1996 Kia Sportage Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 18%of 57 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Kia Sportage, 18% of the 57 complaints for this model year. 1 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.
“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“When driving along vehicle will start shaking and it will just cut off without any warning. Has happened when putting vehicle in reverse or park. Vehicle has been taken in several times for the stalling and they can't find the problem. Had an accident because the vehicle stalled just as I was making a turn to go onto the ramp which caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #812643, filed 1997-06“While driving had noticed a burning odor. Took to dealer & informed consumer it was the oil that was burning, but odor still persisted. Lifted trunk for usage & noticed carpet had burned. A friend checked under vehicle & noticed a hole on top of muffler. Notified dealer & was charged to have muffler replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #840260, filed 1999-06“Vehicle intermittently stalls at any given speed. Vehicle has been at dealer shop on three occasions/ at an independent repair shop on three occasions and no one could locate cause. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. Consumer states vehicle has stalled on the freeway at 65 MPH, in intersections, and going around corners, the entire fuel system has been replaced along with other parts and vehicle still stalls, possibly engine related.”
NHTSA complaint #892623, filed 2001-07“Transmission shifts erratically. In addition, noisy rear brakes due to recent brake adjustments/steering wheel column will not lock/ gas gauge failure/ odometer failure/passenger's side sunvisor disconnects from clip when encountering harsh ride or when visor is pulled down and engine often hard to start.”
NHTSA complaint #526320, filed 1997-12Related service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 13% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 14 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 4 | 6% |
| 2002 | 69 | 29% |
| 2001 | 45 | 20% |
| 2000 | 45 | 15% |
| 1999 | 79 | 28% |
| 1998 | 79 | 26% |
| 1997 | 56 | 31% |
| 1996 | 10 | 18% |
| 1995 | 14 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1996 Kia Sportage
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsAir bags
9 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 29, 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