1997 Kia Sportage Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 22%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Kia Sportage, 22% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,500 miles. 21 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The srs air bag light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The cruise control failed to come on its own. The clock spring needed to be replaced. The air bag light had been on for a year. The consumer was informed that the front seat belts needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10098991, filed 2004-11, 60,000 miles“The air bags deployed while the consumer was sitting in a parking lot. The manufacturer stated they needed to inspect the vehicle, however no assistance with the towing would be provided. The vehicle was in the park position when the failure occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10097582, filed 2004-11, 97,000 miles“While backing out of garage and without prior warning air bag knee bolster went off without physical contact blwe out dash and parts of the steering column under the steering wheel. Dealer notified stated it was not under warranty and would not repair it.”
NHTSA complaint #10027253, filed 2003-08, 53,653 miles“Consumer was driving when the driver's airbags deployed vehicle was towed to the dealer. Manufacturer was supposed to inspect the vehicle. However they never came to inspect. Manufacturer offered to replace the deductible.”
NHTSA complaint #10082131, filed 2004-07, 58,000 miles“Dt: driver's side air bag deployed while consumer was driving in reverse backing from a driveway at low speed. There was no crash or impact. This happened without any warning. No lights illuminated or warning signals. The car had been parked in a shaded area for about an hour when this occurred. Consumer's husband drove vehicle home after the incident. Have not taken this to a dealer for this issue, vehicle was parked afterwards and has not been driven since. No explanation or clue as to why this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10128464, filed 2005-07, 80,000 milesAir 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 1997 Kia Sportage
56 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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