1995 Kia Sportage
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 56
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1995
Opened by NHTSA
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
1995: 56 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
27% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing catalytic convertor and gasoline.
Seat belts
20% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
Electrical system
14% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing horn and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Smoke was seen coming from the hood area. As consumer stopped to see what the problem was, he noticed that the engine had caught fire due to an electrical problem. Dealer has been contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-13
Visibility
13% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 45MPH fumes come through the vents.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-18
Service brakes
11% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1995-04-24Suspension95V073000 The nuts attaching the rear axle bearing oil seal retainers and brake backing plates to the rear axle housing may be under- torqued causing these units to loosen or fall off.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and retorque the rear axle bearing oil seal retainer nuts.
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I
2002-06-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-09-20 Safety belt buckle malfunction
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R
2002-12-20Seat belts02V216000 On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "False latch" And expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1995 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 95V073000 · Suspension
- Recall 02V216000 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1995 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1995 Kia Sportage is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1995 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1995 Kia Sportage have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.