1997 KIA Sportage
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sportage › 1997
These records cover every 1997 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 1997 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: 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Owner complaints
181 complaints32 involved a crash5 involved a fire24 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
While sitting in the vehicle, stationary in a parking lot talking with my wife, the airbags deployed.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel tank IS leaking
- Air bags
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…
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
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
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…
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
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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 › Storage › Tank assembly
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 › Storage › Tank assembly
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…
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 › Cooling system · Power train › Clutch assembly
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…
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
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
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
- Air bags
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…
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
- Electrical system › Ignition · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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…
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
Dt: consumer states: the driver's air bags discharged while driving down the road, was slowing down for a stop light.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt failure
- Electrical system › Wiring
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 › Driveline › Differential unit
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…
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
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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 › Cruise control
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 › Frontal
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 › Rear › Axle › Spindle
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…
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 › Frontal
Consumer was driving when the driver's airbags deployed vehicle was towed to the dealer. manufacturer was supposed to inspect the vehicle. However they never came to inspect. manufacturer offered to replace the deductible.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
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
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.
- Engine stalling post-recall
Rq02-013 was opened to assess the scope and adequacy of recall 99v-325, which involved modifications to the engine fuel injection wire harness (harness).vehicles produced after the recall population have shown no signs of a defect trend.the majority of recall remedy failures identified were repaired within one day of…
Rq02-013 was opened to assess the scope and adequacy of recall 99v-325, which involved modifications to the engine fuel injection wire harness (harness).vehicles produced after the recall population have shown no signs of a defect trend.the majority of recall remedy failures identified were repaired within one day of the initial work.subsequent failure experience IS minimal (249/55,548 vehicles remedied).field data show no indication of an ongoing concern: of 627 post-recall stalling-related wire harness warranty repairs, only seven occurred in 2003.consumer complaints and fuel injection wire harness saleshave declined since 2001.odi has received a total of twelve potentially relevant consumer complaints since 2001.under these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources IS not justified.the recall query IS therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if circumstances warrant.
- 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.
- Check engine light stays on
A monthly Technical Times published by Kia and distributed to dealer technicians identifying a wiring harness problem that could cause connectors C123 and C124 to pull apart slightly during engine load changes.This could lead to erratic or tempory loss
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.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 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.
- 10024232Fuel tank replacement under repair benefit program. On certain 1997-2000 sportages.
- 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.