2001 KIA Sportage
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sportage › 2001
These records cover every 2001 KIA Sportage. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2001 KIA Sportage. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Owner complaints
228 complaints25 involved a crash4 involved a fire17 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
I bought the car 2 weeks after I left dealer started noticing a smell of gas though was. Because just put gas in .then when turned on heat smell would get worse ! A few days ago went to fill gas and a lot gas over.filled onto ground not able to figure out why the smell gas so strong inside…
I bought the car 2 weeks after I left dealer started noticing a smell of gas though was. Because just put gas in .then when turned on heat smell would get worse ! A few days ago went to fill gas and a lot gas over.filled onto ground not able to figure out why the smell gas so strong inside car its. Actually upset my stomach when driving the. At and afraid going start fire ! Also leakage on ground when parked . I have read other complaints with same problem !! It's a 2001 KIA. Only has 78,000 miles on it think should be cover. From company since not only one with this problem .
- Fuel/propulsion system · Seat belts · Wheels
Bought this vehicle with only 11K miles from an elderly couple that hardly drove it. now at 21K miles, there IS a gas smell coming inside the vehicle and also outside of the vehicle. has a rough idle and gas spews out of tank while I'm pumping gas. the front passenger tire sounds like it's about…
Bought this vehicle with only 11K miles from an elderly couple that hardly drove it. now at 21K miles, there IS a gas smell coming inside the vehicle and also outside of the vehicle. has a rough idle and gas spews out of tank while I'm pumping gas. the front passenger tire sounds like it's about to fall off. had to replace spark plugs twice already. also, the driverside seatbelt will not retract. I bought this vehicle with only 11K miles thinking it will last for awhile, but I've had so many issues with it.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. While driving at approximately 20 mph, the vehicle begin to shake, the brake warning indicator illuminated, and the brakes failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame was corroded and needed to be replaced.…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. While driving at approximately 20 mph, the vehicle begin to shake, the brake warning indicator illuminated, and the brakes failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. The vin was unavailable. updated 01/12/16*lj ;updated vin invalid 4/25/18*jb *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. While driving at various speeds, fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. While driving at various speeds, fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Just purchased this car for my teen...when filling gas tank it begins to spew out onto him . Are the person filling the tank.also a bad smell of fumes inside of car,,,,please help the problem....*js
- Suspension
The rear part of the frame just behind the rear suspension rusts from water thrown up by the tires. While this might not normally be a danger unless you were towing, on this model it's where the frame connects to the wheels below to stabilize the frame over the suspension, without this support it…
The rear part of the frame just behind the rear suspension rusts from water thrown up by the tires. While this might not normally be a danger unless you were towing, on this model it's where the frame connects to the wheels below to stabilize the frame over the suspension, without this support it releases the back suspension and allows the car to easily rock back and forth into the wheels. I could see shiny spots on the shocks from tire rub where the paint was rubbed off, no current sign of tire damage. I feel this could cause an accident because the shocks, springs or other metal body or frame part could wear or possibly if sharp puncture a tire on either side when cornering. This problem can easily be seen by swinging the spare tire out of it's closed position to open the tailgate, when the tire reaches the end of it's arm the whole back end of the vehicle will move over, the rusted frame below will bend. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel, which created fumes in and around the vehicle. The contact located the leak under the fuel tank on the passenger side of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated due to the failure. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel, which created fumes in and around the vehicle. The contact located the leak under the fuel tank on the passenger side of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated due to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Just purchased this vehicle from a private owner, they smelled an odor of fuel ever since they acquired the vehicle a month ago. Prior to that it was owned by one owner and garage kept. The fuel tank and bottom protector was rotted away and in dangerous leaking condition. KIA was contacted and they…
Just purchased this vehicle from a private owner, they smelled an odor of fuel ever since they acquired the vehicle a month ago. Prior to that it was owned by one owner and garage kept. The fuel tank and bottom protector was rotted away and in dangerous leaking condition. KIA was contacted and they said there were no recall and they wouldn't repair the vehicle. The rot in this tank didn't happen overnight, but it was so severe that it warrants a look from the nhtsa into this. A manufacturer such as KIA should not be able to sell an inferior safety hazard to the citizens of the USA. There were investigations into this problem a full 7 years ago and nothing was done. This IS an insult to people concerned with motoring safety, we should expect better from both the manufacturer and government agencies such as this one. it's not a mileage issue, the 1999/2000 sportages were rusting out with only a few years of service and it IS due to inferior materials that should be covered by a manufacturer that uses them. *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
The car keeps stalling just quits when I slow down. I had two mechanics check it out. filled the tank with new gas, and nothing showed up on the electrical check. it IS a mystery why this keeps happening. I am worried that this might happen on a major highway. and I don't want to sell the car and give someone else this problem.
