Is the 2000 Kia Sportage reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Kia Sportage is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Kia Sportage?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2000 Kia Sportage have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2000 Kia Sportage

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2000 Kia Sportage
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of 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: 304
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 6
Top problem: Fuel system, gasoline

Complaints per year

2000: 304 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	123
2015	146
2016	132
2017	401
2018	164
2019	70
2020	161
2021	53
2022	46
2023	192
2024	72
2025	51
2026	27

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel system, gasoline

27% · 83 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

Service brakes

19% · 59 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

17% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and automatic transmission.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 47 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Snow became lodged in the fan which stopped it from turning and it also caused the condenser to burn. *jb scc

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-10

Electrical system

12% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and ignition.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle experienced an electrical system failure, and caught on fire. Vehicle was totaled. A recall was issued, but the vehicle not included due to VIN. *ak the vehicle was engulfed on the passenger side in flames.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-17

Vehicle experienced electrical system failure that resulted in an accident. Vehicle was totaled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-17

Consumer has reported eletrical problems to the dealer who has been uncorporative. There was some type of substance dripping on driver's foot & a burning smell from the inside. Consumer pulled/lifted up hood and vehicle was on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-18

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2000Complaint volume 304 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2000-07-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-07-31 Incorrect battery jump-start
R

2000-09-07Electrical system00V205000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicle. These vehicles were distributed with owners manuals with an incorrect jump start diagram. The written instructions for jump starting are accurate.…

Remedy: Owners will be provided with an adhesive label with the correct illustration to permanently affix to their respective owners manuals.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2002-06-05Defect petitionClosed 2002-09-23 Vehicle rollover
I
2003-10-14Recall queryClosed 2004-02-27 Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
I
2004-02-27Engineering analysisClosed 2004-07-26 Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
R

2004-08-16Seat belts04V305000 On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the front safety belt buckles may emit a "Click" Sound during the buckling process that is similar to the sound emitted when a buckle is being…

Remedy: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles. The recall began August 16, 2004. Owners should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2006-01-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-05-09 Fuel tank leakage
I
2006-05-09Engineering analysisClosed 2007-11-30 Fuel tank leakage
R

2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2000 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Fuel system, gasoline: 83 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 59 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 51 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 00V205000 · Electrical system
Recall 04V305000 · Seat belts
Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2000 Kia Sportage reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Kia Sportage is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Kia Sportage?: The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Kia Sportage have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.