2003 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 2003 Kia Sportage problems
The Kia Sportage 2003 has been reported to have several common problems, including engine issues, transmission problems, brake problems, and electrical issues.
One of the most common problems with the Kia Sportage 2003 is engine issues, where the engine has been known to idle or stall completely whilst the vehicle is in motion. This can be caused by a faulty Electronic Gas Injection (EGI) control replay or a worn-out fuel pump, and it is recommended to replace both parts together to ensure that the problem is fixed.
Another common problem with the Kia Sportage 2003 is transmission problems, where drivers have reported symptoms including jumping during acceleration, a burning smell coming from the hood, and a grinding or shaking feeling whilst driving. This problem is likely to be caused by a faulty torque converter or a transmission fluid leak, and it is important to get this issue fixed as soon as possible, as a transmission fluid leak can cause serious damage and even complete transmission failure if left unrepaired.
Brake problems are also common with the Kia Sportage 2003, with issues including the brake fluid becoming contaminated due to the incorrect fluid being used when topping up, the handbrake failing to engage or release without warning, and front seat belt buckles not latching securely, which could result in the buckle latch separating in a collision. Kia has recognized some of these problems and extended their warranty on the fuel tanks and seat belts.
Electrical issues are also common with the Kia Sportage 2003, with problems including the check engine light illuminating and then switching off again when there are actually no problems with the vehicle, and the control panel lighting up with all the warning lights and system checks whilst driving. These issues can be caused by minor electrical faults or faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, and it is important to get the problem diagnosed by a local garage as soon as possible.
In summary, the Kia Sportage 2003 has several common problems, including engine issues, transmission problems, brake problems, and electrical issues. It is important to get these issues diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of the vehicle.
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.
Is Kia Sportage expensive to maintain?
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.
Is the Kia Sportage a good reliable car?
Plus, for adventure-seeking drivers, there are new off-road models with the rugged X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims. The 2023 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV with excellent reliability. It tops all other compact SUVs on the J.D. Power most reliable list, including the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the 2023 Honda CR-V.
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
2003 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:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Kia Sportage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Kia Sportage complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Kia Sportage.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-20
- VIN: KNDJC733535
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORRENTO EX (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT DISPENSED FUEL INTO THE FUEL TANK, FUEL WOULD SPRAY OUT ONTO THE GROUND AND CLOTHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-28
- VIN: KNDJD733335
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: APRIL 11, 2011 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, THIS LETTER IS TO OFFICIALLY SUBMIT A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OUR 2003 KIA SORENTO WITH MILEAGE OF 109209 MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BEFORE THE BIRTH OF OUR BABY BACK IN MAY 2010, BECAUSE WE NEEDED THE EXTRA SPACE. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE SOME CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH WE FOUND THAT THIS PARTICULAR COMPLAINT ALONG WITH OTHER FUEL PUMP COMPLAINTS ARE COMMON AMONG OTHER KIA OWNERS. I AM ASKING THE PERSON OR DEPARTMENT IN CHARGED TO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND TAKE THE PROPER ACTION. OUR COMPLAINTS ARE AS FOLLOWS. THE MAIN PROBLEM AND CONCERN IS WITH THE FUEL TANK, EVERY TIME WE PUMP GAS THE GAS SHOOTS BACK AND SPRAYS ME OR MY HUSBAND AND IT RUNS DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. WE HAVE TO CONSTANTLY STOP PUMPING GAS EVERY 10 SECONDS TO PREVENT THE SPRAYING OF GAS. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE GAS HAS ALMOST SPRAYED ME ON MY EYES, AND JUST RECENTLY IT SPRAYED ME IN BOTH ARMS, AND BURNED MY SKIN. I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL EVERY TIME I PUMP GAS, I'M AFRAID THIS IS GOING TO SPRAY ME IN MY FACE OR WORST YET HARM MY CHILD! OUR SECOND COMPLAINT IS THAT THE KIA NEEDS CONSTANT ANTI-FREEZE BECAUSE THE HEAT THERMOMETER SHOWS THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS. WE HAVE TAKEN OUR VEHICLE TO VARIOUS MECHANICS, AND TWICE TO THE KIA DEALERSHIPS, HOWEVER THEY CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM, ON BOTH OF THE ISSUES LISTED ABOVE. THE KIA IS THE MAIN VEHICLE WE USE TO GET AROUND, HOWEVER LATELY I HAVE BEEN VERY CONCERN ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. PLEASE TAKE THIS LETTER AS OUR OFFICIAL COMPLAINT, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING AN OFFICIAL RESPONSE BACK. I?M CONCERN ABOUT OUR SAFETY, BUT ALSO THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME KIA MODEL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE MATTER, AND I TRUST THE RIGHT THING WILL BE DONE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-13
- VIN: KNDJB723625
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, THE BLADES ON HIS COOLING FAN BEGAN TO COME OFF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECENTLY RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 07V161000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN). THE PURCHASE DATE AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 93,314.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: KNDJB723125
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH 2002 KIA SPORTAGE/ LEMON VEHICLE..*MR THE CONSUMER WAS REQUESTING THAT KIA OF AMERICA INC PURCHASE THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY IN RESOLVING MATTERS* CB
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Kia Sportage problems:
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 2003 (Old Shape)
Easy to modify for extreme use and reliable. Front autolock works on a vacume system and pipes are known to perish. easy to repair. Pic of one with iron man ...
2007 KIA Sportage possible engine problem | Kia Forum
Aug 14, 2011 ... The 2.7 never really had any common serious engine oil leaks. I'd be more worried about the possibility of an oil leak than being 6k over due on ...
Common Kia Sportage 2.7 V6 Problems - Q&A for 2005 Kia ...
Sep 15, 2012 ... My vehicle is 2005 Kia Sportage 2.7 petrol V6 The problem is intermittent misfire under load when fault is cleared it - Answered by a ...
2007 Kia Sportage Transmission issues | Kia Forum
Mar 9, 2016 ... Need some advice. Got a 2007 Kia Sportage LX FWD 2.0 4cyl. It has 135,000 miles on the clock. Transmission service done by Kia at 50,000 and ...
Other years of Kia Sportage
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