1996 Kia Sportage Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 12%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Kia Sportage, 12% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32 miles. 2 a fire, 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.
“Remote control window motor blew in the right passager seat front exhuast pipe fell from the manifold, A/C blower switch failed,A/C filter broke,3 times brakes had to be adjusted, head light blew, both oxygen sensors have been replace due to check engine light coming on, currently car is still in the shop for the 21 day concerning the check engine issue.”
NHTSA complaint #700534, filed 1998-11“Engine check light remains illuminated while vehicle was in motion, causing vehicle to stall and die. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle several times.”
NHTSA complaint #873272, filed 2000-10“Lighting; when driving along the highway the tail lights and interior lights automatically go out with no warning. Have taken in for this same problem eight times, the dealer say it's a pinched wire.”
NHTSA complaint #812760, filed 1997-06“While driving at 45 MPH lights on dash went out and smoke filled the car. The wires under the dash that runs to the engine cought on fire. Fire department was contacted no enjuries. Manf. Contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #813196, filed 1997-06Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 21% |
| 2025 | 15 | 27% |
| 2024 | 16 | 21% |
| 2023 | 46 | 24% |
| 2022 | 8 | 17% |
| 2021 | 6 | 11% |
| 2020 | 20 | 12% |
| 2019 | 11 | 15% |
| 2018 | 30 | 18% |
| 2017 | 63 | 16% |
| 2016 | 17 | 13% |
| 2015 | 18 | 12% |
| 2014 | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 | 22 | 6% |
| 2012 | 29 | 7% |
| 2011 | 38 | 21% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 18 | 23% |
| 2008 | 27 | 28% |
| 2007 | 13 | 17% |
| 2006 | 22 | 20% |
| 2005 | 8 | 12% |
| 2002 | 16 | 7% |
| 2001 | 23 | 10% |
| 2000 | 32 | 11% |
| 1999 | 41 | 14% |
| 1998 | 47 | 16% |
| 1997 | 21 | 12% |
| 1996 | 7 | 12% |
| 1995 | 8 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 Kia Sportage
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 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