In January, 2007, my 2001 Kia Sportage was making a loud, straining engine sound. Took the car to be repaired and was told I need a cooling fan blade assembly. My car was out of warranty so I didn't take it to the dealer. I had less than 60,000 miles on the car. I have since found out there is a recall this part. I plan to seek reimbursement from Kia.

- Sylvania, OH, USA

The polypropylene cooling fan blade broke off while I was traveling at 60 mph on the freeway, puncturing the radiator, breaking the cowling, and puncturing a hose. The results being the Sportage was towed to the repair shop and the repairs are costing $500 - $600. The Sportage is still in the shop being fixed as I am writing this. The repair shop will save the old parts for me. I contacted Kia customer service and they researched my VIN number, which is outside the window for the present recall (07V161000). The same problem that is occurring with the 2002 models is also happening with the earlier models. I am sure I am not the only one who has had to have these repairs made.

- Sedro Woolley, WA, USA

The driver was traveling from boston on the Massachusetts turnpike toward New York state. As she approached the New York state toll booths, brakes, steering, and acceleration suddenly failed and the vehicle, a 2001 Kia Sportage with 66,018 miles began smoking. The driver managed to turn slightly to avoid crashing into the toll booths and found herself headed for a large propane tank on the grounds. She pulled the emergency brake and managed to stop within a few feet of the tank. Believing the car to be on fire, she exited quickly. The car was towed to lia Kia in schenectady, New York. The allstate insurance investigator and the mechanic agreed that the fan clutch had broken off and moved throughout the area under the hood, causing extensive damage. The allstate investigator has pictures of the fan clutch and damage. Insurance did not pay because the problem was a defective part. The estimated repair was $4500. The vehicle remained at lia Kia while the national Kia headquarters was contacted. Mr. Ryan christianson was the contact there. He maintained that the vehicle was out of warranty, so Kia had no responsibility. He suggested that the vehicle may not have been maintained properly and wanted all past records sent to him, until he was informed that there were pictures at allstate. Verbal and written communication are available. The fact that there was very nearly a catastrophic accident which would have involved many vehicles and individuals was pointed out to him. The vehicle remained at lia Kia until may, when they began to demand rent. With no apparent remaining options, the vehicle was repaired at a cost of $4595.99 and driven home on May 19, 2006. There was some difficulty driving home and the vehicle was taken to legacy Kia in E. syracuse, New York, the original purchase site, where the thermostat was repaired at a further cost of $306.13. Itemized lists of all repairs are available.

- Cazenovia, NY, USA