Model year record

1996 Kia Sportage

3 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 98 owner complaints on file.

Kia Sportage, 1995–2002 generation
Pictured: the 1995–2002 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V216000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
189,706
Reported to NHTSA
2002-08-16
Owners notified
2002-12-20

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V234000

Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
23,493
Reported to NHTSA
1997-12-17
Owners notified
1997-12-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MICROSWITCH ON THE REAR HATCH LOCK CYLINDER CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS TO UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY.

Safety risk

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, SECURITY FROM UNWANTED INTRUSION INTO THE VEHICLE IS LOST.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNLOCK CIRCUIT.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V131000

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

Component
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
693
Reported to NHTSA
1996-07-15
Owners notified
1996-07-03

Defect description

THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY COULD BIND OR STICK DURING OPERATION.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR TO HOLD THE THROTTLE PARTIALLY OPEN, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip10—
Air bags: frontal9125,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline8—
Power train: automatic transmission4—
Power train: manual transmission3—
Seat belts: front: anchorage3—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly3105,150 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder3—
Unknown or other3—
Electrical system: ignition2—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner2—
Interior lighting2—
Power train2—
Seat belts: rear/other245,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2—
Structure: body2—
Vehicle speed control2—
Vehicle speed control: linkages2—
Wheels2—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1—
Electrical system: horn132 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module1—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1—
Engine and engine cooling: engine1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1—
Fuel system, other1—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1—
Power train: axle hubs1—
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Service brakes, air: antilock1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1—
Structure: body: door1—
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs1—
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1—
Suspension: rear1—
Tires: sidewall1—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages1—

The 1995 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1997 model has about a third as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Kia Sportage model years

All Kia Sportage recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.