NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
23 reportsClear category filter55,000 miles · Nov 17, 2006
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH UPHILL ON ICY ROAD CONDITIONS WITH THE 4WD ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER CABLE, VACUUM HOSE, WHEEL BEARINGS HAD FAILED. EACH COMPONENT WAS REPLACED ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE 4WD WAS REPLACED 3 TIME…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH UPHILL ON ICY ROAD CONDITIONS WITH THE 4WD ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER CABLE, VACUUM HOSE, WHEEL BEARINGS HAD FAILED. EACH COMPONENT WAS REPLACED ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE 4WD WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE SERVICE DEALER EXPRESSED TO THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE MANY VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH 4WD PROBLEMS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10173755
93,000 miles · Jun 22, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING FROM 5 TO 65 MPH ON A NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, ALL DASH LIGHTS DIMED COMPLETELY. THE HORN WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE ENGINE STARTED TO SHAKE UP AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT UNTIL THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSM…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING FROM 5 TO 65 MPH ON A NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, ALL DASH LIGHTS DIMED COMPLETELY. THE HORN WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE ENGINE STARTED TO SHAKE UP AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT UNTIL THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS APPREHENSIVE TO ACCEPT THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. BASED ON THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, THE VEHICLE WAS ACCEPTED FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI #10160474
52,000 miles · Jun 17, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
IN SEPTEMBER 04, MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR COIL ASSEMBLY WAS INSTALLED. TWO WEEKS LATER SAME PROBLEMS. THE CAR WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND STALL SHORTLY AFTER ACCELERATION. STILL CONTINUE TO GET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, (MISFIRES) I AM NOW HAVING TROUBLE WITH POWER OF ENGINE, TRANS…
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IN SEPTEMBER 04, MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR COIL ASSEMBLY WAS INSTALLED. TWO WEEKS LATER SAME PROBLEMS. THE CAR WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND STALL SHORTLY AFTER ACCELERATION. STILL CONTINUE TO GET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, (MISFIRES) I AM NOW HAVING TROUBLE WITH POWER OF ENGINE, TRANSMISSION NOT ENGAGING AFTER SHIFTING. AFTER ACCELERATION CAR SHAKES AND STALLS, WON'T RESTART FOR QUITE SOME TIME. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10160088
48,000 miles · Sep 12, 2005
Power Train
DT: THE CALLER SAID H TRANSMISSION SHIFTS GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. IT JERKED AND SHOOK WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. IT HAPPENED WHEN DECELERATING. BROUGHT VEHICLE DEALER 5 TIMES, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON ALL THE TIME EXCEPT WHEN HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THE LAST TIME HE HAD IT TO D…
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DT: THE CALLER SAID H TRANSMISSION SHIFTS GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. IT JERKED AND SHOOK WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. IT HAPPENED WHEN DECELERATING. BROUGHT VEHICLE DEALER 5 TIMES, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON ALL THE TIME EXCEPT WHEN HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THE LAST TIME HE HAD IT TO DEALER THE LIGHT WENT OFF FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS, AND YESTERDAY THE LIGHT WAS BACK ON. DEALER SAID THEY WILL TRY TO GET SOMEONE FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, BUT NO ONE HAS COME YET. DEALER DID A DIAGNOSTIC, AND FIXED WHAT IT SHOWED, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME BACK ON AFTER 30 MILES OF DRIVING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10136167
40,000 miles · Mar 18, 2005
Power TrainCrash
30 SECONDS AFTER CONSUMER PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE IT ROLLED APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS REVERSING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10115389
Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2004
Fuel System, OtherPower Train
I OWN A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. #1) THE AUTO STARTED TO HAVE A GAS ORDER FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, THEN GAS STARTED TO LEAK FROM THE CAR ONTO THE GROUND. THE CAR IS JUST 3 YEARS OLD WITH A REASONABLE 72,000 MILES. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD IF THIS CONTINUED, THE CAR WOULD CATCH FIRE. I WAS TOLD THE…
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I OWN A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. #1) THE AUTO STARTED TO HAVE A GAS ORDER FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, THEN GAS STARTED TO LEAK FROM THE CAR ONTO THE GROUND. THE CAR IS JUST 3 YEARS OLD WITH A REASONABLE 72,000 MILES. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD IF THIS CONTINUED, THE CAR WOULD CATCH FIRE. I WAS TOLD THE INTERNAL SEALS WERE LEAKING AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THIS WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. #2) THE HUBS ON THIS CAR ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE WAY THE CAR WAS DESIGEND - I WAS TOLD. WATER OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS HAVE GOTTEN IN THE CAR WHEELS AND HAVE DAMAGED THE HUBS AND THE 4WD WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. THIS WOULD BE A DESIGN FLAW AND NOT WEAR AND TEAR ON THE CAR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10104518
