1996 Kia Sportage Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 16%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Kia Sportage, 16% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer was traveling at 25 MPH in foggy conditions when suddenly she lost sight of the road and proceeded to strike a tree head on. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10105282, filed 2004-12, 125,000 miles“I was involved in an accident at the speed of 40 MPH and the air bag did not inflate. The impact between my chest and the steering wheel left me with bruised ribs. I am very appreciative that the accident or the injury was not severe. If you can look into a couple of my concerns, 1) at which speed should the air bag deploy, 2) if it was to deploy at 40mph then what should be my next step towards Kia to verify that this doesn't happen to any one again.”
NHTSA complaint #722250, filed 2000-05“When the brakes were applied in a panic stop pedal was normal, and vehicle experienced extended stopping, causing a collision which resulted in injuries. Also, airbags did not deploy. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified and will not cooperate at all.”
NHTSA complaint #854102, filed 1999-12“Air bags deployed inadvertently while parked. Dealer has been notified. Consumer stated that while sitting in the vehicle keys not in ignition, the airbag deployed and caused injury on her face and legs.”
NHTSA complaint #8000931, filed 2001-12“Consumer was traveling about 40 MPH on highway and another vehicle veered into her vehicle, causing an accident. Upon impact, frontal airbags didn't go off. There were slight injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #879948, filed 2001-02Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 11 | 6% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 4% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 4% |
| 2016 | 5 | 4% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 20% |
| 2009 | 16 | 20% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 17% |
| 2006 | 38 | 34% |
| 2005 | 12 | 18% |
| 2002 | 17 | 7% |
| 2001 | 20 | 9% |
| 2000 | 18 | 6% |
| 1999 | 23 | 8% |
| 1998 | 11 | 4% |
| 1997 | 39 | 22% |
| 1996 | 9 | 16% |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Kia Sportage
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology