1999 Kia Sportage

Defect. 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

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.

Defect. 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

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.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.

Risk. THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Defect. 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. 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.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING CAN CONTACT A HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPE CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INCREASE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PIPE AND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING.

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

There is no summary currently available

Allege that while driving, the trun signal switch failed.this failure increases the risk of a vehicle crash due to operator distraction and due to other vehicles being uninformed of the operator's intentions.

PITSTOP - 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.

SUBJECT ON RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *ET

INFORMATION REGARDING MANIFOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR RECALL. *ET

INFORMATION REGARDING RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *ET

SUBJECT REGARDING RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER DUE TO EXISTING MCC DEVELOPING CRACKS AT WELD. *ET

EMISSIONS RECALL COMPAIGN :SPORTAGE MANIFOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. *ET

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED STRONG FUEL FUMES ON THE EXTERIOR AND THE INTERIOR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED THREE TIMES AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVE TRAIN FAILED ONCE AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE CRANK SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED ONCE. THE CONTACT ALSO WAS EXPERIENCING A TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN WHICH THE GEARS SLIPPED RANDOMLY AND WERE SLOW TO CHANGE OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SEALS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE FUEL LEAK CONTINUED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 333,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

I HAD JUST FILLED GAS TANK WITH UNLEADED GAS. WHEN I NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL. THE CAR SITS ALL DAY. I ONLY MOVE IT FOR EMISSIONS EACH YEAR I WORK FROM HOME. THEY TESTED AND TOLD ME EVAP EMISSION CONTROL SYS MALF. THE GUY SAID HE COULD SEE GAS LEAKING FROM MY FUEL LINE. HE SAID IT WAS A RECALL ON THIS TO CHECK WITH KIA. KIA TOLD ME MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT MATCH THE RECALL. THIS CAR DOES NOT SEE ALOT OF ACTION THERE IS NO REASON OTHER THAN A FEW GOOD SNOWS THAT MAY HAVE RUSTED THE TANK OTHER WISE WHY WOULD MY TANK ALL OF A SUDDEN LEAK GAS. THIS IS A HAZARD THAT I THINK KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR AND HAVE HAD IT LONGER THAN THE FIRST. I HAVE EXPERIENCED FIRST HAND SOME ISSUES THIS MODEL HAS HAD WHICH KIA TOOK CARE OF. BUT THEY REFUSE THIS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND CAUSED THAT CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AFTER HE REGAINED CONTROL, STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,390. UPDATED 02/03/2014 *LJ UPDATED 02/24/14*LJ

REAR FRAME OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE ROTTED, AND CAUSING THE WHOLE REAREND TO SHIFT SEVERELY. AT 30MPH. CAUSING ME TO PARK MY SPORTAGE. REST OF THE FRAME IN GOOD SHAPE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN A LARGER TRUCK PASSED HIM ON THE ROADWAY AND CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO SWERVE INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

FRONT LEFT SIDE SEAT BELT, WON'T RETRACT. *TR

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND HIT A BUMP WHEN MY CAR BEGAN SWAYING BACK AND FORTH FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I HAD A VERY HARD TIME MAINTAINING CONTROL. I SLOWLY DROVE HOME AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION UNDERNEATH MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE I DISCOVER THE FRAME IS TOTALLY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FALLING APART. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME IS ALMOST NON EXISTENT AND THE DRIVERS SIDE ISN'T MUCH BETTER THERE ARE HOLES AND PIECES OF THE FRAME GONE. I HAVE BEEN READING ON LINE THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM MY 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OR MYSELF COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT, PLEASE DO SOMETHING SO OTHERS WILL NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE AN ENGINEER FOR THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND COULD NOT BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,083.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING AND WHEN IT WOULD, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED FROM THE CHASSIS ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NON-REPAIRABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 9/16/11 *CN UPDATED 2/9/12 *CN

1995 TO 2002 KIA SPORTAGES FRAMES ARE ROTTING OUT AND GAS TANKS LEAKING ALSO. KIA REFUSES TO REPAIR OR PUT OUT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. VEHICLES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE TO THE PUBLIC. FORD WINDSTARS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS FROM 1998 TO 2003 BACK AXLE ROTTING OUT, THEY ARE TAKING ACTION AND OWNING UP TO THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN A STATE INSPECTION MECHANIC FOR THE STATE OF PA. FOR 35YRS THIS DEFECT IS GOING TO CAUSE SEVERAL CRASHES, MAYBE DEATHS. KIA IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THIS MATTER ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT. THANKS *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SHORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FULL TANK, HE WOULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURE VOLUNTARY RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED THAT SAFETY RECALL EXPIRED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT IN STOCK. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP HAD RUST PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE PURCHASED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/28/11

