BLOCK, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-27
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, CONSUMER CANNOT GET PASSED 40 MPH. *AK
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-25
- VIN: KNDJA7234S5
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE ENGINE WILL START UP AND STAY AT APROX 3000 RPM FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS. A FEW TIMES IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. TWICE THE RPMS JUMPED WHILE EACH MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING IT AND ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS. THE LOCKING HUBS ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ARE NOT UNLOCKING. IT CAUSED SOME SLIDING IN THE RAIN GOING AROUND A CORNER. THE WHEELS ALWAYS TURN AT THE SAME RATE AROUND CORNERS. THE TRIM IS COMING LOOSE AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. THE TRANSMISSION IS ROUGH WHEN I SHIFT, AND DURING DRIVING IT WILL SOME TIMES SURGE FORWARD AND BACK. TOO MUCH PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-09
- VIN: KNDJA7232S5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONTACTED DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM/CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. AFTER ARRIVING, WAS INFORMED THAT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. WOULD ORDER PARTS & CONTACT OWNER. SO FAR NO CONTACT WITH DEALERSHIP ON CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDJA723XS5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARDS IN THE WRECK, LUCKILY MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR SEAT. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE WINDOW SEATS, THEIR LEGS WOULD HAVE BEEN PINNED IN BY THE COLLAPSED FRONT SEATS
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-15
- VIN: KNDJA7219S5
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: COOLANT LEAK FROM HEATER CORE NUMEROUS TIMES, CAUSING CAR TO OVERHEAT EVEN AFTER BEING REPLACED OVER AND OVER AGAIN.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-04
- VIN: KNDJA7233S5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 9., SINCE THEN THERE HAS BEEN RAW ODORS AND ODORS OF FUMES. SHE WAS TOLD BY MECHANICS THAT THE CATYLAC CONVERTER WAS GONE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: KNDJA7213S5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT COMES UNDONE WHILE I'M DRIVING, IN FACT I CAN PULL IT OUT MANUALLY!
1995 Kia Sportage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1995 Kia Sportage.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: THE NUTS ATTACHING THE REAR AXLE BEARING OIL SEAL RETAINERS AND BRAKE BACKING PLATES TO THE REAR AXLE HOUSING MAY BE UNDER- TORQUED CAUSING THESE UNITS TO LOOSEN OR FALL OFF.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE (1) OIL LEAKAGE INTO THE REAR BRAKE AND ONTO THE BRAKE LININGS; (2) REAR BRAKE DAMAGE FROM THE AXLE NUTSFALLING INTO THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS; OR (3) SEPARATION OF THE REAR WHEEL/AXLESHAFT FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN AN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETORQUE THE REAR AXLE BEARING OIL SEAL RETAINER NUTS.
Negative 1995 Kia Sportage car reviews
Positive 1995 Kia Sportage car reviews
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I bought this car when it had 60,000 miles on it and used it for a rural mail route for 2 years. I can honestly say that I have never had any major issues with it, except for the passenger power window not working from that side. The car is a bit rusty and the front bumper is peeling due to a poor job done after a wreck, but I still love it. Even after a serious head-on collision, I was able to drive away, although the pick-up was totaled. With 175,000 miles on it, the car still gets 24 mpg on the highway. Although the check engine light flickers on for no reason and it has lost some of its power, I believe I could still drive it for another 50,000 miles! I might have just been lucky, but I will have to change the ball joints by then.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1995 Kia Sportage problems:
Kia sportage G1 OBD1 1995 16v DOHC misfire problem | Kia Forum
Sep 27, 2017 ... I have a 1995 kia sportage 2.0 16v but OBD1 with only 1 O2 sensor and no CAT. I have taken it for a diagnostic and all the sensors report back ...
Q&A: Kia Sportage 2000 - Erratic Idle Speed & RPM Problems
Mar 19, 2011 ... The First thing i would do is clean out the throttle body with some throttle plate and intake cleaner and a small brush. Another common cause ...
4wd not working in your 1st Gen Sportage? It is quite possibly an ...
Jul 5, 2010 ... Kia Sportage Forum (post in sub-section only) ... Good info and nice fix to a very common problem for vac hubs on the Sportage. The 95-97's don't ...
Is the 1st generation Kia Sportage reliable? - Quora
Jun 26, 2020 ... There were certain years that Kia had engine issues and a blown motor was a fairly common problem. I like the look, I like the way they.
Kia Sportage Problems | Common Faults & Repair Costs ...
A known problem with the Kia Sportage is that with the model's engine. The engine has been known to idle or stall completely whilst the vehicle is in motion, ...
Other years of Kia Sportage
Are you having problems with your 1995 Kia Sportage?
Talon DuBuque 2024-07-27
I haven't had my Sprotage for very long, and I hope to find someone who will appreciate it as much as I did. However, I have experienced some issues with it such as stalling out at stoplights, difficulty shifting into high gear when cold, and a malfunctioning computer. I would advise caution when considering purchasing a Kia vehicle.
Barton Maggio 2024-05-23
I wouldn't take this car even if you paid me, after all the problems I've been through.
Axel Gerhold 2024-05-13
It's a bit noisy, but as an SUV, it serves its purpose well. With plenty of torque, it's perfect for some light off-road fun.