1996 Kia Sportage Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 19%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 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Kia Sportage, 19% of the 57 complaints for this model year.
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.
“The car's rear left tire detached from the vehicle. The lug nuts and the assembly where intact. From what the body shop told me the ball bearings melted causing the casing where the bolts go to detach. I'm not a mechanic so I don't know the details but if you need further information please do not hesitate to contact the body shop that's working on the car. I can get you that information if you request it.”
NHTSA complaint #754244, filed 2001-11“Help!! I have tried for 6 weeks now to contact Kia with little success, after a month of trying a factory tech finally came out to look at my car and did confirm some of the problems, including the random accelration, he promised to contact me within 4 days and it has now been 3 weeks, I have left messages and faxes with their consumer affairs dept and as of yet have received no response. These are some of the problems I have had: transmission replaced 3 times, 4 trans has problems, rear shocks broken - manuf. …”
NHTSA complaint #708653, filed 1999-07“While driving on icy road experienced wheel hub failure, when in 4-wheel drive wheel hub unlocked, causing 4- wheel drive to disengage, resulting in vehicle spinning out 360 degrees into circle, loss control due to one of the tires disengaging from 4 wheel driveline, occurred 5 times, dealers replaced several times, has now replaced with manual wheel hubs.”
NHTSA complaint #810765, filed 1997-04“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 1997-12“Transmission would fail to shift into gear. Would be slipping each time. The hold light on instrument panel would come on & stay while vehicle is operational. The pvs light comes on also. When applying the brakes to come to a stop, vehicle would shake.”
NHTSA complaint #853890, filed 1999-12Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 19 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 18 | 11% |
| 2017 | 41 | 10% |
| 2016 | 8 | 6% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 5% |
| 2012 | 21 | 5% |
| 2011 | 23 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 12% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% |
| 1999 | 57 | 20% |
| 1998 | 63 | 21% |
| 1997 | 25 | 14% |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 Kia Sportage
15 complaintsEngine cooling
10 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 Nov 1, 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