1997 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 1997 Kia Sportage problems
The 1997 Kia Sportage has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine, battery, and electrical systems.
Engine problems are the most frequently reported issues for the Kia Sportage, with the 2012 model year being the worst in this regard. This issue is likely due to a faulty engine, which could be caused by various factors such as manufacturing defects or wear and tear.
Another engine-related problem is repeated engine failure, which has been reported by 2011 Sportage owners with an average cost of $3,500 to fix and an average mileage of 56,000 miles. This issue is likely due to a more severe engine problem, which could be caused by various factors such as manufacturing defects, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance.
Excessive oil consumption is another engine-related problem that has been reported by 2017 Sportage owners with an average cost of $5,400 to fix and an average mileage of 70,000 miles. This issue is likely due to a faulty engine or oil system, which could be caused by various factors such as manufacturing defects, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance.
Battery and electrical problems are also common in the Kia Sportage, with the 1999 model year being particularly affected. This issue is likely due to a faulty battery or electrical system, which could be caused by various factors such as manufacturing defects, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance.
The alternator is also a common source of battery and electrical problems in the Kia Sportage, with 2001 model year owners reporting issues with the alternator causing the battery to go completely dead. This issue is likely due to a faulty alternator, which could be caused by various factors such as manufacturing defects, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance.
In summary, the Kia Sportage has several common problems, primarily related to the engine, battery, and electrical systems. These issues can be caused by various factors such as manufacturing defects, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance. It is important for Kia Sportage owners to be aware of these common problems and to address them promptly to avoid more severe issues and higher repair costs in the future.
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.
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
What are the negatives of the Kia Sportage?
The cooling system consists of several parts, including the thermostat, water pump, and radiator. The failure of one or all of these parts can lead to engine cooling problems. With the Kia Sportage, the most common issue was with the radiator. It would leak coolant, thus leading to the engine overheating.
Can a Kia Sportage last 300000 miles?
How Long Will a Kia Sportage Really Last? Over 200,000 Miles is Possible in Maintained Units, but Tread Lightly Past 150,000. There are a lot of Kia Sportage SUVs with high mileage, but there are also quite a few owners with extensive shop bills.
1997 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
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Kia Sportage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Kia Sportage
The NHTSA has received 217 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Kia Sportage. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Kia Sportage vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-03
- VIN: KNDJA72939V
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT TALKING WITH MY WIFE, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-12
- VIN: KNDJA7233V5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL TANK IS LEAKING
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-03
- VIN: KNDJA7239V5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE OCCUPIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF WILMINGTON (1603 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19806, (302) 656-3100) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD TO DIAGNOSED WHY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,620. *BP*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-10
- VIN: KNDJA7232V5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE FOR THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-26
- VIN: KNDJA7232V5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN APPROXIMATELY AT 55MPH ENGINE WILL STALL. SLOW DOWN AND STOP WITHOUT WARNING. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN TURN ENGINE OFF RESTART RUN IT THRU ALL OF THE GEARS AND IT WILL BE FINE FOR AWHILE UNLESS ON BUMPY ROAD OR STOP WARNING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. I CAN NOT FILL GAS TANK UP DUE TO IT LEAKING OUT UNDER VEHICLE REFRASE THAT POUR OUT. IT WILL ALSO VIBRATE REALLY BAD AFTER BEING DROVE FOR OVER 2 HOURS STRAIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE IT CAUSES A INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDJB723XV5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. THE LOWER AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HIP AREA AND THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,226.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-23
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I PURCHASED A 2007 KIA OPTIMA USED IN OCTOBER 2007. THE CAR HAD ROUGHLY 18,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT. SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN LATE 2009, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS REMAINED ON EVER SINCE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, EVEN WHEN A NORMAL-SIZED ADULT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-01
