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 PER YEAR
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 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 131 |
| 2017 | 399 |
| 2018 | 163 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 160 |
| 2021 | 50 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 190 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2026 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and gasoline.
20% of complaints: seat belts — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
14% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and wiring.
FIREShow 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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981113
13% of complaints: visibility — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 45MPH FUMES COME THROUGH THE VENTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020918
11% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 95V073000 — check if this car was fixed
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION
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 SHOULD
Campaign 02V216000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1995 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V073000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V216000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.