2001 Kia Sportage Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often write about fuel leaks and strong gasoline odors traced to the fuel tank, its seams and the fuel pump area. A second frequent theme is rust-through of the rear frame and chassis, which several owners say also damaged brake lines, and a third is engine and cooling trouble such as overheating and stalling. Complaints span a wide mileage range, with fuel-tank leaks reported from very low mileage into the 100,000s, while many frame-rot reports come in above 90,000 miles.

1. 1
   Fuel system

   Fuel tank leaks and gasoline smell

   • 57 complaints (25%)
   • median 71,580 mi at 7.9 yrs old (46 state mileage)
   • filed 2002–2018

   Owners describe a gasoline smell inside or around the vehicle, sometimes strongest when the heater is on, and puddles or drips of fuel under the tank. Several say the tank itself rusted through, often around a seam, the sending unit seal or the top of the tank, and that fuel runs down the side of the tank and collects behind the shield. Complaints also mention fuel shooting back out of the filler neck during refueling, which some mechanics linked to a stuck valve or collapsing pump mount; dealers and mechanics typically recommended replacing the tank, sending unit or pump, with owners usually paying. Reported from under 15,000 miles up to about 160,000, with many at 60,000-100,000 miles; a few owners note cold weather or ice buildup around the tank.

   1 related service bulletin

   What to check: Inspect the fuel tank, its seams and the area around the pump and shield for rust, dampness or fuel stains, and check for a gas smell after the car sits. Ask whether the tank or pump has been replaced and ask about fuel smell when the heater is on.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “When I turned the exhaust on in the car there was a very strong gasoline smell to the point I had to turn it off and open the windows. There has been several complaints filed on the internet concerning this same problem. I feel since this could be a fire problem with the car it needs to be addressed with the manufacturers of the auto and a recall given . Also there has been several complaints written concerning leaks early on with the gas tank its self.”

   NHTSA complaint #10207926, filed 2007-11, 92,954 miles

   “I had a leak in my 2001 Kia Sportage fuel tank last year. I discovered that while I was visiting canada and fixed it there. This week, I take the vehicle to the mechanic for inspection. He finds that there is another leakage around the fuel pump. The mechanic recommends that I replace both the fuel pump and the fuel tank. I file the complaint because the leakage problem is a safety hazard and the mechanic indicates that it is a common problem with the Kia Sportage. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10233659, filed 2008-07, 49,870 miles
2. 2
   Body and structure

   Rear frame and chassis rust

   Mentioned in 12 of 60 sampled complaints

   Owners report that the rear frame, cross member and chassis rails rusted through, in some cases badly enough that a mechanic tapped the frame with a hammer and made holes. Several complaints describe the rear swaying or clunking, and some say the rotted frame or cross member broke loose and damaged the brake line, leaving the brake pedal going to the floor. Dealers and independent shops told owners the frame was too far gone to repair, and owners say the manufacturer offered no assistance. Often reported from about 90,000 miles upward, though some owners were told of severe rust in the 36,000-70,000 mile range.

   What to check: Have the underside inspected on a lift, paying close attention to the rear frame rails, cross member and the points where the stabilizer and brake lines attach. Look for flaking metal, holes or fresh undercoating that may be hiding rust.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “As my wife was driving home from work she noticed the rear of the SUV was swaying upon further inspection of myself and an auto mechanic we found a crack in the rt rear frame the mechanic told us to park it and contact Kia. Told by Kia as this car was now over 100,000 miles that it was no longer covered and there was nothing that could be done or it . …”

   NHTSA complaint #10470284, filed 2012-08, 100,004 miles

   “I just tried to get my Kia Sportage inspected and was told by two different places the frame is rusted right out and I shouldn't even be driving it. I just looked online about the problem and there are alot of complaints and feel there should be a recall to fix the problem. The car is fine otherwise. If there is no recall I am going to be without a vehicle now because I cant afford another one.”