- VIN: KNDJA7237V5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE DESIGN OF THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE FUEL TANK ALLOWED SAND AND PEBBLES TO ACCUMULATE TO THE EXTENT THAT I STARTED NOTICING FUEL VAPORS. THE VEHICLE IS HOUSED IN A GARAGE, SO I RAISED A WINDOW TO HELP DISSIPATE THE VAPORS. IN A FEW DAYS, FUEL WAS DRIPPING FROM THE LEAKS IN THE TANK. I APPLIED A PUTTY PRODUCT IN JUNE, 2006, WHICH HELPED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED AGAIN. I RE-APPLIED PUTTY IN AUGUST, 2007. THEN AGAIN IN JULY, 2008, WITH TWO DIFFERENT (PERMANENT?) PRODUCTS THAT HAVE NOT WORKED, YET. THE TANK STILL LEAKS. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-01
- VIN: KNDJA7234V5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 1997 KIA SPORTAGE HAVE A DEFECTIVE FUEL TANK. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE RECEIVED A NOTICE AFTER THE REPAIR TO THE FUEL TANK WAS DONE AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR WORK. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE REPAIR, SHE SMELLED GAS AND THERE WAS GAS ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. IT WAS DETERMINED THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-14
- VIN: KNDJA7237V5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: A FEW YEARS BACK I STARTED SMELLING GAS. SO MY FATHER IN LAW AND UNCLE TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND IT YEP YOU GOT A GAS LEAK. SO THEY TRIED TO PATCH IT SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING HAS SEEMED TO WORK. SO BACK IN FEBRUARY I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM KIA STATING A REPAIR BENEFIT NOTIFICATION ABOUT MY GAS TANK LEAKING. SO A FEW WEEKS AGO I CALLED A KIA DEALER AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THEM TO LOOK AT MY TANK. AFTER A HOUR DRIVE AND A FORTY MINUTE WAIT THEY TELL ME THAT MY KIA DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR KIA TO FIX MY TANK. SO I COME HOME AND THE NEXT I CHECK MY TANK AND IT IS OBVIOUS TO ANYONE THAT MY KIA IS LEAKING GAS. I CALLED KIA MOTORS AND THEY WENT TO TELL ME THAT SINCE MY 10 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2007 THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. BUT WHAT MAKES NO SENSE IS THAT THEY DIDN'T SEND OUT MY LETTER UNTIL 2008. I HAVE A 7 MONTH OLD THAT IS IN MY KIA DAILY, SO I ASKED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. FROM KIA MOTORS, WHAT IF MY KIA SOMEHOW CATCHES ON FIRE AND I AM NOT ABLE TO GET TO MY CHILD QUICK ENOUGH, AND SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS. HE TOLD ME THAT ALL REPAIRS MADE TO THE TANK WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY NO MATTER WHAT, AND THAT KIA WOULD NOT FIX OR REPLACE MY TANK. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-05
- VIN: KNDJB7238V5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THE USED CAR DEALER REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND THE MAIN HOSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT, AND WHEN DIAGNOSED ,THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE OVERHEATING WAS DUE TO THE CLUTCH OVERHEATING AND THE FAN STICKING. THE CONTACT DIDN'T THINK THAT TRANSMISSION OIL WAS CIRCULATING THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY WILL NOT START. THE DEALER WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-19
- VIN: KNDJA7233V5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: KIA REFUSES TO INCLUDE MY 1997 SPORTAGE EX 4WD IN RECALL FOR 1997 KIA SPORTAGES EX 4WD. RECALL 1CMP005 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) HAS NEVER BEEN PERFORMED. ALSO NOT SURE THAT RECALL 2CMP014 ON WIRING HAS BEEN PERFORMED. MY MAIN CONCERN AND THE REFUSAL FROM KIA IS ON THE ECM. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-19
- VIN: KNDJA7232V5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED AT 15 MPH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. HE DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SINCE HE PURCHASED IT. HE HAS TRIED CONTACTING THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, BUT EVERY TIME HE CALLED HE WAS PLACED ON HOLD. THEREFORE, HE HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: DT: KIA SPORTAGE 1997, VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE, AFTER THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP AFTER BEING PUSHED DOWN. CONSUMER HEARD A WHISTLING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE THEREFORE TRADED IT IN FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDJB7230V5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT: DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE BACKING FROM A DRIVEWAY AT LOW SPEED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR IMPACT. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED OR WARNING SIGNALS. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN A SHADED AREA FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. CONSUMER'S HUSBAND DROVE VEHICLE HOME AFTER THE INCIDENT. HAVE NOT TAKEN THIS TO A DEALER FOR THIS ISSUE, VEHICLE WAS PARKED AFTERWARDS AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE. NO EXPLANATION OR CLUE AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-29
- VIN: KNDJB7231V5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER STATES: THE DRIVER'S AIR BAGS DISCHARGED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-24
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILURE
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-12
- VIN: KNDJA7234V5
