The 4-wheel drive on my Kia Sportage 2000 has stopped working. My mechanic identified the problem with the knuckle/hub assy w/O ABS (part # QK081-33-020-dq). It's a system that works by air pressure to engage the 4X4. The defect with this part is that air leaks out of it and causes the 4X4 to stop working. Kia has made a new version of this part (part # QK082-33-020-eq) that corrects the issue by double sealing the air pressure leak. They are not however willing to make the repairs free of charge, which I think they should. The reason why this is a safety issue is because this car has rear wheel drive and we live in Utah where it snows every winter. Rear wheel drive vehicles in snow-covered roads are useless and cannot be controlled. We purchased this vehicle for the 4X4 factor that made a huge difference in snowy weather. We are very disappointed with the fact that the company is not taking responsibility to correct the issue free of charge, especially since this is a manufacturers defect and a major safety issue in this kind of weather. I would also like to note that this defect was also in the 98, 99, 00 and 01 models of this car. Unfortunately for me I didn't find out about this until after the part broke. Currently we are not driving this vehicle when the roads are covered with snow. We cannot afford to buy the $800 part + labor fees. I was told by Kia customer service that recalls are only made when your company determines that the vehicle is unsafe because of the defect. I don't know if my single report will make a difference but I would just like to make you aware of the situation with this vehicle.

- Woods Cross, UT, USA

Tires became bald three months after I bought the car, brake pads and rotor needed replacing. The gas lever has been and is broke again. Hubs were replaced the first time, seals were replaced second time. The heat shield needs to be replaced right now. Passenger side window moves very slow. Timing belt replaced early. Brake light comes on whenever I applied the brakes. I went to an auto dealer and had them check out the brakes. They told me that the master brake cylinder was leaking badly.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Consumer complained about a transfer case problem. Also, rear driveline was bent, and hubs were contaminated.

- Anchorage, AK, USA

Kia Sportage was making a metal on metal banging sound intermittently while normal opertion in 2 wheeel drive. Kia dealer found one front wheel hub and vacumm line were locked to engage 4 wheel drive. Hubs and line were replaced however there is a national stock outage on update kit for a recall by Kia. Already have waited 3 weeks for parts. Can not get information from Kia on when parts will be available. Many other Kia owners also on waiting list for parts with the same problem at brenner dealership in harrisburg, pa. Can not use 4 wheel drive until parts are installed.

- York Haven, PA, USA

Had to have rotors and pads replaced for 2nd time in 23000 miles. While brake job was being performed they found out that both bearing seals were completlely gone. Removed tires and hubs to find hubs completely contaminated with corrosion. Right front wheel was about to fall off. 4-wheel drive was also inoperative. Replaced both hus to include both rubber vacuum lines, four wheel solenoid and vacuum canister because of contamination. Car drove fine for 3 days, now it has a loud squeel and front end vibration when applying brakes at a normal breaking speed of around 45 mph. Service dept. Could not duplicate problem....I will be returning vehicle back for further service immediately. There is now a groove in left front rotor after only about 400 miles of wear.

- Wilmot, NH, USA