1997 Kia Sportage Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 9%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1997 Kia Sportage, 9% of the 181 complaints for this model year. 2 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.
“Too many problems with this truck to even begin to list. Its been to the garage 7 or 8 times for the check engine light , the master cylinder went last year, now the clutch, whats next? I so tired of taking time out of my life to deal with this piece of crap. I want a refund or some kind of satisfaction. No safety defect listed in summary.”
NHTSA complaint #726255, filed 2000-07“Engine check light is on, the car is stalling, the air bag lights are on. I am afraid that they will deploy at any given time. Almost killed myself and my daughter on the queenboro bridge, I was going 40 and all of a sudden the car accelerated on it's own, I applied the brakes, but they had turned hard, I had no brakes, put emergency brakes, but nothing, when it was nearing an accident because I had to stop I threw the car in neutral which slowed it down enough for me to safely put it in park in the middle of a bridge. …”
NHTSA complaint #702537, filed 1999-01“Car continually stalls, check engine light continually comes off and on, when continually stalls at idle speed and highway speeds, engine experiences trouble continuously when it surges and jerks. It has been a real hazard to my health and almost put me in accidents many times while stalling in the middle of the street and intersections. Almost killed myself and my family several different times with this piece of garbage vehicle.it has had so many things wrong with it since the day I bought it that it is almost impossible to list all of them. Dealer claims there is no problem! …”
NHTSA complaint #715354, filed 1999-11“Engine check light came on, engine didn't have any power. Dealer finally (after two weeks in the shop) decided fuel tank was rusted, causing rust particles to damage fuel injectors. Dealer is replacing fuel tank, lines, sender unit, and injectors. (I've never had a fuel tank rust at 39,000 miles!)”
NHTSA complaint #723575, filed 2000-06“Engine check light kept coming on. Idle stays high at stop lights or stop signs. Has been happening at least 3 times a week. Took to dealer & was informed problem caused by going over bumps, but would repair problem. Picked vehicle up & light came back on again.”
NHTSA complaint #844129, filed 1999-08Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 29% |
| 2025 | 22 | 40% |
| 2024 | 21 | 28% |
| 2023 | 50 | 26% |
| 2022 | 8 | 17% |
| 2021 | 16 | 30% |
| 2020 | 34 | 20% |
| 2019 | 18 | 25% |
| 2018 | 23 | 14% |
| 2017 | 75 | 19% |
| 2016 | 18 | 13% |
| 2015 | 27 | 18% |
| 2014 | 14 | 11% |
| 2013 | 27 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 8 | 10% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 7 | 10% |
| 2002 | 6 | 3% |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 14 | 5% |
| 1998 | 25 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 9% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
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 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 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