1997 Kia Sportage Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,025miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Kia Sportage, 4% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,025 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While driving 55 MPH hood latch snapped and the hood flew open. Consumer pulled over the latch the hood down. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Broken windshield repaired, but damaged hood not repaired to date.”
NHTSA complaint #10113415, filed 2005-05, 51,500 miles“Kia Sportage 4 door. Rear driver side passenger door would not open from outside. Door opened from inside. Door was then shut and did not latch, upon second closing door latched. Drove around two miles and went around curve at about 10 MPH door latch released and door flew open. 16 month old child was in car seat beside the door. Door had to be strapped to other door to keep shut. Car taken to dealer who said latch was rusted out. Ordered replacement latch, other back door has shown same symptoms of not closing and then closing and latching, also not opening from outside. …”
NHTSA complaint #10033443, filed 2003-08, 52,550 miles“After purchasing this vehicle new we are very upset at the lack of concern and assisstance from the numerous government agencies I have contacted, completed forms and mailed them, I have yet to be contacted. …”
NHTSA complaint #708920, filed 1999-07“Driver's side door opens and closes intermittently. Also, horn doesn't work, and there is a rattling noise underneath the hood. Door will be repaired, dealer could not find problem with horn or under the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #864232, filed 2000-06“When driving doors will unlock. Also, when consumer parks and gets out the doors won't lock. Vehicle has been in repair shop four times for repair service. Consumer just got the vehicle out today for repair service.”
NHTSA complaint #836637, filed 1999-04Related recalls
- 97V234000Dec 17, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently.Covers: Kia Sportage 1996–1997
Related service bulletins
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited…
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 9 | 3% |
| 1997 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Kia Sportage
56 complaintsAir bags
39 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 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 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