I HAVE A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT. THE ENTIRE FRAME IS ROTTED AND RUSTED OUT. CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN SAFETY. WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE 6 MORE MONTHS OF PAYMENTS I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. 3 DEALERSHIPS WOULD NOT EVEN TAKE IT AS A TRADE! I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE GASTANK COULD FALL DOWN IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE COULD EXPLODE. *TR

1999 KIA SPORTAGE. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2008. I HAVE HAD THE GAS TANK PATCHED 3 TIMES, THEN COMPLETELY REPLACED COST OF OVER 400 DOLLARS. MY MECHANIC SAID THE TANK KEPT RUSTING NO MATTER WHAT HE TRIED AND IT WAS DEFECTIVE. ALL REAR BRAKES TWICE AND NOW WITH EVEN NEW LEVER AND OTHER PARTS 420 DOLLARS. NOW THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE DUE TO THE REAR FRAME WHICH HAS CRACKED AND SEPARATED CAUSING THE CAR TO SWAY AND MAKING STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I THOUGHT IT WAS A SHOCK THAT BROKE WHEN I HEARD THE CLUNKING SOUND, TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THE CAR WAS TO UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE FRAME IS SWINGING ALL AROUND. I HAVE NO OTHER VEHICLE AND TWO CHILDREN AM A SINGLE PARENT. NOW I CAN'T GET TO WORK, APPOINTMENTS, SCHOOLS ECT. *TR

I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE AND RECENTLY HAD IT RACKED TO SEE WHAT THE NOISE WAS THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR. THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE FAME IS SEPARATING FROM EACH OTHER, LEANING ON THE SHOCK ABSORBERS ON BOTH SIDES, THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE FAME WHERE THEY HAVE RUSTED THROUGH, THE FUEL TANK AND SHIELD IS RUSTED OUT AND THIS CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB, READY TO FALL APART, AND OR IF ANYTHING HITS THE FUEL TANK IT WILL DISINTEGRATE AND POSSIBLY EXPLODE. THIS CAR IS LITERALLY COMING APART UNDERNEATH.TWO OF THE DOORS PANELS UNDERNEATH HAVE RUSTED AWAY. EVERYTHING IS RUSTED AND IT SCARES ME TO DEATH TO BE DRIVING IT NOW THAT I HAVE SEEN THE UNDERCARRIAGE. I HAVE MANY PHOTOS TO SUBMIT FOR PROOF OF THE PROBLEM.APPARENTLY THIS CAR HAS BEEN RUSTING FOR SOME TIME AND I HAVE NEVER NOTICED IT. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN SEPTEMBER OF 1999. IT HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED OUT UNLIKE MOST VEHICLES WHICH LAST FOR MANY YEARS. I WAS INFORMED BY MY BROTHER THIS PAST SUMMER AND HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON THE FUEL TANK BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS PAST THE 10 YEAR MARK BY A FEW MONTHS AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH KIA TO GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS AND SERVICE CAMPAIGN NOTICES OF WHICH I ONLY WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT 3 OR 4 OF THEM SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE MECHANIC WAS CHANGING THE OIL HE NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR FRAME HAD DECAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEABLE BUT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000. UPDATED 02/10/11 *BF UPDATED 03/11/11*JB

1999 KIA SPORTAGE GAS TANK ROTTED AND LEAKING. *TR

FUEL TANK LEAK. SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN GARAGE. *TR

THE CHASSIS OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE IS ROTTING OUT. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE RAILINGS WELDED TOGETHER, ONE RAILING HAS A HOLE ABOUT 6 IN LONG ON THE SIDE OF THE RAILING AND THE GAS TANK HAS TO BE REPLACE. BUT IF THE TANK IS REMOVED THE PART OF THE CHASSIS IT IS ATTACHED TO WILL COME OFF AND THERE WILL BE NO WAY TO ATTACH A NEW ONE. *TR

