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.
2000 Kia Sportage. Consumer states several problems with vehicle 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.
The 4-wheel drive on my Kia Sportage 2000 has stopped working. My mechanic identified the problem with the knuckle/hub assy w/O ABS (part # QK081-33-020-dq). It's a system that works by air pressure to engage the 4X4. The defect with this part is that air leaks out of it and causes the 4X4 to stop working. Kia has made a new version of this part (part # QK082-33-020-eq) that corrects the issue by double sealing the air pressure leak. They are not however willing to make the repairs free of charge, which I think they should. The reason why this is a safety issue is because this car has rear wheel drive and we live in Utah where it snows every winter. Rear wheel drive vehicles in snow-covered roads are useless and cannot be controlled. We purchased this vehicle for the 4X4 factor that made a huge difference in snowy weather. We are very disappointed with the fact that the company is not taking responsibility to correct the issue free of charge, especially since this is a manufacturers defect and a major safety issue in this kind of weather. I would also like to note that this defect was also in the 98, 99, 00 and 01 models of this car. Unfortunately for me I didn't find out about this until after the part broke. Currently we are not driving this vehicle when the roads are covered with snow. We cannot afford to buy the $800 part + labor fees. I was told by Kia customer service that recalls are only made when your company determines that the vehicle is unsafe because of the defect. I don't know if my single report will make a difference but I would just like to make you aware of the situation with this vehicle.
Consumer's vehicle has a rusted gas tank and a bad fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the manager stated that Toyota no longer does repair on Kia vehicle. The oil pan rusted causing an oil leak. Oil leaked from the speed sensor and oil seal. The 4 wheel drive was inoperative due to an outdated hub kit. The vehicle's check engine light illuminated. The technician found that the #3 cylinder was misfiring. Phone interview update (Oct 31, 2005): The repair shop personnel (dave @ thetford's auto center @ 607-433-0319) indicated that the tank was rusted and was leaking from the seam. In addition, the fuel supply or return line was rotted at the fuel tank connection; fuel was leaking whe the fuel pump was turned on.
A 2000 Kia Sportage station wagon. The bottom of the vehicle rusted. The fuel tank had a hole in it. While the consumer was driving on the highway the fuel had slowly leaked out. The consumer was unaware of this until she drove vehicle home and noticed that there was fuel under it. Consumer took vehicle to a local fuel station; they told consume rbecause there was no one to work on it to bring it back the next day. She had the vehicle towed to them the next day. They replaced the fuel pump, tank, lines, and everything on the bottom of the vehicle. The fuel had leaked all over the bottom of the vehicle and made it hard to fix the vehicle. The mechanic told her that they had the same problem with other kiaes concerning this. The consumer is very concerned with the safety of this. The mechanic said he had no trouble getting the tank, he figured that it might be a common problem with them. Previously they replaced the 4 wheel drive unit.
First got car seemed to drive good, but in the winter the 4-wheel drive didn't work. Kia fixed it, and this happened again, Kia fixed it again. This seemed to happen when in high speeds and then slowing, the wheels would shake. At the first attempt to fix it, Kia dealer said they changed the kit that puts it into 4-wheel drive. On the second attempt to fix it, they didn't know what they did, but it had to do with 4-wheel drive. At third attempt Kia said the hoses were clogged. Took hoses off and cleaned them and put them back on. Also, said there was a new kit into the cars, but he did not put it into consumer's car. He assured consumer that the car would be fine. About three months later the 4-wheel drive and transmission iwere not working right. The last time this happened the front wheeles locked up and slid.
When engaging from two-wheel drive to four wheels drive vehicle remains in two wheels drive. Dealer was notified, and informed the consumer that this vehicle was not covered under a recall.
Auto surges and accelerates while traveling highway speeds. Have had several close calls / near accidents. Dealer "cannot duplicate" and therefore will not do anything. Manufacturer has been contacted and said there is nothing they can do "nothing to fix - if dealer can not duplicate". have brought in to dealer 2 times. What happens when this causes an accident/injury/ or worse" how can they duplicate it then" please note have had other failures-cooling fan fell off and ruptured radiator, 4 wheel drive has failed several times.
The 4WD of my vehicle has stopped working on several occasions. However, it was not noticed until after I had been in a circumstance whereas the 4WD was needed such as snow and ice. One once occasion I narrowly avoided an accident and became stuck. I have had the vehicle submitted for repairs at the dealership and subsequently informed the repairs were required due to a malfunctioned vacuum line. The repairs were required three times before I finally returned the vehicle and demanded a more thorough investigation of the problem. I was then informed parts would need to be ordered for correction of the deficiency. I have still not received the vehicle back from repairs.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Delta, PA, USA