- Structure › Body
I just tried to get my KIA sportage inspected and was told by two different places the frame IS rusted right out and I shouldn't even be driving it. I just looked online about the problem and there are alot of complaints and feel there should be a recall to fix the problem. the car IS fine otherwise. if there IS no recall I am going to be without a vehicle now because I cant afford another one. *tr
- Seat belts
We were on our way to the hospital going 30mph, I reached down to pick up something off the passenger side floor( I was the passenger), when I heard a sound like breaking glass. We thought we had run over a glass object but when I turned to look back there was nothing there. I did notice that my…
We were on our way to the hospital going 30mph, I reached down to pick up something off the passenger side floor( I was the passenger), when I heard a sound like breaking glass. We thought we had run over a glass object but when I turned to look back there was nothing there. I did notice that my seatbelt was no longer restraining me. The part that should have kept me safe, the seatbelt, had come completely out of its compartment. I know that if we had been in a wreck I would have gone through the windshield. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
I was hearing a clunk every time I started going forward and backwards and got underneath the car to notice the frame crossmember was totally separated from the frame. it IS the frame crossbar that holds the rear axle support to the frame. the affected frame cross member goes underneath the gas…
I was hearing a clunk every time I started going forward and backwards and got underneath the car to notice the frame crossmember was totally separated from the frame. it IS the frame crossbar that holds the rear axle support to the frame. the affected frame cross member goes underneath the gas tank and would require 2 days labor to fix at my local repair shop. to remove the gas tank IS one project and to have a new welded support bar IS another project and will cost alot to fix. I called KIA for possible recalls and they said "oh its out of warranty" goodluck with that!!! this car IS unsafe and could have caused serious damage. *tr
- Engine
I purchased my KIA sportage on 6/29/11 with 90000 miles on it. I am the second owner. I also purchased a one year warranty/10,000 miles. After 2 weeks of driving my car would turn off while driving on the highway. First time scared the crap out of me had not control was able to put car in neutral…
I purchased my KIA sportage on 6/29/11 with 90000 miles on it. I am the second owner. I also purchased a one year warranty/10,000 miles. After 2 weeks of driving my car would turn off while driving on the highway. First time scared the crap out of me had not control was able to put car in neutral and apply emergency brake with no steering. Car started back up. Brought to dealership, dealership said there was no way possible of this occurring. I then did research online and saw that many other KIA sportage owners were having the same problem. Printed out the information from other owners and brought back to dealership.they said my battery housing was loose and they repaired. A week later my car shut off again while driving on highway. Took bag to KIA they then replaced my battery and wires. No problems for a year same issue again. Car stalled while driving. I cant believe I have yet to get in a car accident. This time my warranty was up and I had to pay for a new battery and wires and the holder that the battery sits on because they said it was defective. It IS now 5/9/2013. Today my car shut off again on the highway. I was living in new york and now san antonio texas. I have also gone through three thermostats in 6 months due to defects. This IS ridiculous. KIA needs to recall the car not starting issue immediately. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 36,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
I purchased a KIA sportage EX 2001 on 12/27/12 from front ryal auto group in front royal va. I went to the gas station after filling my gas tank I noticed a strong smell of gas. After a few days I called the dealership and told them , they did not know if it was covered under the warranty to bring…
I purchased a KIA sportage EX 2001 on 12/27/12 from front ryal auto group in front royal va. I went to the gas station after filling my gas tank I noticed a strong smell of gas. After a few days I called the dealership and told them , they did not know if it was covered under the warranty to bring it in mon-fri 8-5 well I can not make those hours to go ,so the odor continues to find out from a mechanic of my own choice which after I called the dealership back again before my warranty ran out that we dicovered I have a fuel tank gas seal leakage.. *tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension
As my wife was driving home from work she noticed the rear of the SUV was swaying upon further inspection of myself and an auto mechanic we found a crack in the rt rear frame the mechanic told us to park it and contact KIA. Told by KIA as this car was now over 100,000 miles that it was no longer…
As my wife was driving home from work she noticed the rear of the SUV was swaying upon further inspection of myself and an auto mechanic we found a crack in the rt rear frame the mechanic told us to park it and contact KIA. Told by KIA as this car was now over 100,000 miles that it was no longer covered and there was nothing that could be done or it . Well we welded on a few pieces of steel and it lasted only another 3 months and it started again this time we checked and found that the frame was rotted from the passenger door to the back end of the vehicle you could put your finger thru it car IS now parked and wont be driven again. KIA will do nothing about this. I went to the bone yard to see if they had a frame and the 7 kias that I checked all had the same problem if I were you and I owned a KIA I would check this out before I drove another mile. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have a 2001 KIA sportage, with a faulty sending unit seal. The seal leaked, causing fuel to run down the side of the tank and rust a hole into the tank causing a second leak. The sending unit and the pressure regulator and the gas tank are all sold separately. The shield around the tank causes…
