There are no safety recalls for the 2001 Kia Sportage, but owners have filed 228 complaints with NHTSA.
2001 Kia Sportage problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 55 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 53 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 25 | |
| Electrical System | 25 | |
| Structure | 24 | |
| Power Train | 23 | |
| Air Bags | 21 | |
| Suspension | 20 | |
| Visibility | 19 | |
| Equipment | 15 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | |
| Seat Belts | 10 | |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 15
- Air Bags › Frontal — 13
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 13
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 10
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 9
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 9
- Structure › Frame and Members — 8
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 7
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,500 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Kia Sportage complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 78,000 miles · reported Mar 29, 2018
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 ! A few days ago went to fill gas and a lot gas over.filled onto ground not able to figure out why the smell gas so strong inside car its. Actually upset my stomach when driving the. At and afraid going start fire ! Also leakage on ground when parked . I have read other complaints with same problem !! It's a 2001 kia. Only has 78,000 miles on it think should be cover. From company since not only one with this problem .
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 20,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2017
Bought this vehicle with only 11k miles from an elderly couple that hardly drove it. Now at 21k miles, there is a gas smell coming inside the vehicle and also outside of the vehicle. Has a rough idle and gas spews out of tank while I'm pumping gas. The front passenger tire sounds like it's about to fall off. Had to replace spark plugs twice already. Also, the driverside seatbelt will not retract. I bought this vehicle with only 11k miles thinking it will last for awhile, but I've had so many issues with it.
Structure · at 160,000 miles · reported Nov 20, 2015
The contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. While driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle begin to shake, the brake warning indicator illuminated, and the brakes failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 01/12/16 ;updated VIN invalid 4/25/18
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 32,000 miles · reported Apr 1, 2015
The contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. While driving at various speeds, fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Dec 30, 2014
Just purchased this car for my teen...when filling gas tank it begins to spew out onto him . Are the person filling the tank.also a bad smell of fumes inside of car,,,,please help the problem....
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2001 Kia Sportage as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Kia Sportage?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (55 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (53). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,500 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.