10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,667 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1999 Kia Sportage exhaust system problems

exhaust system problem

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1999 Kia Sportage Owner Comments

problem #6

Aug 242006

Sportage 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 repair shop, so he took the Kia. I feel that the car is a death trap.

- Palmetto, FL, USA

problem #5

Nov 012001

Sportage 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles
Catalytic converter was recalled and replaced by the dealer in 2001, rattling and not working correctly since (engine light on - diagnostic says converter), return to dealer approximately. 2 months later, they verified everything was ok, would not pass smog the next year, returned to dealer they say it is the converter again, will not pay to replace again. Car runs with no power and is a danger on the road.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

problem #4

Nov 262002

Sportage

  • miles
Consumer stated that the catalytic converter failed causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified.

- Posen, IL, USA

problem #3

Nov 092000

Sportage

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The muffler and catalytic converter failed. (attorney for client).

- Salamanca, NY, USA

problem #2

Aug 202000

Sportage 4WD

  • miles
The heat shield on my catalytic converter rusted off, the manifold cracked, the muffler rusted through within a year, the widshield wiper transmission broke and was replaced, while the Kia Sportage is engaged in 4WD it pops out into two wheel drive and causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle.this has happened to me numerous times this winter and the recalled parts have now failed again causing Kia to put in manual hubs from 1997 into my 1999 SUV.I feel this is a danger to all who own a Kia Sportage and I have contacted a lawyer to look into possible litigation against Kia.I have found a recall on a previouse modle from 1998 but the components seals are failing in the replacment parts hubs.thank in advance for your time and letting me inform you of this dangerouse situation...ed geisler.

- Gouldsboro, PA, USA

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problem #1

Nov 011999

Sportage

  • miles
Cd player replaced on 05/19/99 because a cd was stuck in it due to an electrical shortage (per Kia service center), cd player will not accept cds and will eject them immediately since 08/15/1999, not replaced due to the units being on "back order" since July of 1999, service center investigated a possible fluid leak and found no leak on 11/11/99, service center investigated a horrible exhaust/cabron monoxide smell coming into cabin of vehicle, found no problems but they replaced the catalyst converter anyway. On 11/11/99 less than 10 minutes after picking up the vehicle, the horrible smell came back again 10 times worse than originally, had to wait an entire week to return the vehicle for service because they were "booked up." On 11/17/99 returned vehicle to service department bec of continous exhaust/carbon monoxide smell in cabin causing terrible headaches. They claim to have replaced some kind of a canister but had no real documentation proving so. Said they could not find a cause for the odors/fumes and gave me a rental car. After no responce from dealership in 48 hours as to a staus update, was told that a "Kia motors field representative" would be coming to the dealership on 11/22/99 to look at the vehicle. On 11/22/99 was told the rep would be there on 11/23/99. On 11/23/99 was told he would be there on 11/24/99. On 11/24/99 was told by dealership owner to come pick up my vehicle in it's current un-repaired condition because the field rep. Would not be out for another 2-4 weeks and the dealership could not afford to provide me with the rental car for that length of time. Meanwhile, the cd player still has not been replaced or repaired and/or even looked at because 'they're on back order with our distributor" and having to drive a vehicle that is putting exhaust/carbon monoxide odors/fumes into the cabin of the vehicle.

- Marietta, GA, USA

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