KEYWAY ON CRANKSHAFT WHERE TIMING GEAR ATTACHES WEARS OUT PREMATURELY AND CAN RESULT IN HAVING TO REPLACE ENGINE! I HAVE REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, FUEL FILTER, AND KNOCK SENSOR ALSO THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND TIMING BELT WERE REPLACED AS THERE APPEARED TO BE A TIMING ISSUE COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM SO TOOK TO KIA DEALER TO FIND THE KEYWAY ON CRANKSHAFT TO BE SO WORN YOU COULD ALMOST TURN GEAR ALL THE WAY AROUND! IN ALL THE YEARS I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON VEHICLES THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER SEEN THIS AND IS VERY OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT! *TR

FUEL TANK LEAKING EVERY TIME WHEN FILLING TANK. FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, PROBLEM WITH GASOLINE LEAKAGE WHEN FILLING TANK IS STILL A PROBLEM. NO REPAIRS AS OF YET. I'M ON DISABILITY. *TR

THE FRAME IS ALL RUST. I HAD TO HAVE THE STABILIZER BAR WELDED WHERE IT COME LOSE FROM THE FRAME FROM RUST. THE BAR WAS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR WITCH MAID IT GO ALL OVER THE ROAD. *TR

I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN I FILED TANK, GAS LEAKED. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT I HAVE A LEAK IN MY GAS TANK. *TR

I HAVE A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE THAT HAS 114,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED A COUPLE WEEKS AGO IT WAS MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR, TOOK IT IN THINKING IT NEEDED SHOCKS AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN JUST BEHIND THE GAS TANK (WHICH IS NEW). THEY INFORMED ME THIS CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MY LITTLE GRANDBABIES IN ANY LONGER AND WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT COULDN'T GUARANTEE OUR SAFETY. NOW I AM FORCED TO GET ANOTHER CAR THAT IS SAFE TO DRIVE MYSELF AND MY GRANDKIDS I AM THEIR CAREGIVER MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. I DON'T THINK THIS CAR IS OLD ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF PROBLEM TO OCCUR. I HAVE KEPT IT IN GOOD MECHANICAL SHAPE SO I DON'T APPRECIATE BEING FORCED TO FIND ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW, I ALREADY WORK 2 JOBS AND THIS PUTS A STRAIN ON ME. *TR

1999 KIA SPORTAGE, HAD A GAS LEAK GOT IT REPAIRED WITH A NEW TANK LAST YEAR, STILL HAVE A GAS SMELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SMELL THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, OF COURSE THIS IS MY REGULAR MECHANIC NOT A KIA DEALER. NOW THE FRAME IS BUSTED FROM PREMATURE RUSTING AND DISINTEGRATION WHICH IS HOLDING UP THE GAS TANK. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON FOR "EVAP LEAK" . NO POWER WHEN A/C IS RUNNING. A/C NOW HAS LEAK. CONSTANTLY SMELL A BURNING SMELL JUST BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO CONSTANTLY BLOWS FUSES FOR POWER WINDOWS ETC. THIS IS A DEATH TRAP FOR SURE, YOU CAN IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE MY GRANDBABIES IN THIS CAR IT IS UNSAFE...AND WHEN THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT AS THEY COULDN'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TRYING TO FIX A FRAMING PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS HAD VERY GOOD MAINTENANCE, OIL CHANGES, TIRES ETC. AND ONLY HAS 114,000 MILES , I NEVER DREAMED I WOULD HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER CAR SO SOON. I REALLY THOUGHT I SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST ANOTHER 100,000 TO GO! *TR

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I-80 WHEN THE VEHICLE SWAYED VERY BADLY AND ALMOST HIT A ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED AND EXITED THE HIGHWAY. UPON INSPECTION THE FRAME SEVERED AND BROKE WHERE THE SUSPENSION ATTACHES TO THE FRAME RIGHT BEHIND THE REAR TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP... THE MECHANIC AND MY INSURANCE ADJUSTED SAID MY WIFE MUST HAVE AN ANGEL WATCHING OVER HER. *TR

