1997 Kia Sportage Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Kia Sportage, 5% of the 181 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 at any speed the vehicle gives no prior warning. The engine check light coming on. Contacted dealer , can't find the problem. Vehicle has been in the shop three times. Check engine light comes on and engine stalles at times while driving due to EGR valve failure. Hood release handle was broke. Right front hubcap fell off. Radio bezel was broke.”
NHTSA complaint #828455, filed 1998-10“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“Master cylinder brake problems;. When applying the brakes the pedal is very hard and there is very little stopping ability. Vehicle at dealership since july 9, 1997. In addition, windshield wipers broke in a driving rain storm, and electric side mirrors broke, preventing driver from adjusting them.”
NHTSA complaint #814238, filed 1997-09“Windshield wiper motor continuously has internal electrical short/ABS indicator continually comes loose and backs out of relay block/ power windows/mirrors switch contacts backing off, causing open circuits .”
NHTSA complaint #705126, filed 1999-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 4 | 7% |
| 2024 | 12 | 16% |
| 2023 | 13 | 7% |
| 2022 | 5 | 11% |
| 2021 | 3 | 6% |
| 2020 | 5 | 3% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 9 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 6% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% |
| 2001 | 17 | 7% |
| 2000 | 24 | 8% |
| 1999 | 27 | 10% |
| 1998 | 27 | 9% |
| 1997 | 9 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 13% |
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 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