1997 Kia Sportage Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1997 Kia Sportage. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 02V216000Aug 16, 2002189,706 vehicles potentially affected
  Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
  Covers: Kia Sportage 1995–1998, Sephia 1995–1998

  Reported issue: On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.

  Possible consequence: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.

  Remedy: Owner notification began december 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

  Full campaign details →

• 99V325000Nov 19, 199976,986 vehicles potentially affected
  Electrical system › Wiring
  Covers: Kia Sportage 1997–1999

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The wires connected to the c123 and c124 connectors can be put under tension by movement of the engine, thus pulling the wires and connectors, loosening them and resulting in a loss of circuit continuity.

  Possible consequence: This condition can cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will install spring clips to lock the connectors together. In addition, the dealers will be instructed to solder a splice in the wire harness.

  Full campaign details →

• 97V234000Dec 17, 199723,493 vehicles potentially affected
  Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › Lock
  Covers: Kia Sportage 1996–1997

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently.

  Possible consequence: Should this occur, security from unwanted intrusion into the vehicle is lost.

  Remedy: Dealers will modify the rear hatch door unlock circuit.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• EA06007Fuel tank leakageClosed · May 9, 2006
• RQ02013Engine stalling post-recallClosed · Oct 18, 2002
• SQ99021Check engine light stays onClosed · Jun 30, 1999

← All problems reported for the 1997 Kia Sportage