1997 Kia Sportage Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,037miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Kia Sportage, 4% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,037 miles.
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.
“I just purchased a 1997 Kia Sportage with 38,000 miles on it. In the two weeks since purchase I have already had it in the shop for repair twice. With such low miles on the vehicle I thought it was a good and safe purchase but now I am afraid I have made a mistake. The day after purchase the driver side window switch broke and I could not roll my window up. I took it in the shop to have a new one put in. On friday, october 1 the rear drive shaft gear box broke as I was going down the road with two of my children in the car. Luckily I was driving slow and could stop right away. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093516, filed 2004-10, 38,037 miles“Brakes- excessive braking distance when brakes applied; engine coolant system- vehicle over headed caused vents on dashboard to pop; electrical system under hood- continuous check engine light expensive repair bills; engine- shakes like an earthquake, stalls while driving, scared will cause accident/death”
NHTSA complaint #718699, filed 2000-02“This vehicle is garbage - both front window motors-replaced. Transmission replaced, and is now acting up again. Rear-end replaced, acting up, engine squeals, dealer can't hear it, burning anti-freeze smell upon warmup, temp gauge goes crazy, in 4wd vehicle does not want to turn, only wants to go straight, makings hard clunking noise if you attempt to turn. The yugo was a better vehicle!”
NHTSA complaint #703509, filed 1999-02“Vehicle started shimmying violently while going 60mph. Vehicle made a grinding noise in front end and grdually coasted to a stop. Vehicle was towed to a garage, and t frame fell to the ground. Dealer was not contacted. Please provide moe information.”
NHTSA complaint #8012304, filed 2002-06“When driving consumer noticed a knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, consumer is also having problem with leakage inside the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has attempted to correct the problem, problem still occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #831004, filed 1998-11Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 7 | 10% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 20 | 9% |
| 2000 | 23 | 8% |
| 1999 | 19 | 7% |
| 1998 | 26 | 9% |
| 1997 | 7 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 6 | 11% |
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 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
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