2001 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 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 | 130 |
| 2017 | 399 |
| 2018 | 162 |
| 2019 | 69 |
| 2020 | 159 |
| 2021 | 50 |
| 2022 | 45 |
| 2023 | 186 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
CRASH FIRE INJURY23% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and storage.
12% of complaints: service brakes — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE11% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AFTER I LEFT DEALER STARTED NOTICING A SMELL OF GAS THOUGH WAS. BECAUSE JUST PUT GAS IN .THEN WHEN TURNED ON HEAT SMELL WOULD GET WORSE !
NHTSA ODI report, 20180329
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
11% of complaints: structure — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Kia Sportage reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Kia Sportage is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Sportage?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Kia Sportage have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.