2000 Kia Sportage Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 15%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2000 Kia Sportage, 15% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,250 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2000 Kia Sportage has been leaking gas. We haven't had it repaired, as we cant afford it. Someone suggested looking for recalls, that's when I found this site. The heat shield (?) has always rattled badly. In addition to the rattling and bad gas leak, the motor blower fan is not working, my 4wheel drive isn't working. Underneath it is a rust bucket! The back doors wont lock/unlock. Something really needs to be done!!! Please, someone stand up for the little guy and make Kia fix these problems!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10256646, filed 2009-01, 80,000 miles“My 2002 Kia started leaking transmission fluid, I went to kias repair shop four different times in three different states and the problem still exists. After the fourth time of being in the shop the one dealership told me that I have a bent or dented drive shaft, even though I have only had the vehicle for six months. And I have never hit anything, taken the vehicle off road or ran over anything to dent or bend this drive shaft. …”
NHTSA complaint #10014181, filed 2003-04, 40,852 miles“Tires became bald three months after I bought the car, brake pads and rotor needed replacing. The gas lever has been and is broke again. Hubs were replaced the first time, seals were replaced second time. The heat shield needs to be replaced right now. Passenger side window moves very slow. Timing belt replaced early. Brake light comes on whenever I applied the brakes. I went to an auto dealer and had them check out the brakes. They told me that the master brake cylinder was leaking badly.”
NHTSA complaint #10145064, filed 2005-12, 5,400 miles“Heat shield broke away, muffler affected and needs replacement due to heat shield. I contacted the Kia dealership in reno, nv and the attendant stated my car is no longer under warranty. I informed him of my car, daughter's and friends vehicles all having heat shield/muffler issue. I asked who I should inform of the possible assembly line issue? He stated the dealership . My daughter has a 2002 Kia Sportage and a friend has a 2002 Kia Sportage (all 4x4). Within 5 months all three vehicles have had the identicle failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10126922, filed 2005-06, 72,000 miles“I own a 2000 Kia Sportage ex that has repeatedly stalled when coming to a stop or when slowing to make a turn. This has resulted in my being stopped in the middle of busy intersections/part of the way across a road, desperately trying to restart my car before being hit. It has also lost power while on the interstate, dropping from 65mph with no warning. If I do not get off the highway immediately I risk losing total power. I have taken the car to the Kia dealership in durham,nc multiple times. They can not identify the problem on their computers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116421, filed 2005-04, 94,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 13% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 14 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 4 | 6% |
| 2002 | 69 | 29% |
| 2001 | 45 | 20% |
| 2000 | 45 | 15% |
| 1999 | 79 | 28% |
| 1998 | 79 | 26% |
| 1997 | 56 | 31% |
| 1996 | 10 | 18% |
| 1995 | 14 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2000 Kia Sportage
90 complaintsBrakes
54 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
41 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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