1999 KIA Sportage problems
Owners have filed 493 complaints about the 1999 KIA Sportage with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 18.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 12.6%.
Complaints493
Crashes43
Fires6
Injuries21
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 18.5% · 91
Power train 12.6% · 62
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.5% · 47
Electrical system 9.1% · 45
Visibility 7.7% · 38
Fuel system, gasoline 7.3% · 36
Structure 6.5% · 32
Air bags 4.7% · 23
Severity
Of those complaints, 43 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire, 21 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 21 model years of the KIA Sportage in this data, 1999 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2017 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 14 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 71,200 miles.
In owners' own words
Catalytic converter was recalled and replaced by the dealer in 2001, rattling and not working correctly since (engine light on - diagnostic says converter), return to dealer approximately. 2 Months later, they verified everything was ok, would not pass smog the next year, returned to dealer they say it is the converter again, will not pay to replace again. Car runs with no power and is a danger on the road. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 40,000 miles
Consumer had the same problems as mentioned in nhtsa recall 99v325000. 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, and loosening them . This results in a loss of circuit continuity. Dealership indicated to the consumer this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to vin. Engine and engine cooling
No recall notice #99v325000 was received on vehicle. Had taken to dealership, and informed by service manager no recalls on vehicle. Later, found there was recall. Took vehicle back. Mechanic informed owner repairs for engine stalling will not be done due vehicle not purchased at that dealer.*Ak abs locked up and caused consumer to hit a deer, consumer was injured. *Slc Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other KIA Sportage years
1997 299 complaints · 21.1% engine and engine cooling 1998 558 complaints · 16.3% engine and engine cooling 2000 462 complaints · 18.0% fuel system, gasoline 2001 354 complaints · 15.5% engine and engine cooling 2002 321 complaints · 22.4% engine and engine cooling 2006 169 complaints · 22.5% air bags