2000 Kia Sportage

Above average

Owners filed 304 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system. It has been recalled 4 times.

Avoid One of the Kia Sportage years to avoid: 2.1× the complaints of a typical Sportage year. Which Kia Sportage years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
71,000 milesMedian miles at failure

154 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2000 Kia Sportage problems

72 of the 304 complaints (24%) are about the fuel system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system30
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system20
000
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame12
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system11
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags10
808
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes8
000
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls7
000
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive) · transmission7
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission7
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · fuel system7
000

2000 Kia Sportage fuel system problems

24% of all complaints

72 of the 304 complaints are about the fuel system. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid79% · 57
  • stalls6% · 4
  • turns on the check engine light4% · 3
  • sets off warning lights on the dash4% · 3

Share of the 72 fuel system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
80,000 mi
median of 54 reports
Peak year of filing
2007
21 fuel system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the fuel system
None
“Some of the major problems include the following;fuel tank leak, heavy rust, frame rusted out. Took it to a kia dealership & was told I needed to have the fuel pump, tank&sensor replaced. Per the advisor at the kia dealership, my car did pass inspection in regards to the"extended warranty"on the fuel tank.I was charged approx.$800 for the repairs due to it being only 1 yr past the time for kia to cover the repair.I …”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 10, 2011 at 74,680 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 kia sportage. The contact smelled a gasoline odor and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic advised her that there were holes in her fuel tank and that it needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was approximately 130,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 12, 2011 at 130,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1999: 1 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'992000: 28 complaints, 2 about the fuel system2001: 35 complaints, 1 about the fuel system'012002: 37 complaints, 1 about the fuel system2003: 44 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'032004: 17 complaints, 1 about the fuel system2005: 19 complaints, 4 about the fuel system'052006: 24 complaints, 15 about the fuel system2007: 26 complaints, 21 about the fuel system'072008: 11 complaints, 7 about the fuel system2009: 10 complaints, 7 about the fuel system'092010: 16 complaints, 6 about the fuel system2011: 8 complaints, 6 about the fuel system'112012: 11 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2013: 5 complaints, 1 about the fuel system'132014: 5 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2015: 1 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'152016: 3 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2017: 2 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'172018: 0 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2019: 0 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'192020: 1 complaints, 0 about the fuel systemRecall 00V205000 (electrical system)Recall 04V305000 (seat belts)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation EA06007NHTSA investigation PE06002NHTSA investigation EA04007NHTSA investigation RQ03007NHTSA investigation DP02006NHTSA investigation PE00026
All complaintsAbout the fuel systemRecall (red: the fuel system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2000 Sportage peaked in 2003, with 44 filed that year. No recall on file covers the fuel system, the subject of 24% of the complaints. In 2020 owners filed 1 so far.

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

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.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly04V305000
Filed Jun 24, 2004251,594 vehiclesKia Motors America, Inc.

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.

Electrical System00V205000
Filed Jul 27, 200066,482 vehiclesKia Motors America, Inc.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. THESE VEHICLES WERE DISTRIBUTED WITH OWNERS MANUALS WITH AN INCORRECT JUMP START DIAGRAM. THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR JUMP STARTING ARE ACCURATE. HOWEVER, THE DIAGRAM DEPICTS THE JUMPER CABLES ATTACHED TO THE WRONG POLARITY TERMINALS. IF THE DIAGRAM WERE FOLLOWED WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE INSTRUCTIONS, THE RESULTING IMPROPER CONNECTIONS COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY TO RUPTURE AGGRESSIVELY DUE TO INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURES.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY TO BYSTANDERS.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADHESIVE LABEL WITH THE CORRECT ILLUSTRATION TO PERMANENTLY AFFIX TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS MANUALS.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 6 name the 2000 Sportage.

FUEL TANK LEAKAGEEngineering analysis EA06007Closed
Opened May 9, 2006Closed Nov 30, 2007fuel system

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 …

FUEL TANK LEAKAGEPreliminary evaluation PE06002Closed
Opened Jan 4, 2006Closed May 9, 2006fuel system

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 …

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTIONEngineering analysis EA04007Closed
Opened Feb 27, 2004Closed Jul 26, 2004seat belts

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.

