1996 KIA Sportage
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sportage › 1996
These records cover every 1996 KIA Sportage. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1996 KIA Sportage. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. a microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should this occur, security from unwanted intrusion into the vehicle IS lost.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the rear hatch door unlock circuit.
The accelerator pedal assembly could bind or stick during operation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause the accelerator to hold the throttle partially open, resulting in loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly.
Owner complaints
57 complaints12 involved a crash3 involved a fire27 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer was traveling at 25 mph in foggy conditions when suddenly she lost sight of the road and proceeded to strike a tree head on. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy.*ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
The rear seat belt on the passenger's side will not release. *Ak
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
The passenger side door speaker caught on fire while listening to the radio . fortunately my wife was able to put the fire out with her jacket. the fire burned part of the door panel. *jb
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Received recall 02 v 216 000 concerning front seat belts, but rear seat belt failed in this vehicle. Dealership was not replacing the rear seat belt under the recall remedy.*ak
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
When vehicle was shifted into reverse it experienced sudden acceleration and hit another vehicle. dealer determined that throttle pedal was stuck, causing vehicle to accelerate without applying pressure to the pedal. *Ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Consumer was having problems with the coils. Dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and stated that they were aware of the problem, but since there was no recall there was nothing they could do.*ak
- Electrical system › Horn
The vehicles horn did not blow loud enough to warn other vehicles. This could result in an accident. *nlm
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The driver-side seat belt fastener will not work. I have contacted KIA, but they say that this item IS not covered by warranty. I have not abused this piece of equipment and I have never had a seat belt fail (in any other car-- nor heard of this) because it comes unlatched. I am really concerned about this as it seems I will need to pay for the new seat belt fastener. ts
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, consumer noticed that upon leaning forward the set belt latch came undone. this happened twice. consumer was involved in an automobile accident in march. another auto hit consumer pushing the vehicle into a tree. the seat belt unlatched and consumer was thrown into the passenger side windshield. consumer suffered head, neck and shoulder injuries. *jg
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. Upon impact, airbags deployed, but lap and shoulder belt didn't hold. consumer was thrown into window and sustained injuries. *Ak *yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Oil turned to a sluggy/ pasty thickness, engine had to be replaced. fuel injection system failed. also, had to be replaced. Please provide any further information, and identification number.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bags deployed inadvertently while parked. dealer has been notified. *Ak consumer stated that while sitting in the vehicle keys not in ignition, the airbag deployed and caused injury on her face and legs. *yd
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While driving, seat belt detaches. when driving more than 35-40 mph consumer has to depress brakes harder than usual. *ak consumer states there was an accident and that there were problems with the belts detaching 2-3 months prior to the accident, one person was injured in the accident, consumer did not list the cause of the accident. *slc
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
The car's rear left tire detached from the vehicle. the lug nuts and the assembly where intact. from what the body shop told me the ball bearings melted causing the casing where the bolts go to detach. I'm not a mechanic so I don't know the details but if you need further information please do not hesitate to contact the body shop that's working on the car. I can get you that information if you request it. *ak
- Wheels
While driving 65 mph rear driver wheel and wheel assembly fell off. No accident, and no injuries.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle intermittently stalls at any given speed. vehicle has been at dealer shop on three occasions/ at an independent repair shop on three occasions and no one could locate cause. seeking help from nhtsa in this matter.*ak consumer states vehicle has stalled on the freeway at 65 mph, in…
Vehicle intermittently stalls at any given speed. vehicle has been at dealer shop on three occasions/ at an independent repair shop on three occasions and no one could locate cause. seeking help from nhtsa in this matter.*ak consumer states vehicle has stalled on the freeway at 65 mph, in intersections, and going around corners, the entire fuel system has been replaced along with other parts and vehicle still stalls, possibly engine related. *slc
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission IS going to needed to be replaced due to vibration and noise. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer was traveling about 40 mph on highway and another vehicle veered into her vehicle, causing an accident. upon impact, frontal airbags didn't go off. there were slight injuries. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Unknown or other
Engine check light remains illuminated while vehicle was in motion, causing vehicle to stall and die. dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle several times. *ak
- Wheels
No summary
- Unknown or other
Note: this information was reported to the consumer product safety commission (cpsc), who indicated that it was not in their jurisdiction, and directed me to report it to this (nhtsa) group. there appears to be no form or email notification method on this site for non-vehicle notifications…
Note: this information was reported to the consumer product safety commission (cpsc), who indicated that it was not in their jurisdiction, and directed me to report it to this (nhtsa) group. there appears to be no form or email notification method on this site for non-vehicle notifications, please contact me to direct me to an alternate way to report this failure: the karrite duosport cartop carrier IS a molded plastic "shell" type carrier, similar to the yakima and thule lines. on july 4, 2000, while traveling at freeway speeds, this closed and locked carrier, opened, and allowed equipment to fly out onto the roadway of oncoming traffic. this resulted in a serious accident, involving several cars. you may contact me for further information.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
I was involved in an accident at the speed of 40 mph and the air bag did not inflate. The impact between my chest and the steering wheel left me with bruised ribs. I am very appreciative that the accident or the injury was not severe. If you can look into a couple of my concerns, 1) at which speed…
I was involved in an accident at the speed of 40 mph and the air bag did not inflate. The impact between my chest and the steering wheel left me with bruised ribs. I am very appreciative that the accident or the injury was not severe. If you can look into a couple of my concerns, 1) at which speed should the air bag deploy, 2) if it was to deploy at 40mph then what should be my next step towards KIA to verify that this doesn't happen to any one again. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When the brakes were applied in a panic stop pedal was normal, and vehicle experienced extended stopping, causing a collision which resulted in injuries. also, airbags did not deploy. the dealer and manufacturer have been notified and will not cooperate at all. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Transmission would fail to shift into gear. Would be slipping each time. The "hold" light on instrument panel would come on & stay while vehicle IS operational. The pvs light comes on also. When applying the brakes to come to a stop, vehicle would shake. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Vehicle accelerates automatically at 35mmph and higher, and then it will decelerate. dealer has replaced engine harness, and problem still exists. manufacturer has been notified. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank leakage
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…
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.
- Safety belt buckle malfunction
By letter dated august 25, 2002, KIA advised nhtsa that the subject vehicles will be recalled.specific corrective action to be taken by KIA has not been reported to nhtsa at this time.the safety recall program has been assigned campaign no. 02V-216.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10015753Fuel pump relays & emissions failures. KIA technician times.
- 10000033This bulletin provided information related to recall campaign 027 to replace the front seat belt buckles.
- 10000032Recall campaign 027 to replace front seat belt buckles. Notification letter to dealers.
- 614028Subject regarding steering knuckle replacement.
Every KIA Sportage model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.