ON DECEMBER 22, 2008, DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION, FOUND GAS SMELL AND POSSIBLE LEAK IN GAS TANK. PHONE KIA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A FUEL TANK INSPECTION (ALONG WITH SOME OTHER RECALL REPAIRS). ON 1/2/2009, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE KIA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK, AND THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND MAY BE COVERED BY A SERVICE CAMPAIGN. HOWEVER, THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 137,700 MILES, AND THE LIMIT WAS 130,000 FOR KIA TO REIMBURSE. I INDICATED THAT I HAD NEVER RECEIVED AN NOTICE OF THIS PROBLEM. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THERE WERE AT LEAST TWO (2) SERVICE CAMPAIGNS (SC059 AND RB001) WHICH DATED BACK TO MAY 2006, AND JANUARY 2008. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE HAD MUCH LESS THAN THE LIMIT OF 130,000 MILES. I PHONED AND E-MAILED CUSTOMER SUPPORT (NO MAILING ADDRESS LISTED). DURING THE PHONE CONVERSATION WITH STEVE, I WAS INFORMED "TOO BAD, BUT IT IS OUT OF THE MILEAGE LIMIT AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO. NOT SURE WHY YOU NEVER GOT A NOTICE". WHEN I E-MAILED, I RECEIVED A PHONE REPLY (AFTER THE SECOND E-MAIL) FROM STEVE STATING "WE ALREADY DISCUSSED THIS. NOT SURE WHY YOU E-MAILED SINCE THIS WAS ALREADY ADDRESSED". I FEEL THAT A PROBLEM AS IMPORTANT AS A LEAKING FUEL TANK SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO CHANCE, WAITING FOR A REGULAR INSPECTION OR AN ACTUAL LEAK TO DETECT IT. I FEEL THAT KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME BEHIND THE TIRES WAS BEGINNING TO RUST AND DISINTEGRATE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE PARTICULAR COMPONENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 01-26-09 *BF UPDATED 01/27/09. *JB

I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FROM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS GRADUALLY LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND HE IS CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD MORE FLUID. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 98V222000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING AND FITTINGS) AND 99V325000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING); HOWEVER, THE DEALER WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V305000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,812 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HEARD LOUD NOISES WHEN HER 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS ACTIVATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ROTTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

CRACKED CHASSIS IN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE DUE TO CORROSION. *TR

4WD FAILURE, WILL ENGAGE FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN SLIP OUT . ON THIRD TRIP TO MY MECHANIC FOR THIS PROBLEM, HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE REGARDING THE 4WD HUBS. UPON TALKING TO THE KIA REP HE WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. YEAR AND MODEL OF CAR WERE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE REP GAVE HIM NO SATISFACTION ON MY BEHALF. I WILL BE CALLING KIA AS WELL, BUT WOULD LIKE TO ACTIVATE THIS SERVICE BEFORE THE FACT AS I DO NOT EXPECT ANY SATISFACTION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL GAS FROM SOMEWHERE AROUND THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE OIL TANK, WHICH BEGAN TO LEAK UNDERNEATH THE TANK. AS A RESULT, THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK BEGAN TO ROT AND FORM HOLES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY NOTICED THAT THE HOSES OF THE FUEL PUMP ALSO ROTTED FROM THE LEAK IN THE OIL PAN. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (KT2006050901) ISSUED BY KIA THAT LISTS THE EXACT SAME DEFECT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING. SERVICE CAMPAIGN INSPECTION NUMBER SC059 WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,800 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,739.

99 KIA SPORTAGE TIMING BELT SNAPPED BECAUSE OF A FREEZING VALVE, CAUSE HEAD TO WARP, THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING WITH NO WARNING AND STALLED ON THE FREEWAY.*CN

SEATBELT RESTRAINT FAILURE, BOTH INERTIA REELS FAILED FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. THE PLASTIC IS SO DRY ROTTED AND IT BREAKS LIKE CARDBOARD. *TR

GAS TANK LEAKS! *TR

WE NOTICED YELLOW STREAKS OVER TIME ON THE HOOD WHERE THE ENGINE BLOCK AND RADIATOR ARE POSITIONED. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH OVERHEATING OR ANY OTHER PROBLEM OF THAT NATURE. BUT EVENTUALLY THE CLEAR COAT BEGAN PEELING AND CHIPPING IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT PLACES ON THE HOOD WHERE MAJOR ENGINE COMPONENTS ARE LOCATED AND NOW I AM LEFT WITH HUGE SPOTS ON MY HOOD WHERE THE CLEAR COAT IS MISSING. THE UNDERHHOOD INSULATION IS IN PERFECT CONDITION. I ASSUME THERE IS A DEFECT IN EITHER THE CLEAR COAT ITSELF OR THE INSULATION WHICH PREVENTS THE HEAT FROM DAMAGING THE HOOD HAS FAILED TO DO SO. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY A 99 MODEL KIA SPORTAGE. IT HAS ONLY 93,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD RECENT RECALLS REPAIRED AND I AM IN HOPES THAT THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP TO PROVE A DEFECT IN THE HOOD INSULATION OR THE CLEAR COAT. *JB