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTIONRecall query RQ03007Closed
Opened Oct 14, 2003Closed Feb 27, 2004Led to recall 04V305000seat belts

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 …

VEHICLE ROLLOVERDefect petition DP02006Closed
Opened Jun 5, 2002Closed Sep 23, 2002suspension

There is no summary currently available

INCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-STARTPreliminary evaluation PE00026Closed
Opened Jul 10, 2000Closed Jul 31, 2000Led to recall 00V205000electrical system

Allege battety may explode if owner's attempt to jump-state the vehicle by following the owner's manual diagram

Technical service bulletins

13 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2000 Sportage. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

fuel system 3engine 2equipment 2body and frame 1automatic emergency braking 1door locks and latches 1electrical system 1parking brake 1
014Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2008fuel system

FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT UNDER REPAIR BENEFIT PROGRAM. ON CERTAIN 1997-2000 SPORTAGES. *NJ

76Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2004fuel system

FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT

011200Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 2000fuel system

INFORMATION ON THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) SYSTEM. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 6, 2020TX

FUEL TANK LEAKING GAS I BELIEVE THE FUEL TANK IS NO GOOD ANYMORE I PURCHASE A VEHICLE FILL UP THE TANK AND START TO LEAK GAS I THOUGHT IT WAS A GASKET SO GASKET WAS PLACED AND IT'S STILL LEAKING

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 12, 2017133,000 milesAK

NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL, LOOKED UNDER CAR AND NOTICED GAS DRIPPING FROM UNDER CAR. UPON FURTHER LOOKING I NOTICED THE GAS TANK PROTECTIVE PLATE IS ROTTING OUT WHICH MAKES ME BELIEVE THE GAS TANK IS TOO.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 3, 2017SC

NO AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL, BRAKES GOES DOWN TO FLOOR, OXYGEN SENSOR BAD IN BANK ONE, POPPING IN TIRES. MY FRAME CAN BREAK FROM CAR AT ANY TIME, DEALER KNEW I HAD KIDS, WE COULD GET SERIOUSLY HURT RIDING IN THIS CAR.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 12, 2016AL

2000 KIA SPORTAGE RECALL - HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

Engine
Filed May 3, 2016128,477 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE FAN BLADE DETACHED AND WENT THROUGH THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,477.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 25, 2016MA

2000 KIA SPORTAGE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, RIGHT FRAME HAS A HUGE HOLE, MY CHILD IS AT RISK CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ALSO LOCKS DON'T WORK, BATTERY DIES, SEATBELTS SUCK, RADIO GOES OFF ...

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 12, 2015NC

FRAME RUSTED

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 14, 2014141,500 milesOH

GAS TANK IS LEAKING GASOLINE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 22, 2014123,041 milesVA

FUEL TANK/PAN RUSTED OUT. STRONG GAS ODOR. RECALL FOUND ONLINE. NEITHER DEALER NOR KIA WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE. RECEIVING NUMEROUS MISFIRE MESSAGES AND HAVE CHANGED PLUGS, COILS, AND WIRES. MISFIRE CODE STATES FUEL/AIR RATIO IS WRONG. THERE IS NO HISS WHEN OPENING GAS CAP AND NO PRESSURE REGISTERING FROM TANK. SAFETY AND FIRE ISSUE. WAS WARNED NOT TO DRIVE UNTIL FIXED DUE TO GAS LEAKAGE. VERY UPSET AT KIA FOR TELLING ME THAT RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO MY 2000 SPORTAGE, HOWEVER SHE STATED IT WAS FOR 1996-2002 SPORTAGES. WAS INFORMED I COULD PAY $92/HOUR FOR IT TO BE INSPECTED BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CHARGES. VERY DISTURBING, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS VEHICLE USED TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY AND NOW I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 4, 2014179,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL GUARD WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 179,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 6, 2014160,000 milesCA

THE STRUCTURE IS ROTTEN AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS AND CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 3, 2014WV

THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING. I NEED TO HAVE KIA TO REPLACE THIS TANK. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME TO KEEP DRIVING. I HAVE CHILDREN AND I AM CONCERN FOR THEIR SAFETY AS WELL AS MY OWN. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 24, 2013101,066 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,066.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 15, 2013152,033 milesNJ

BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RUSTED FRONT BRAKE LINES. WHILE VEHICLE WAS ON THE LIFT THE FRAME WAS FOUND TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU IN MANY PLACES MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 27, 2013179,000 milesWA