34,000 miles · Nov 30, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
THE LEFT FRONT ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT LEAST TWENTY TIMES FOR OTHER DEFECTS. NO SERVICE FOR THE BRAKES. *AK THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING IN THE SHOCK ARMS, A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, RATTLING IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, LICENSE PLATE LIGH…
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THE LEFT FRONT ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT LEAST TWENTY TIMES FOR OTHER DEFECTS. NO SERVICE FOR THE BRAKES. *AK THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING IN THE SHOCK ARMS, A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, RATTLING IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE DUE TO ROTTED SOCKETS, WHEEL BEARINGS WERE EXTREMELY LOOSE, PULLING TO THE RIGHT, THE RIGHT REAR POWER WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON POSSIBLY DUE TO A SMALL LEAK OR A LOOSE GAS CAP, TRANSMISSION HANG UP WHEN COLD, BAD FRONT BRAKES, CRACK IN DASH, CUP HOLDER WAS BROKEN, TAILPIPE RUSTED AND FELL OFF, WHEN THE HEATER AND DEFROST WAS ON THE A/C WOULD COME ON, THE CONSUMER WOULD GET SHOCK WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, INTERMITTENTLY BOTH REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP OR DOWN, AND THE LEFT REAR WINDOW WAS TOTALLY INOPERATIVE. (THERE WAS NO POWER WHEN GOING UP HILL) *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10097870
2,380 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
2002 KIA SPORTAGE.*MR (NAR) FIRST OIL CHANGE, FILTER REPLACEMENT, LUBE, RATTLING NOISE UNDER STEERING WHEEL, SLUGGISH TRANSMISSION SHIFTING AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE RESIDUE ON RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. *CB
NHTSA ODI #10054145
3,000 miles · Sep 12, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THEY FAIL TO STOP THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE ROTORS WARPING. THIS RESULTS IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, THE 5 SPEED STANDARD TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO SECOND GEAR AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE REAR END ALSO MAKES A POPPING/CLUCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WILL JERK FORWARD HARD WHEN THE NOI…
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WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THEY FAIL TO STOP THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE ROTORS WARPING. THIS RESULTS IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, THE 5 SPEED STANDARD TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO SECOND GEAR AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE REAR END ALSO MAKES A POPPING/CLUCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WILL JERK FORWARD HARD WHEN THE NOISE OCCURS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES IS UNDETERMINED. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10039840
400 miles · Apr 25, 2003
Power Train
CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH KIA SPORTAGE. SO FAR THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS, BUT I FEAR THAT SOMEDAY THIS CAR WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10016486
NHTSA investigations
4EA07001 · Fan Blade Cracking/separation
Opened Jan 22, 2007 · Closed Apr 16, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) HAS IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN THE PLASTIC ENGINE COOLING FAN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL.KIA'S DEFECT REPORT STATES, ...HEAT GENERATED BY THE ENGINE CAUSES REPEATED BENDING DEFORMATION OF THE POLYPROPYLENE COOLING FAN...INITIATING CRACKS IN THE FAN.THE CENTRIFUGAL FORCES GENERATED BY THE ROTATION OF THE BLADES CAN CAUSE THE CRACKS TO PROPAGATE UNTIL COMPLETE SEPARATION OCCURS...KIA ESTIMATES APPROXIMATELY 35,090 VEHICLES WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL, AS SOME OF THE 46,887 VEHICLES PRODUCED HAVE ALREADY HAD THE FAN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.KIA DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE FAN WITH A FAN MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 AS PE06-042 AND UPGRADED TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS EA07-001 ON JANUARY 22, 2007.PLEASE SEE NHTSA RECALL 07V161 FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION
PE06042 · Fan Blade Cracking/separation
Opened Sep 21, 2006 · Closed Jan 22, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
THE INVESTIGATION OF ENGINE COOLING FANS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 AS PE06-042.THE BASIS FOR OPENING WAS 10 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING FAN BLADE CRACKING AND BLADE SEPARATION.SIX OF THE REPORTS INDICATED THE SEPARATED FAN BLADES CAUSED DAMAGE TO OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.KIA HAS PROVIDED ADDITIONAL CONSUMER REPORTS AND INFORMATION IN ITS RESPONSE TO PE06-042.THE INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-001) TO CONTINUE TO ASSESS THE CONSEQUENCE OF FAN BLADE SEPARATION IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
EA06007 · 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.
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