LOUD NOISES FROM THE A/C & HEATER UNDER THE GLOVE BOXES FINAL CONCLUSION THE UNIT STOPPED BLOWING AND MAKES A LOUD NOISES WHEN SWITCH. *TR

I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. IT HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK IN THE GAS TANK. IT HAS CORRODED PREMATURELY. *TR

VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHOP / NO START FUEL PUMP INOPERATIVE, RUST FOUND IN FUEL FILTER, FUEL TANK LEAKING EXTERNALLY ( RUSTED THROUGH ). *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC HOUSING SPRING FALLS OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT. HE STATED THAT IT APPEARS TO BE DECOMPOSING AND IS UNABLE TO SNAP THE SHAFT OF THE PLASTIC HOUSING BACK TOGETHER. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS HAD THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE PREVENTS THE SEAT BELT FROM RETRACTING AND CAUSES IT TO BE VERY LOOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. KIA STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO AS WELL. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAS FAILED. THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ALSO LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

DURING SNOW/ICE WEATHER CONDITIONS I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE ON 01/11/07 GOING STRAIGHT ON RT.380 IN STOCKTON, NY. MY VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, AND LANDED FRONT END DOWN, UPSIDE DOWN IN A DITCH. DURING THE CRASH, NONE OF THE THREE AIR BAGS ENGAGED/RELEASED. BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT ON THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE, THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE RELEASED. NO INJURY WAS DONE TO MYSELF, AND NO ONE WAS IN MY VEHICLE, BUT I WAS VERY LUCKY. NOTHING NEEDED TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE. *JB

THIS KIA WAS PURCHASED NEW AND IS A ONE OWNER CAR. IT HAS HAD 2 MASTER CYLINDERS, AND 4 SETS OF BRAKE PADS. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR SLIDES TO THE RIGHT ON WET ROADS AND DOES NOT STOP UNTIL IT HITS SOMETHING OR SLOWS TO A STOP. I HAVE SLID 2 TIMES, REAR ENDED SOMEONE THE 3RD, AND MY SON HIT A LIGHT POLE. THE OTHER TIMES THE BRAKES MAY OR MAY NOT WORK. THE PROBLEM IS WORSE DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE BRAKES GO TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DOES NOT STOP. AT TIMES THE BRAKES VIBRATE. THIS CAR HAS HAD A NEW CLOTH TOP, NEW AIR CONDITIONING 2X, 5 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, NEW CARPET FROM THE AIR LEAKING AND MOLDING, NEW SEAT COVERS AS THEY RIPPED, NEW BRAKES, ROTORS, PADS SEVERAL ITEMS I HAVE LOST COUNT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR HAS BEEN RE-WIRED, AT TIMES THE CAR WON'T ACCELERATE IF THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. LAST NIGHT THE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE WANTED TO KNOW WHY I WOULD ENDANGER MY SON'S LIFE IN A CAR THAT WON'T STOP OR SLIDES. THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION. WHY ARE ANY OF THESE MODELS STILL ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS WRONG WITH THEM. IN LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS THERE WERE MANY THAT DEALT WITH THE BRAKES. AT THIS POINT IS THERE ANY RECOURSE WITH THE CAR? I DON'T FEEL THAT I CAN SELL IT OUTRIGHT HONESTLY AND PUT SOMEONES LIFE IN DANGER. THE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER MADE ME FEEL LIKE A NEGLECTFUL PARENT BY EVEN LETTING MY SON DRIVE THE CAR. WE EVEN PARKED IT FOR 6 MONTHS TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THE CAR. MY SON'S CAR WAS IN THE REP

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START. AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN INFORMED. THERE ARE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS ACTING ERRATIC. THE POWER STEERING BELT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 09/13/06. *JB

DEFECTIVE GAS TANK AND FUEL LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $836.54 MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECT AND PAY FOR REPAIRS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY, PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED BEFORE PERSONAL INJURY. OCCURRED BY FIRE OR EXPLOSION! *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DEVELOPED A HOLE CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND DETERMINED THE STORAGE ASSEMBLY ALSO HAD A LEAK WHICH COULD NO LONGER BE SEEN. GAS TOTALLY COVERED THAT AREA WHERE THE HOLE WAS LOCATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS LOCKED, THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH THE KEY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE LOCK. UPDATED 10/4/2006 - THE DEALER FAILED TO FIX THE DOOR WHILE IT WAS THERE FOR SERVICE. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WAS NOT ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VACUUM LINES. *NM