ON APRIL 12, 2013 I GOT INTO MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE TO GO TO WORK. AS SOON AS I GOT INTO THE CAR I HIT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO GET THE DEW OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD AND INSTEAD OF JUST GOING ONCE THEY WENT OFF EXTREMELY FAST WITH OUT STOPPING FOR ABOUT 45 SECONDS. ONCE I GOT THEM TURNED OFF I WENT UP THE ROAD AND TURNED TO HEAD TO WORK VIA THE BACK ROADS. I DROVE ABOUT 1 MILES WHEN OUT OF THE BLUE MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GOING OFF AGAIN THEN A SECOND LATER I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND 2 OF MY AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED AND I FELT A THROBBING PAIN IN MY RIGHT SHIN. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND THE LOWER AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED. MY CAR WAS THE ONLY CAR INVOLVED AND HAS A CLEAR CARFAX. THE ROAD I WAS DRIVING ON WAS SMOOTH AND I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE WHERE IT SITS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 30, 2013PA

THE GAS TANK SHIELD IS RUSTING TO PIECES. NOTICED A PIECE HANGING DOWN AND CHECKED UNDER THE CAR. IT IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Apr 8, 201365,500 milesWV

THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN 2 DAYS. MY DAUGHTER STARTED THE CAR, DROVE IT ABOUT 1/4 - 1/2 MILE WHEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CONSOLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE, GOT OUT AND RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO SEE IF SHE COULD TELL WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM AND COULD SEE FIRE THROUGH THE CRACK IN THE CONSOLE WHERE THE COVER OVER THE CONSOLE WAS JOINED TOGETHER. WITHIN SECONDS, THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A GASOLINE LEAK. SHE WAS IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC. HAD SHE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TRAFFIC, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT SCENARIO. SHE AND OTHERS WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR WORSE. HER POCKETBOOK HAD FALLEN ON THE FLOOR AND SHE REACHED OVER TO PICK IT UP AND THAT IS WHEN SHE SAW THE SMOKE. SHE HAD TIME TO GET OUT BEFORE THE CAR IMPLODED. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS GUTTED AND THE PAINT WAS BURNED OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE AND ROOF OF THE CAR. ALL THAT IS LEFT OF THE INSIDE IS SOOT, METAL AND CHARCOAL FROM FRONT TO REAR. WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A DEALER ON DECEMBER 21, 2012. IT RAN GREAT, WAS IN GOOD SHAPE AND WE HAD NO PROBLEMS OR WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I AM GOING TO NOTIFY KIA, BUT AM NOT VERY HOPEFUL OF ANY RESOLUTION WITHOUT SOME INTERVENTION FROM NHTSA. *TR

Suspension
Filed Dec 27, 2012MA

THE CHASSIS, AND THE AUTO BODY FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE DETERIORIZE AND COMPLETE HODEN I JUST TALK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC WHEN WAS FIND OUT. WE BELIEVE THAT IS MANUFACTURE PROBLEMS. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 22, 201260,008 milesPA

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A SHOP TO GET THE OIL CHANGED AND THEY NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR OF THE FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED OUT AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. ALSO THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AT ONE OF THE SEAMS IN THE CORNER OF THE TANK. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY PEOPLE IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE KIA SPORTAGE. I HAVE ALSO SEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS ON THE INTERNET AS WELL. IT'S ONLY A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD PLENTY OF OTHER VEHICLES MUCH OLDER WITHOUT ALL OF THIS KIND OF RUST ISSUE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT WITH THE MATERIALS BEING USED. I SURELY HOPE THE NHTSA WILL MAKE KIA MOTORS RECALL THESE VEHICLES. BECAUSE IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 15, 2012120,005 milesDE

(1) NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK SHIELD IS SEVERELY ROTTED OUT AND IS BARELY CONNECTED. (2) SMELL FUEL VAPORS PERIODICALLY WHILE IN THE VEHICLE. (3) FUEL TANK APPEARS TO BE RUSTING, AFRAID TO MESS WITH TANK IN FEAR OF DISTURBING THE RUST AND RUPTURING A HOLE IN TANK. (4) BRAKE LINES WERE SO SEVERELY RUSTED IN ONE AREA THAT IT BLEW A HOLE IN THE LINE AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STOPPING AND REQUIRED THE PROMPT ACTION FOR REPAIR. OTHER BRAKE LINES LOOK LIKE THEY MAY FAIL IN NEAR FUTURE. (5) STEEL PORTION OF POWER STEERING LINE RUSTED OUT AND BLEW FLUID EVERYWHERE PREVENTING THE ABILITY TO TURN THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. (6) THE FRAME HAS HEAVY RUST SCALE AND APPEARS TO BE ROTTING IN SEVERAL PLACE. (7) PAINT IS STARTING TO BUBBLE WHICH IS INDICATING BODY IS RUSTING UNDER PAINT JOB. THIS IS A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH VERY BAD ROTTING OF METAL FROM SALT CORROSION. HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS MUCH RUST ON 20+ OLD VEHICLES THAT ARE IN THE SAME NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE US. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 9, 201283,774 milesAK