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HOOD LATCH SNAPPED AND THE HOOD FLEW OPEN. CONSUMER PULLED OVER THE LATCH THE HOOD DOWN. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK BROKEN WINDSHIELD REPAIRED, BUT DAMAGED HOOD NOT REPAIRED TO DATE. *BF *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-05
- VIN: KNDJB7230V5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT THE VEHICLE REVS UP TO ALMOST 2000 RPM'S, THE VEHICLE JERKED THEN STALLED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE SERVICE COMPUTER INDICATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY DONE. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-05
- VIN: KNDJB7238V5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: IN MAY 5, 2003 I TOOK TO INSPECT THE CAR FOR A NOISE AT THE BACK. ITS LIKE BEING ON A PLANE FOR DEPARTURE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE BACK DIFFERENTIALS WAS DAMAGED. IT ONLY HAD 25,317 MILEAGE IN 2003. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT. THIS YEAR 2005 A INSPECT THE CAR AT WESTER AUTO I WAS TOLD THE DIFFERENTIAL IS DAMAGE. AT THE STORE I WAS TOLD THEY HAVE SEEN OTHERS KIA SPORTAGE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I ALSO WHEN TO PED BOYS. ALSO, THEY SAID VERB THERE WERE PROBLEMS KIA DIFFERENTIAL. AT WESTER AUTO I CHANGE THE BACK BEARING THINKING THAT WILL FIX THE NOISE. KIA DEALER ESTIMATE THE REPAIR FOR $865 ON 2003.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-28
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NHTSA CAMPAIGN 99V325000; KIA ISSUED AN ENGINE STALLING RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE STALLED, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. *AK
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-28
- VIN: KNDJA7230V5
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO COME ON ITS OWN. THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ON FOR A YEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *SC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNDJB723XV5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY NEEDED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WITH THE TOWING WOULD BE PROVIDED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. *SC
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-01
- VIN: KNDJA7230V5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I JUST PURCHASED A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 38,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE TWO WEEKS SINCE PURCHASE I HAVE ALREADY HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR TWICE. WITH SUCH LOW MILES ON THE VEHICLE I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD AND SAFE PURCHASE BUT NOW I AM AFRAID I HAVE MADE A MISTAKE. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SWITCH BROKE AND I COULD NOT ROLL MY WINDOW UP. I TOOK IT IN THE SHOP TO HAVE A NEW ONE PUT IN. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT GEAR BOX BROKE AS I WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH TWO OF MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING SLOW AND COULD STOP RIGHT AWAY. IF I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT A FAST SPEED AND COULD NOT GET OVER IMMEDIATELY THE REAR TIRES COULD HAVE SEISED UP CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO ME AND MY CHILDREN. SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND FIX IT RIGHT AWAY BEFORE PEOPLE LOOSE THEIR LIVES OVER A POORLY MANUFACTURED SUV.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-22
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDJA7236V5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER AND THE OTHER VEHICLE'S DRIVER VISITED THE HOSPITAL FOR MINOR INJURIES.*AK *NM
1997 Kia Sportage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1997 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CLIPS TO LOCK THE CONNECTORS TOGETHER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO SOLDER A SPLICE IN THE WIRE HARNESS.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MICROSWITCH ON THE REAR HATCH LOCK CYLINDER CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS TO UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY.
- Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, SECURITY FROM UNWANTED INTRUSION INTO THE VEHICLE IS LOST.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNLOCK CIRCUIT.
Negative 1997 Kia Sportage car reviews
Positive 1997 Kia Sportage car reviews
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I'm glad to hear that you've had minimal issues with your car since purchasing it. It seems like you've experienced some common problems, such as the torn boot on the ball joint and window channel issues, which I've heard can happen with Japanese cars. It's also understandable that rust developed in the radiator after 85000 miles of use. The only potential issue you mentioned is the clutch slave, which began to leak after 145000 miles of use. Overall, it sounds like your car has held up well. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my amazing cross country trip experience with you. In May this year, we embarked on a journey from Florida to California. We had a blast driving through San Antonio, Carlsbad Caverns, NM, Roswell, Albuquerque, The Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, and finally Coronado Island off of San Diego, Calif. I must say, the Kia Sportage EX was an absolute champ on those mountain roads and never overheated during our trek through the deserts. We came back along I-10 without a hitch. I would definitely do it again in this car without a worry. Thanks for listening!
