1997 Kia Sportage
This year had 30% to 100% more 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
- 181
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 181 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
35% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
Air bags
22% · 39 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, the driver's side air bags erroneously deployed from the steering wheel and from under the steering wheel area.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-23
While driving at 25 MPH consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. Consumer was wearing a seat belt, but the air bag did not deploy. Consumer and the other vehicle's driver visited the hospital for minor injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-07
While driving at 35 MPH consumer's vehicle was involved in a rear end collision. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-12
Power train
15% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Vehicle speed control
14% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing linkages and cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving down highway when approximately at 55MPH engine will stall. Slow down and stop without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-02
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Electrical system
12% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 34 MPH smoke came from under the hood. Consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-08
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1997Complaint volume 181 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
1997-12-15Latches/locks/linkages97V234000 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.
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I
1999-06-30SQClosed 2000-02-02 Check engine light stays on
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R
2000-01-25Electrical system99V325000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The wires connected to the C123 and C124 connectors can be put under tension by movement of the engine, thus pulling the wires and connectors…
Remedy: Dealers will install spring clips to lock the connectors together. In addition, the dealers will be instructed to solder a splice in the wire harness.
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I
2002-06-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-09-20 Safety belt buckle malfunction
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I
2002-10-18Recall queryClosed 2003-09-02 Engine stalling post-recall
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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…
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I
2006-05-09Engineering analysisClosed 2007-11-30 Fuel tank leakage
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 39 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 28 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V234000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 99V325000 · Electrical system
- Recall 02V216000 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Kia Sportage is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Kia Sportage have?
- 3 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.