1996 Kia Sportage

▲ Better than typical

1996 Kia Sportage
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:13:49.170Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1996: 57 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	380
2014	122
2015	146
2016	130
2017	394
2018	158
2019	68
2020	153
2021	46
2022	42
2023	182
2024	64
2025	49
2026	19

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 18%

18% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

AIR BAGS 16%

16% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE HIT A DEER HEAD-ON AT 70 MPH AND NEITHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970211

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN DRIVING ALONG VEHICLE WILL START SHAKING AND IT WILL JUST CUT OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. HAS HAPPENED WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN REVERSE OR PARK. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE STALLING AND THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970602

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5%

5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19960703 — vehicle speed control

THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY COULD BIND OR STICK DURING OPERATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 96V131000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19971215 — latches/locks/linkages

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

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNLOCK CIRCUIT.

Campaign 97V234000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20020617 — PE (closed 20020920)

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION

R 20021220 — seat belts

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

I 20060509 — EA (closed 20071130)

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 96V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
Verify recall 97V234000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
Verify recall 02V216000 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 2021 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2012 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Kia Sportage reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Kia Sportage is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Kia Sportage?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Kia Sportage have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.