2001 KIA SPORTAGE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

354

Owner Complaints

31 Crashes 7 Fires

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE

The 2001 KIA SPORTAGE has received a total of 354 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Fuel System Gasoline (24 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingengine (15 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (13 complaints).

Recalls for the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE, potentially affecting up to 58,810 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE

354 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 24
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 15 1 Crash 3 Fires
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 13 12 Crashes 9 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 13 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 13
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 10
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 9
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 9
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 9 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 8
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 8
Suspension
Complaints: 8
Air Bags
Complaints: 7 5 Crashes 6 Injuries
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 7
Structurebody
Complaints: 7
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 7
Seat Belts
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 5
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 5
Structure
Complaints: 5
Tires
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 4
Power Train
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 3
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 3
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes 4 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 2
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Dieselstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Hubs
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulichoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axletorque Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11082039 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 78,000 miles
I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AFTER I LEFT DEALER STARTED NOTICING A SMELL OF GAS THOUGH WAS. BECAUSE JUST PUT GAS IN .THEN WHEN TURNED ON HEAT SMELL WOULD GET WORSE ! A FEW DAYS AGO WENT TO FILL GAS AND A LOT GAS OVER.FILLED ONTO GROUND NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE SMELL GAS SO STRONG INSIDE CAR ITS. ACTUALLY UPSET MY STOMACH WHEN DRIVING THE. AT AND AFRAID GOING START FIRE ! ALSO LEAKAGE ON GROUND WHEN PARKED . I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH SAME PROBLEM !! IT'S A 2001 KIA. ONLY HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT THINK SHOULD BE COVER. FROM COMPANY SINCE NOT ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM .
#11082039 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 78,000 miles
I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AFTER I LEFT DEALER STARTED NOTICING A SMELL OF GAS THOUGH WAS. BECAUSE JUST PUT GAS IN .THEN WHEN TURNED ON HEAT SMELL WOULD GET WORSE ! A FEW DAYS AGO WENT TO FILL GAS AND A LOT GAS OVER.FILLED ONTO GROUND NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE SMELL GAS SO STRONG INSIDE CAR ITS. ACTUALLY UPSET MY STOMACH WHEN DRIVING THE. AT AND AFRAID GOING START FIRE ! ALSO LEAKAGE ON GROUND WHEN PARKED . I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH SAME PROBLEM !! IT'S A 2001 KIA. ONLY HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT THINK SHOULD BE COVER. FROM COMPANY SINCE NOT ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM .
#10940367 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 20,000 miles
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES FROM AN ELDERLY COUPLE THAT HARDLY DROVE IT. NOW AT 21K MILES, THERE IS A GAS SMELL COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ALSO OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HAS A ROUGH IDLE AND GAS SPEWS OUT OF TANK WHILE I'M PUMPING GAS. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO FALL OFF. HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS TWICE ALREADY. ALSO, THE DRIVERSIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES THINKING IT WILL LAST FOR AWHILE, BUT I'VE HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH IT.
#10940367 | SEAT BELTS | | 20,000 miles
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES FROM AN ELDERLY COUPLE THAT HARDLY DROVE IT. NOW AT 21K MILES, THERE IS A GAS SMELL COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ALSO OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HAS A ROUGH IDLE AND GAS SPEWS OUT OF TANK WHILE I'M PUMPING GAS. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO FALL OFF. HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS TWICE ALREADY. ALSO, THE DRIVERSIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES THINKING IT WILL LAST FOR AWHILE, BUT I'VE HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH IT.
#10940367 | WHEELS | | 20,000 miles
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES FROM AN ELDERLY COUPLE THAT HARDLY DROVE IT. NOW AT 21K MILES, THERE IS A GAS SMELL COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ALSO OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HAS A ROUGH IDLE AND GAS SPEWS OUT OF TANK WHILE I'M PUMPING GAS. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO FALL OFF. HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS TWICE ALREADY. ALSO, THE DRIVERSIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 11K MILES THINKING IT WILL LAST FOR AWHILE, BUT I'VE HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH IT.

View all Fuel System Gasoline complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE

Kia America, Inc. has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TSB_ELE220_R1 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: FRONT CAMERA OPERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA449) - 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 the procedure to update the software of the Front Camera (FR_CMR)...

42 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

INFORMATION REGARDING ABS SYSTEM VENDOR CHANGE. *ET

43 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT REGARDING THERMOSTAT MONITORING UPDATE. *TT

45 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

SUBJECT ON SPORTAGE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR. *ET

NHTSA Investigations for the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2001 KIA SPORTAGE.

Investigation RQ03007 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Closed

Opened:

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION

Other Model Years of the KIA SPORTAGE

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Other KIA Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report