2.3
hardly worth mentioning- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 65,947 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
Frame rusted
- Newland, NC, USA
The structure is rotten and unsafe to drive. I have seen many reports of this and cannot believe that it has not been recalled.
- Sacramento, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2000 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 101,066.
- Taunton, MA, USA
The chassis, and the auto body for this particular vehicle is not safe deteriorize and complete hoden I just talk the car to the mechanic when was find out. We believe that is manufacture problems.
- Beverly, MA, USA
I took my vehicle to a shop to get the oil changed and they noticed that the driver side rear of the frame is severely rusted out and needs replacement. Also the fuel tank is leaking at one of the seams in the corner of the tank. I have been told by people in the auto industry that this is a common problem with the Kia Sportage. I have also seen numerous reports on the internet as well. It's only a 12 year old vehicle. I have had plenty of other vehicles much older without all of this kind of rust issue. This is ridiculous. Obviously there is some kind of defect with the materials being used. I surely hope the NHTSA will make Kia motors recall these vehicles. Because it is a major safety hazard.
- Johnstown, PA, USA
(1) noticed that the fuel tank shield is severely rotted out and is barely connected. (2) smell fuel vapors periodically while in the vehicle. (3) fuel tank appears to be rusting, afraid to mess with tank in fear of disturbing the rust and rupturing a hole in tank. (4) brake lines were so severely rusted in one area that it blew a hole in the line and prevented the vehicle from stopping and required the prompt action for repair. Other brake lines look like they may fail in near future. (5) steel portion of power steering line rusted out and blew fluid everywhere preventing the ability to turn the wheel while driving. (6) the frame has heavy rust scale and appears to be rotting in several place. (7) paint is starting to bubble which is indicating body is rusting under paint job. This is a 12 year old vehicle with very bad rotting of metal from salt corrosion. Have never seen this much rust on 20+ old vehicles that are in the same northern regions of the us.
- Townsend, DE, USA
The frame where the rear stabilizer arm connects has completely rusted allowing the arm to fall away. The only thing supporting the arm now appears to be the fuel line which is attached to it. The rest of the frame is rusted out as well. There is not enough metal left to weld or repair. Had the arm broken the fuel line and sparked when it dragged on the road, this problem could have turned deadly. This is a very serious problem for a vehicle with only twelve years and 84K miles on the road.
- Juneau, AK, USA
The contact owns a 2000 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for muffler repairs when the mechanic advised her that the undercarriage of the frame was rusting. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty, providing no additional assistance. The failure and the current mileage was 80,048.
- Beckley , WV, USA
My 2000 Kia Sportage has serious frame rust. The car is only ten years old and I am the original owner. I have taken very good care of this car and can't understand why this would happen. There seem to be many of the same complaints on this. I think this should be subject to a safety recall due to the frame being structurally compromised. This is serious. The frame on the right side of the vehicle is almost broken in two pieces.
- Hyde Park, NY, USA
When parking vehicle and pulling out the key noticed that key was very hot. Glove compartment was also very hot. There was a noise in the steering wheel. When trying to turn. Consumer took car to dealer, and dealer said that there was something in steering column thatwas wrong. There was too much play in steering.
- Magnolia Springs, AL, USA
- Lanesboro, MA, USA