Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1997 Kia Sportage, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine and engine cooling56
- Air bags39
- Power train25
- Vehicle speed control22
- Electrical system21
- Service brakes, hydraulic19
- Fuel system, gasoline16
- Unknown or other16
- Structure10
- Visibility9
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 24 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
In the United Kingdom
3 cars built in 1997 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 43 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
In New Zealand
22 1997 cars are on the New Zealand register.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MICROSWITCH ON THE REAR HATCH LOCK CYLINDER CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS TO UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 1997 Kia Sportage: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 614028 | SUBJECT REGARDING STEERING KNUCKLE REPLACEMENT. *TT |
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
| 10133170 | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. |
| 10109812 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only. |
| 10109777 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? |
| 10026726 | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE |
| 10024232 | FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT UNDER REPAIR BENEFIT PROGRAM. ON CERTAIN 1997-2000 SPORTAGES. *NJ |
| 10015753 | FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT |
| 10000033 | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TT |
| 10000032 | RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
ENGINE STALLING POST-RECALL
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation