This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I am a Kia tech in ct. The 1998 and 1999 Sportage was recalled to have the steering knucles replaced.the four wheeldrive vacum hubs would suck water and dirt into the wheelbearings causing them to fail.in some cases I have seen the bearings were so loose the vehicles would lose there brakes. The recall kits we have installed are now failing in great numbers and are not just 98 and 99 vehicls but 2000 and 2001 vehicles.all of these model year vehicles should be recalled before people get hurt.
Would apply brakes and they failed to stop vehicle. Brakes kept wearing out excessively. Would have brakes replaced, but problem kept reappearing. Will be taking vehicle back to mechanic to inspect.
Brakes continually experiencing problems, several repairs (rotors, pads, valve, etc.), however brakes overheated on one occasion and caught fire, possible design flaw.
I've had continuous problems with my car since purchasing it, it has been taken into the shop for the engine check light coming on 2 times, the first time they said it was a sensor, but the problem reoccurred 2 days later, they then said it was a harness, that was replaced then I've taken it in for two recalls on the brakes and a hub problem, I'm currently having problems with the door handles sticking so it makes it impossible to open the doors with the key from the outside, dealer states that they can't get it to happen when I take it to the shop but it occures continually when the vehicle is in my possession, back hatch door does not close completely unless you slam it several times, dealer says nothing wrong, engine always smells like it is burning and now the car will only start when it wants to, dealer said it was the battery but the car is only 1 year old, I've talked to several other Sportage owners who all have the same problems, I feel the manufacterer needs to buy all these cars back, I've tried to trade this car and none of the dealers want it they tell me that it is not worth what I've paid for it so I'm stuck with is piece of junk, I'm at my witts end...I'm afraid to drive the car because I'm afraid to get stuck somewhere. The car is litteraly falling apart in my hands and theres nothing I can do about it, I've talked to a lawyer in regard to the lemon law but they say that it has to be a reoccuring problem of the same origin but theres apparently help for the comsumers that are stuck with awful products like these SUV's. there were 166 complaints on this site and almost every person had the same problems I'm having with my vehicle. I am personally telling as many people as I can about these junkie Kia's. the manufacterer should be held responsible for this. If I or anybody in my car should be hurt in an accident due to these problems, Kia will see a law suit that will make their head spin.
I purchased this vehicle Jan of 1999, it had 18,000 miles. Aprroximately two months after purchase of this vehicle I noticed the front hubs and rims lined with grease and oil. I informed both the dealer I purchased it from, and the Kia service department there was a problem with the vehical. They said they would not take care of it. From that point on I have been having serious problems with this Kia. I took the vehical in and the service department told me that the calipers, rotors, and drums needed to be replaced. The problem started to wear out the pads of all these parts, and now is grinding them away. This problem is a defect in the parts used by the manufacture and they should buy my Kia back from me, and or repair it to new condition. This is just the major issue I have with Kia there are many other various problems with it such as the window motor keeps going out(I think there is a short in the electrical system), the rear tire carrier keeps getting stuck, etc etc etc. Please help me I am at a lose as to what I should do. I can't afford $2500 to fix the brakes, that should have never gone bad, not to mention all the other problems with this vehical (1998 Kia Sportage).
While driving at 55 mph to 70 mph engine check light came on. Vehicle shut down, causing loss of power. Also, when putting vehicle into reverse, vehicle shut down. Consumer almost hit another vehicle due to brakes failing. Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop vehicle.
Wheel bearing and hubs cracked, causing the metal to grind when making a right turn. Also when applying the brakes, pedal goes to the floor, cause unknown. Was advised by midas not to drive vehicle- wheele could come off.
When applying the brakes the vehicle shakes and takes awhile to stop. Dealer says vehicle needs all new brakes after only 7,000 miles. Also, 4 wheel drive does not always work and the car is shaky when driven.
While driving at 20 mph and applying the brakes the brakes were soft and the vehicle wouldn't stop. Consumer could not make U-turn or a right turn. Also, there might be something wrong with the steering because consumer can't turn to the right.
Brakes: Hydraulic brake pedal has to be pressed to the floor before vehicle stops. The lifters made loud noises & rattling & needed to be changed. Rear door is off line & not shutting properly. Customer states drivers side mirror fell off. The check engine light is on due to oxygen sensor failure. The rear hatch does not close properly. The customer stated that there was a ticking noise at engine when hot or cold, this happens all the time. Dome light screw fell off, dealer found loose ground at light, the ground was resecured and a new screw was installed.
Consumer received recall letter, contacted dealer. Dealer stated that the recall repairs could not be made until information on how to correct the problem was given from the manufacturer. Recall#98V222000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Helena, MT, USA