THE FRAME WHERE THE REAR STABILIZER ARM CONNECTS HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED ALLOWING THE ARM TO FALL AWAY. THE ONLY THING SUPPORTING THE ARM NOW APPEARS TO BE THE FUEL LINE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO IT. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AS WELL. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH METAL LEFT TO WELD OR REPAIR. HAD THE ARM BROKEN THE FUEL LINE AND SPARKED WHEN IT DRAGGED ON THE ROAD, THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE TURNED DEADLY. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY TWELVE YEARS AND 84K MILES ON THE ROAD. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 7, 201280,048 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR MUFFLER REPAIRS WHEN THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE FRAME WAS RUSTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, PROVIDING NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,048.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 30, 2012101,835 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED CAUSING A FUEL LEAK . THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO VERIFIED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS IN FACT CORRODED AND CAUSED THE FUEL LEAK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,835.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 2012100,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING FUEL SMELL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 25, 2012120,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOTIFIED BY A CONCERNED CITIZEN THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDERNEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A DEFECT AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PARKED ON RENTAL PROPERTY DUE TO THE HAZARD AND POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE. THE FUEL FUMES ALSO MADE THE DRIVER FEEL DIZZY, CONTRIBUTING TO UNSAFE DRIVING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

SteeringCrash
Filed Apr 11, 2012IA

THE STEERING GEAR SECTOR SHAFT HAD BROKEN ENTIRELY THROUGH.THE WHEEL AND INNER AND OUTER STEERING TIE RODS DID NOT SUFFER SIGNIFICANT IMPACT. WHEEL AND STEERING TIE RODS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE BENT. FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE PHYSICAL DAMAGE. IT IS UNCOMMON FOR THE STEERING GEAR SECTOR SHAFT TO BREAK AND MAY INDICATE POSSIBLE FLAW IN THE MECHANICAL COMPONENT. EVIDENCE SUPPORTS POSSIBLE FLAW AND POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 4, 2012144 milesCT

I NOTICE THERE WAS SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE WAY I WAS TURNING THE WHEEL OF MY CAR I TOOK IT TO MY GARAGE AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR HOME AND CALL KIA THE PERSON THAT MADE CAR STATED THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTEN OUT AND CRACK IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED THE CAR SHOULD OF NOT BEEN ON THE ROAD WHEN SPOKE TO KIA THEY STATED I NEEDED TO BRING THE CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER TO LOOK AT IT TOLD THEM THE SAME THING THAT MY GARAGE TOLD THEM THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACK AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE KIA CORP MADE ME PAID THEM $100 DOLLARS TO LOOK AT IT AND THERE MECHANIC DID NOT WANT TO PUT IT ON LIFT BECAUSE HE FELT THAT IS WAS GOING TO FALL APART HE EVEN ADVISE ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR OUT THEY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE CAR HAD OVER 100,000 HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES ON IT. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 10 YRS OLD WHEN THIS HAPPEN I FEEL THAT THIS KIA PROBLEM MY FRIEND ALSO HAS KIA SPORTAGE AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO HIS CAR IS THAT WHY KIA IS SO CHEAP ON THERE MOTORS FOR SALE BECAUSE OF THE PARTS THAT THEY SELL. *KB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 4, 2012113,000 milesOH