I have a 2001 KIA sportage, with a faulty sending unit seal. The seal leaked, causing fuel to run down the side of the tank and rust a hole into the tank causing a second leak. The sending unit and the pressure regulator and the gas tank are all sold separately. The shield around the tank causes fluid to trap between the tank and the shield, which IS where it rusted. The shield IS another expense. KIA will honor nothing. I fear for my life to drive it the way it IS. It will cost around $600-800 in parts alone. *tr
- Structure › Body
I have a 2001 KIA sportage with approximately 84,000 miles and the frame IS completely rotted and I was told it was unsafe to drive on public roads. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas tank leak. Bought the car new but no help from KIA or the dealership for repairs. this has been a common problem ! *Tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
As IS it happening with the 2002, and 2005 models, my 2001 KIA sportage also has problem when I put gas in. when I try to fill it up, it spits the gasoline out with so much force it gets all over the floor and if you are not careful, it gets on you. this IS been happening about a year or so ago.…
As IS it happening with the 2002, and 2005 models, my 2001 KIA sportage also has problem when I put gas in. when I try to fill it up, it spits the gasoline out with so much force it gets all over the floor and if you are not careful, it gets on you. this IS been happening about a year or so ago. it IS a very dangerous situation because when you least expect it the gasoline you put in the tank goes back out. I took it to the local mechanic and told me there was a defective valve inside the tank and it was a very expensive job. I check but there are no KIA recalls. I think there should be some enforcement from the government against KIA so they fix this problem which IS dangerous not only to the owner's health, but to the environment and his pocket too. *tr
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. the contact stated that the tail lights and the front parking lights were inoperative, making it difficult to see while driving at night. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 120,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. The contact stated that while having regular maintenance, the mechanic notified her that the frame was severely corroded. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was not able to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.
- Seat belts · Seat belts › Front › Retractor
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. the contact stated that the springs that held the seat belt in place fractured on two occasions. in march 2011, the front driver's seat belt spring fractured and was repaired by a private mechanic. The same failure occurred on the front passenger seat…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportage. the contact stated that the springs that held the seat belt in place fractured on two occasions. in march 2011, the front driver's seat belt spring fractured and was repaired by a private mechanic. The same failure occurred on the front passenger seat belt approximately nine months later. the manufacturer was aware of the failure, but did not offer any assistance. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 70,000. the consumer stated the front driver's seat belt retractor collapsed/broke and was repaired by a private mechanic. The same failure occurred with the front passenger's seat belt approximately six months later. the consumer stated no repairs have been made. Updated 02/29/12
- Electrical system
There IS an electrical problem where the wires are mounted close to the transmission and the dash board components are not reading/moving neither IS the automatic gear shift and overdrive. I've learned through blog posts that this IS a common issue with this year make and model car. *kb
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportgage. The contact was driving 40 mph when she lost control of the vehicle and experienced a difficult time steering straight. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic. The mechanic stated that the track bar, which was connected to the rear axle, was corroded…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA sportgage. The contact was driving 40 mph when she lost control of the vehicle and experienced a difficult time steering straight. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic. The mechanic stated that the track bar, which was connected to the rear axle, was corroded and needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 65,500. And the current mileage was 65,600. updated 01/10/12*lj updated 01/10/12
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.
- Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
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…
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.
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.
- 10187727TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: FRONT CAMERA OPERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA449) - 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 the procedure to update the software of the Front Camera (FR_CMR) on some Sportage (QL) vehicles, produced from December 19, 2018 through December 3, 2020, to minimize the sensitivity of the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) / Lane Keep Assist (LKA) system.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 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.
- 626053Subject on sportage rear window regulator.
- 625223Information regarding ABS system vendor change.
- 622215Subject regarding thermostat monitoring update.
- 619141This bulletin provides information on a change to the sportage 4WD hub seals.
- 615647Information on the onboard refueling vapor recovery (orvr) system.
Every KIA Sportage model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.