NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
304 reports65,000 miles · Aug 15, 2003
Electrical SystemFire
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT THE VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE WHOLE TIME PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIR DEPARTMENT DEEMED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PR…
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT THE VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE WHOLE TIME PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIR DEPARTMENT DEEMED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND HAD BECOME A TOTAL LOSS. (RECALL #00V205000) *SCC
NHTSA ODI #10024255
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE. DEALER STATES OIL AND GAS MIXED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10033532
140,000 miles · Aug 6, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE FAN HAS A GAP CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10032206
41,421 miles · Aug 4, 2003
Tires
THE SPARE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH,SPARE TIRE WAS ON VEHICLE AT TIME, AND DAMAGED OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL, AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10031991
82,000 miles · Aug 1, 2003
Electrical System
SMOKE HAD COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THE WIRES IN STEERING COLUMN CAUSED FRICTION. *AK THE MECHANIC STATED THAT EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD BURN TO THE GROUND. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO A CORRODED CABLE WHICH LEAD TO THE ENGINE. THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE…
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SMOKE HAD COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THE WIRES IN STEERING COLUMN CAUSED FRICTION. *AK THE MECHANIC STATED THAT EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD BURN TO THE GROUND. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO A CORRODED CABLE WHICH LEAD TO THE ENGINE. THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNSURE IF THE AIR BAG(S) WOULD DEPLOY. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10024696
24,600 miles · Jul 31, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE IS STARTED, CRANKS UP. ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN VEHICLE PULLS OFF IT CUTS OFF. DEALERSHIP HAS SERVICE THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10031663
6,738 miles · Jul 29, 2003
Air Bags
I AM NOT SURE IF YOU CAN HELP ME BUT I FEEL THAT I NEED TO VENT IN REFERENCE TO KIA. I PURCHASED A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE IN NOVEMBER OF 1999. AT THAT TIME THE WARRANTY WAS 3 YEARS OR 36000 MILES WHICH EVER CAME FIRST. I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT THAT I PURCHASE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY ARE SAYING I DIDN'T. MY CARE ONLY HAS 30050 M…
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I AM NOT SURE IF YOU CAN HELP ME BUT I FEEL THAT I NEED TO VENT IN REFERENCE TO KIA. I PURCHASED A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE IN NOVEMBER OF 1999. AT THAT TIME THE WARRANTY WAS 3 YEARS OR 36000 MILES WHICH EVER CAME FIRST. I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT THAT I PURCHASE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY ARE SAYING I DIDN'T. MY CARE ONLY HAS 30050 MILES. THE ISSUE IS THAT SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR I HAVE HAD IN THEIR SERVICE SHOP AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR FOR SEVERAL PROBLEMS. NOW IT IS BACK IN FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR TWO PROBLEMS THAT THEY CLAIM HAD BEEN FIXED TWO TIMES PRIOR. I HAVE A STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG THAT KEEPS DISAPPEARING WHICH CAUSES A PROBLEM FOR ME WHEN I NEED TO HONK THE HORN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. NOW THE 3 YEARS HAVE PASTED, NOT THE 36000 MILES BUT THEY WILL NOT FIX THESE PROBLEMS WITHOUT ME PAYING FOR IT UPFRONT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I JUST FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD HONOR THE 36000 NOT THE 3 YEAR IT IS NOT LIKE THIS IS A NEW PROBLEM. I WOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD IF I NEVER BROUGHT THE CAR IN BEFORE FOR THESE PROBLEMS BUT THIS IS SUPPOSEDLY A NEW CAR AND IT HAS ALREADY BEEN IN TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT PROTECTS THE CONSUMER FROM THIS KIND OF TREATMENT OR IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO OTHER THAN TRADING IT IN FOR A BETTER CAR? PLEASE YOUR RESPONSE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS, PATTI TOMASINO 2318 SUNDROP DRIVE GLENVIEW, IL 60025 847-913-2126 CELL 847-486-1979 HOME . *AK
NHTSA ODI #10030337
10,000 miles · Jul 23, 2003
EquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE HAD THE BRAKE ROTORS REPALCED OR RESURFACED 4 TIMES NOW. VEHICLE HAS RECURRING PROBLEM OF BRAKE PULSATION DUE TO WARPED ROTORS. ORIGINALLY I WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND KIA WAS REPLACING ALL ROTORS. NOW AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR I AM TOLD THIS IS NOT A DEFECT BUT "NORMAL WEAR". I BELIEVE THE FRONT BR…
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I HAVE HAD THE BRAKE ROTORS REPALCED OR RESURFACED 4 TIMES NOW. VEHICLE HAS RECURRING PROBLEM OF BRAKE PULSATION DUE TO WARPED ROTORS. ORIGINALLY I WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND KIA WAS REPLACING ALL ROTORS. NOW AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR I AM TOLD THIS IS NOT A DEFECT BUT "NORMAL WEAR". I BELIEVE THE FRONT BRAKING SYSTEM IS SUB-STANDARD AND IS PRONE TO OVERHEATING WHICH CAUSES WARPING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10028979
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL ,AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10027130
Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2003
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE STRUT BROKE WHICH CAUSED A LOUD NOISE AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. *AK *CB *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10022972
NHTSA investigations
6EA06007 · 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.
PE06002 · Fuel Tank Leakage
Opened Jan 4, 2006 · Closed May 9, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
ON JANUARY 4, 2006, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE STEEL FUEL STORAGE TANK IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2000 KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON JANUARY 25, 2006 REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF 40 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGE FUEL STORAGE TANK LEAKAGE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ANALYSIS OF MANUFACTURER DATA INDICATES THAT ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE AT OR NEAR THE STORAGE TANK MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE MODES INVOLVING THE FUEL CONTAINMENT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED CORROSION AS A PRIMARY CAUSAL FACTOR RELATED TO FUEL STORAGE TANK COMPLAINTS AND CONTINUED FUEL SYSTEM PART SALES.ACCORDING TO KIA, FUEL TANK CORROSION CLAIMS RELATED TO LEAKAGE CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES: LOWER TANK CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTERIOR CORROSION DUE TO DISRUPTION OF THE POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PROTECTIVE COATING AND UPPER TANK CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION AT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT MOUNTING PLATE AREA.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED FUEL TANK CORROSION RESULTING IN LEAKAGE IS ONGOING.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-007) TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY, SCOPE, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.
EA04007 · Seat Belt Buckle False Latch/malfunction
Opened Feb 27, 2004 · Closed Jul 26, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
THE MANUFACTURER HAS INITIATED A SAFETY RELATED CAMPAIGN TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CORRECTION OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DEFECT.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS/BUCKLES.THIS SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 04V305.
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.
DP02006 · Vehicle Rollover
Opened Jun 5, 2002 · Closed Sep 23, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE00026 · Incorrect Battery JUMP-START
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Jul 31, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ALLEGE BATTETY MAY EXPLODE IF OWNER'S ATTEMPT TO JUMP-STATE THE VEHICLE BY FOLLOWING THE OWNER'S MANUAL DIAGRAM
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