I TOOK MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE IN TO MY MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BRAKES REDONE. AS HE WAS OUT TESTING TO MAKE SURE THE BRAKES WORKED HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR END WAS MOVING AROUND QUITE A BIT. HE TAKES IT BACK TO THE SHOP TO LOOK UP UNDERNEATH AND NOTICED THAT THE CHASSIS WAS RUSTED AWAY SO BAD THAT THERE WAS S FIST SIZED HOLE IN IT. HE TOLD ME THIS NEEDED TO BE FIXED ASAP! THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN NOT ONLY FOR ME BUT FOR EVERYONE ELSE WHO OWNS THE VEHICLE. ITS A SCARY THOUGHT TO KNOW THAT AT ANY GIVEN TIME MY CHASSIS CAN LITERALLY FALL APART ON ME. WE NEED THIS TO BE RECALLED DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS THAT IT ALREADY AS AND THE EXTREMELY POOR DESIGN OF THIS CHASSIS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 10, 201174,680 milesMI

SOME OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING;FUEL TANK LEAK, HEAVY RUST, FRAME RUSTED OUT. TOOK IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO HAVE THE FUEL PUMP, TANK&SENSOR REPLACED. PER THE ADVISOR AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP, MY CAR DID PASS INSPECTION IN REGARDS TO THE"EXTENDED WARRANTY"ON THE FUEL TANK.I WAS CHARGED APPROX.$800 FOR THE REPAIRS DUE TO IT BEING ONLY 1 YR PAST THE TIME FOR KIA TO COVER THE REPAIR.I AM UNDER THE MILEAGE.THE KIA DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A LIST OF ADDITIONAL REPAIRS NEEDED. ONE OF THEM BEING"FRAME RUSTED OUT IN REAR REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION"THEY DID NO EXPLAIN ANY OF THIS TO ME! MY CAR STARTED TO JERK&SHAKE WHILE SLOWLY STEPPING ON THE BRAKES AS I PREPARED TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT,IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BRING THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP:'( IT MADE A LOUD NOISE AS IF SOMETHING HAD FALLEN OF MY CAR. PER THE MECHANIC THAT I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO, I NEED TO FIND A GOOD WELDER TO REPAIR ALL OF THIS RUST ASAP. HE STATED THAT THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND THIS CAUSES ME TO HAVE NO CONTROL OF MY CAR. THE KIA DEALERSHIP SOLD ME $800 WORTH OF WORK WHILE KNOWING/NOT TELLING ME THAT MY CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE:( WHO DOES THAT?! I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR:( I DIDN'T LIST ALL OF THEM. FROM LITTLE THINGS TO MAJOR. I FEEL SO UNSAFE DRIVING IT. I ONLY WISH THAT PEOPLE TRULY CARED & TRIED TO PICTURE HOW THEY WOULD FEEL IF THIS HAD HAPPENED TO THEM OR THEIR FAMILY/FRIENDS. I AM CURRENTLY LAID OFF AND SEARCHING FOR WORK . I HAVE BEEN LAID OFF 2X WITHIN THE PAS

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 25, 2011VA

I OWN A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE AND I HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? *TT

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 9, 2011114,000 milesMN

BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY.,WHEN YOU STEP ON BRAKE YOU CAN FEEL THE BRAKE OR TIRE SPENDING AND YOUR CAR IS STILL ROLLING WHEN YOUR ARE STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE, TURNING THE CAR ENGINE ON AND OFF. WHEN YOU START THE ENGINE THE ENGINES CLICKS BUT DOES NOT START. ITS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY SEVERAL TIMES BUT STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Sep 12, 2011130,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THERE WERE HOLES IN HER FUEL TANK AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. UPDATED 10/19/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP IS LEAKING GAS. THE CONSUMER FOUND A RECALL FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE OR WARRANTY FOR A FREE REPAIR. UPDATED 11/04/11.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 30, 2011180,475 milesCT

I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT WORKED ON THE BRAKES THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTED IN THE FALL OF 2009. I CHANGED THE EXHAUST MYSELF IN THE FALL OF 2010 AND SAW THE FRAME WAS ROTTED SO BAD THAT I COULD PUT MY HAND COMPLETELY THROUGH SEVERAL OF THE HOLES AND NOTICED SEVERAL CRACKS. IN MARCH OF 2011 THE CENTER LINK FOR THE REAR AXLE BROKE FREE FROM THE ROTTED FRAME AND FELL DOWN ON TOP OF THE DRIVE SHAFT. I DID 2 DAYS WORTH OF VERY CREATIVE WELDING TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. IN APRIL OF 2011 GAS TANK BEGAN TO LEAK. PUT CAR UP ON JACK STANDS TO REMOVE GAS TANK AND FOUND THE FRAME HAD BROKEN ABOVE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING, THE CROSS MEMBER JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR BUMPER HAS A 3-4 INCH GAP (ROTTED THROUGH-NO METAL LEFT) AND THE REAR AXLE HAS SHIFTED OVER ABOUT 4" CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TO RUB AGAINST THE SHOCK. I AM SHOCKED THAT A CAR CAN ROT THIS BAD IN ONLY 10 YEARS AND THERE IS STILL NO RECALL. WTF!!!!! *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 17, 2011108,000 milesIN

GAS TANK LEAKING GAS

Unknown or Other
Filed May 2, 2011129,907 milesNC

THE FRAME HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MOST UNUSUAL THING ABOUT THIS IS THAT THERE IS ALL MOST NO RUST ON THE BODY. TWO OF THE MOTORS ON THE WINDOWS DON'T WORK AND THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HAS GONE OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 2, 201185,520 milesKY

2000 KIA SPORTAGE NOTICE GAS FUMES, GAS LEAKING AND UNDER SEAT THE TOP PLATE IS LETTING OUT RAW GAS FUMES TO MAKE YOU SICK. I DID RESEARCH AN SEEN A RECALL SC059 MY CARE IS DOING THE SAME THING CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE SHE GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER GAVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER TO THE KIA DEALER SHE SAID COULDN'T DRIVE CAR HAVE IT TOWED, HAVE JAKE SWEENY TO DIAGNOSE IF THIS IS DOING THE SAME PROBLEMS THE OLD RECALL DID FOR THEM TO CALL HER AND SHE WOULD ASK HER DIST MGR TO LET THIS CAR BE FIX. MY BROTHER IS HANDICAPPED AND HE CALLED THE DEALER AND HE ASK FOR THE VIN NUMBER AND SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. WE KNOW THERE IS NOT ONE AT THIS MOMENT BUT FOR HIM TO LOOK AT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF IT CAUSING A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. I HAVE CASE NUMBER FROM KIA JUST NEED TO GET THE DEALER TO LOOK AT THE CAR THE FUMES ARE MAKING HIM SICK AND NOW THE CHANCE OF THE CARE BLOWING UP. PLEASE HELP ASAP. MILEAGE ON CAR 85,520 I THINK KIA NEEDS TO FIX ALL THESE CARS I HAVE LOOKED ON THE WEB AND THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE VIN NUMBERS OUT THERE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT KIA IS OVERLOOKING UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT. THANK YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ISSUE A NEW RECALL OR REOPEN THE OLD ONE. THANK YOU *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 27, 201082,000 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT SMELLED STRONG FUMES FROM THE GASOLINE TANK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,520. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 25, 2010120 milesMD

2000 KIA SPORTAGE, FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK SHIELD RUSTED AND FALLING OFF. UPDATED IVOQ 12/16/20 *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 18, 201080,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,585. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 14, 2010100,000 milesPA

PURCHASED 2000 KIA SPORTAGE USED. HAD REAR TIRES REPLACED AND FOUND FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AND CRACKED AT SUSPENSION WHICH WAS READY TO BREAK OFF THE VEHICLE. UNABLE TO DRIVE CAR AT THIS TIME IT IS UNSAFE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 30, 201095,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ANOTHER PERSON WHO CALLED THE CONTACT AND STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME UNDER THE FRAME HAD ROTTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 29, 2010VA

2000 KIA SPORTAGE, GAS TANK IS CORROSIVE AND GAS IS LEAKING FROM TANK. THERE WAS A SLIGHT HOLE THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER TRIED TO REPAIR WITH SOME TYPE OF SEALANT. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 24, 201091,000 milesMI

UNDER NORMAL USAGE TWO OF THE THREE REAR SEATBELTS FAILED TO RELEASE CAUSING CHILDREN TO BE STUCK IN SEAT. AFTER SEATBELTS ARE FREED FROM BUCKLE THEY DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY ANY MORE. NEW BUCKLES HAVE TO BE PURCHASED WHICH IS DIFFICULT DUE TO PART AVAILABILITY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 20, 2010140,000 milesTN

GAS TANK LEAKING ON 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 16, 2010150,000 milesNY

MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE HAS SERIOUS FRAME RUST. THE CAR IS ONLY TEN YEARS OLD AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS CAR AND THE STABILIZER BAR BROKE OFF OF THE FRAME AND MY MECHANIC STATES THE FRAME IS SI RUSTED IT IS PAPER THIN AND ADVISES NOT REPAIRING AS IT WOULD BE HAZARDOUS. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THE FRAME BEING STRUCTURALLY COMPROMISED. THIS IS SERIOUS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 14, 2010120,520 milesNY

MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE HAS SERIOUS FRAME RUST. THE CAR IS ONLY TEN YEARS OLD AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS CAR AND CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN. THERE SEEM TO BE MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS ON THIS. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THE FRAME BEING STRUCTURALLY COMPROMISED. THIS IS SERIOUS. THE FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS ALMOST BROKEN IN TWO PIECES. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 3, 2010PA

2000 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. WHEN THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WOULD ENGAGE, IT WOULD CAUSE TREMENDOUS FRICTION WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN DRASTICALLY. ALSO, WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED IN A TURNING MODE, THE FRONT GEAR WOULD SLIP. THE GAS TANK SHIELD WAS THREE QUARTERS OF THE WAY ROTTED DUE TO RUST AND THERE SEEMED TO BE MINOR GAS SEEPAGE UNDER WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE TANK SHIELD. THE CHASSIS FRAME RAILS, BOTH REAR SIDES WERE APPROXIMATELY 85% ROTTED OUT BY RUST. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS THAT THE RAILS COULD NOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE WAS VERY LITTLE GOOD METAL TO REPAIR AND STRENGTHEN THE VEHICLE FRAME. *JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 11, 201030,000 milesNY

ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE RUSTED OUT. RUST START WITH THE SHROUD OVER GAS TANK. THEN THE NECK OF THE GAS FILL PIPE CORRODED. NOW THE ENTIRE CHAISE IS RUSTED. I REALIZE THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD BUT IT ONLY HAS 54,500 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. KIA SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO RECALL ALL OF THE 2000 SPORTAGES AND FORCED TO FIX THEM. THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY OF THESE STILL ON THE ROAD AND THEY HAVE BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS NOT A MATTER OF LACK OF MAINTENANCE, THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL CARE FOR. THIS IS A MATTER OF A MANUFACTURE BEING ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH SELLING AN INFERIOR PRODUCT. TIME THE NHTSA STEPS IN AND PROTECTS THE AMERICAN CONSUMER. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 7, 2010115,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR PART OF THE FRAME NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD RUSTED AND THE STABILIZING BAR HAD FALLEN OFF ON ONE SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY AT A DEALERSHIP OR REPAIR SHOP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,200. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 22, 2010140,000 milesNH

FRAME ON MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. IT COST ME 1,300.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. I SHOULD HAVE CALLED KIA FIRST BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND HAD TO GET IT DONE ASAP. I HAVE PUT ABOUT 4,000 DOLLARS INTO THIS CAR IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF FROM IT ROTTING OUT. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 304, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202628100Routine
202555100Routine
202475300Routine
2023194610Routine
202246120Routine
202154270Routine
20201662130Routine
201971230Routine
20181653120Routine
20174044280High concern
2016134250Routine
20151462110Routine
2014125310Routine
20133813220High concern
20123925160Above average
2011181680Routine
201020201Fatalities reported
200980380Routine
2008983240High concern
200777250Routine
2006111150Routine
200568320Routine
20034000Routine
2002234360Above average
2001228240Above average
2000 — this page304470Above average
1999284531Fatalities reported
1998303560Above average
1997181351Fatalities reported
199657330Routine
199556210Routine

Compare every Sportage year →

2000 Kia Sportage: questions buyers ask

Is the 2000 Kia Sportage a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Sportage years to avoid: owners filed 304 complaints, 2.1 times as many as a typical Sportage year. The most common complaint is about the fuel system (24%).

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Kia Sportage?

The fuel system: 72 of the 304 complaints (24%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (79%), stalls (6%) and turns on the check engine light (4%). The typical report comes at 80,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2000 Kia Sportage have?

4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 04V305000, covered 251,594 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2000 Kia Sportage problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 71,000 miles. For the fuel system the midpoint is 80,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2000 Kia Sportage?

Yes, 6 times. The latest, EA06007 ("FUEL TANK LEAKAGE"), was opened May 9, 2006 and closed Nov 30, 2007.

Are there service bulletins for the 2000 Kia Sportage?

The manufacturer filed 13 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the fuel system (3), the engine (2) and the body and frame (1). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.