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It's great to hear that you love your Sportage! It's been 4-1/2 years since you got it, and the only minor issue has been the check engine light, which comes on and goes off at will. You've only had to take it in for servicing once, at the recommended 60,000 miles, and for a minor factory recall on the locks, which was fixed by the dealer in minutes. It's amazing how well it performs in the snow! While everyone else is stranded, you can just pop it into 4WD and take off! This is actually your second Kia, and you've got over 120,000 miles on your Sephia with no problems at all. For an inexpensive 4-cylinder, you've definitely gotten your money's worth of fun! And at $16,000, what more could you ask for? (Yours was even loaded!).
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Hi there! I noticed that you mentioned some wire problems, but I'm glad to hear that you still find the car fun to drive. Plus, the low price is definitely a bonus!
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Your car sounds amazing! It's been so reliable and tough, and it just keeps running even after 11 years. It's great that you're able to replace parts and keep it going instead of having to buy a new car. The interior has held up so well, even with it being parked in the sun all the time. While it may not set any speed records and the acceleration isn't as good as it used to be, it's still a heavy 4WD pulled by a 2 liter 4 cylinder engine. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Kia Sportage problems:
1997 Kia Sportage Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 1997 Kia Sportage? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Common Kia Sportage Ignition Problems: Expert Q&A
Sep 20, 2009 ... I have a kia sportage. I think I have an ignition problem. When I test it I have 2 hot wires with ignition off. With it - Answered by a ...
Kia Sportage 2001 intermittenty won't start | Kia Forum
Sep 7, 2011 ... ... 1997 Ford Ranger. Like ... ALL COMMON problems with intermittent starting on earlier Sportages... ... 2001 Kia Sportage - Starting Problems. New ...
Kia Sportage Misfire Problems: Troubleshooting P0301 & P0303 ...
Jun 21, 2011 ... I would suggest starting at the injector, as that is the most common. Unplug the electrical connector and using an Ohms meter, take a resistance ...
1997 Kia Sportage Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1997 Kia Sportage repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Kia mechanics near you.
Other years of Kia Sportage
Are you having problems with your 1997 Kia Sportage?
Immanuel Wilderman 2024-11-12
I have experienced multiple issues with my Sportage Kia since the beginning. Despite being a new car, it has stalled while driving on numerous occasions within the first year. Additionally, the engine produces excessive noise and the windows shake when driving at speeds over 65mph. Overall, the car has proven to be highly unreliable.
Chris O'Kon 2024-11-06
The failure of the timing belt is a major concern for these vehicles, as the engines are known as 'interference' motors. This means that if the timing belt breaks, there is a high likelihood of the motor being damaged due to valves and pistons colliding. Additionally, the water pump is driven by the timing belt, which can cause premature failure of the timing belt and lead to catastrophic damage to the internal motor components. In my opinion, this is not a well-designed engineering solution.
Marcellus Toy 2024-05-17
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with our car. We purchased it brand new in 1997, and even though it was a closeout on a 1996 model, it has been a great investment for us. While it did have a few interior rattles over the years, it was nothing too serious and didn't detract from our overall satisfaction. We did notice that the car seems to go through O2 sensors and mufflers more frequently than some of the better-built Japanese cars of the time, but with regular maintenance, it has been a reliable vehicle. In fact, it still looks like new in our garage! Thanks for taking the time to read about our experience.
Cordell Turner 2024-04-02
I purchased the truck at a reasonable price, and have owned it for less than two years. Despite its relatively low mileage of 62k, the transmission, head gasket, and clutch all require replacement. Additionally, I have recently had to replace the starter and repair the four-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the truck has never performed well, exhibiting excessive noise and a lack of power.
Rowan Hettinger 2024-02-26
I have owned this vehicle for two years. In the first six months, I had to replace the catalytic converter, the timing belt (?), and the valves that were bent when the belt blew. Unfortunately, I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle. Therefore, I would strongly advise anyone considering buying a Sportage to explore all other options first.