CarRecallWatchThe 1997 Kia Sportage has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA, including 32 crashes, 5 fires, 24 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (63 reports).
1997 Kia Sportage recalls
Most common 1997 Kia Sportage problems
Problem areas named in the 181 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 63 |
| Air Bags | 39 |
| Power Train | 28 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 25 |
| Electrical System | 22 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 20 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 17 |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 |
| Visibility | 11 |
| Structure | 11 |
What owners report
WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT TALKING WITH MY WIFE, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
FUEL TANK IS LEAKING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE OCCUPIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF WILMINGTON (1603 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19806, (302) 656-3100) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD TO DIAGNOSED WHY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,620. *BP*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE FOR THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN APPROXIMATELY AT 55MPH ENGINE WILL STALL. SLOW DOWN AND STOP WITHOUT WARNING. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN TURN ENGINE OFF RESTART RUN IT THRU ALL OF THE GEARS AND IT WILL BE FINE FOR AWHILE UNLESS ON BUMPY ROAD OR STOP WARNING BUMPS IN THE ROAD. I CAN NOT FILL GAS TANK UP DUE TO IT LEAKING OUT UNDER VEHICLE REFRASE THAT POUR OUT. IT WILL ALSO VIBRATE REALLY BAD AFTER BEING DROVE FOR OVER 2 HOURS STRAIGHT. PLEASE HELP ME TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE IT CAUSES A INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
1997 Kia Sportage questions
Does the 1997 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1997 Kia Sportage: Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly; Electrical System:Wiring; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Kia Sportage?
Based on 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (63), Air Bags (39), Power Train (28).
How do I check if a recall on my 1997 Kia Sportage has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.