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
- 228
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2001
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 228 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.
Engine and engine cooling
24% · 54 reportsMost commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Fuel system, gasoline
23% · 53 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and storage.
Service brakes
12% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Electrical system
11% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and ignition.
Show 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, 2018-03-29
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Structure
11% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and body.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2001Complaint volume 228 complaints filed for this model year.
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2003-10-14Recall queryClosed 2004-02-27 Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
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2006-05-09Engineering analysisClosed 2007-11-30 Fuel tank leakage
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 54 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 53 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 27 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.