   NHTSA complaint #10573564, filed 2014-03, 131,000 miles
3. 3
   Brakes

   Brake and suspension wear and failure

   Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints

   Owners describe brakes that needed rotors and pads repeatedly at short intervals, and in a few cases a pedal that went to the floor after the master cylinder failed. Several complaints describe the stabilizer bar or its mounting coming loose from a rusted frame, with one owner unable to turn the wheel to the left afterward. One report notes a front bumper detaching while driving at speed. Brake wear reports cluster under 30,000 miles, while stabilizer and frame-related brake reports come in above 90,000 miles.

   1 related service bulletin

   What to check: Check pedal feel and brake fluid level, look at pad and rotor life, and have the stabilizer bar mounts and their attachment points inspected for rust or looseness. Ask about the service history for brake components.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Brake rotors and pads replaced every 12,000 miles. The last time vehicle was repaired, the rotors, pads and calipers were replaced. Consumer stated brakes were replaced three times. Dealer claimed it was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Please provide further information.”

   NHTSA complaint #10050089, filed 2003-12, 19,000 miles

   “While driving at 50 MPH front bumper fell off. There was no accident nor did the vehicle hit anything in the road. After bumper fell off vehicle moved at such a rate of speed that the it ran over the bumper . Manufacturer and the dealer have been notified.”

   NHTSA complaint #10038242, filed 2003-09, 28,500 miles
4. 4
   Engine cooling

   Engine stalling and cutting out while driving

   • 21 complaints (9%)
   • median 57,500 mi at 4.3 yrs old (16 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2002–2014

   Owners describe the engine shutting off without warning at various speeds, sometimes while slowing for a brake pedal or going uphill, and occasionally failing to restart. Complaints mention repeated visits where the dealer could not reproduce the problem, and parts replaced included the fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, ignition coils and engine harness connector without resolving it. Other reports describe rough running, a lit check engine light and a glowing exhaust or overheated converter. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 90,000 miles, at all speeds and in ordinary driving.

   1 related service bulletin

   What to check: Ask for any diagnosis history on stalling, check whether the crankshaft sensor, fuel pump or ignition components have been replaced, and scan for stored codes. A test drive that includes slowing to a stop and a hill start can help reveal the symptom.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The car keeps stalling just quits when I slow down. I had two mechanics check it out. Filled the tank with new gas, and nothing showed up on the electrical check. It is a mystery why this keeps happening. I am worried that this might happen on a major highway. And I don't want to sell the car and give someone else this problem.”

   NHTSA complaint #10614450, filed 2014-07, 30,000 miles

   “The truck would not start at times and kept blowing fuses.. Dealer found problem to be in the engine harness connector. Also in 10/03, one night while I was driving home from work late, my truck stulled on me, and the shifter was very loose, took to dealer and they replaced the drive shaft and rear main seal (x3). They have also replaced the cat.convertor x3, timing belt due to abnormal streching,and 2 ignition coils.”

   NHTSA complaint #10081035, filed 2004-07, 39,593 miles
5. 5
   Engine cooling

   Overheating and cooling system faults

   • 9 complaints (4%)
   • median 62,759 mi at 5.9 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2003–2013

   Owners report the engine running hot, sometimes with the temperature gauge never showing it, and coolant loss that dealers dismissed as minor. Some complaints describe a cooling fan blade breaking at speed and puncturing the radiator and a hose, and one owner had the engine replaced after the gauge failed to warn of overheating. Others mention the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor being replaced without solving the problem. Commonly reported under 60,000 miles, with several complaints in the 30,000-50,000 mile range.

   1 related service bulletin

   What to check: Check coolant level and condition, look for staining or weeping at hoses and the radiator, and ask whether the thermostat, coolant sensor or water pump have been replaced. Watch the temperature gauge during a test drive, including in traffic.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Dealership contends that there is nothing wrong with my vehicle although it over heated with only 34,000 miles on it. I spoke to two independent mechanics, including another dealership mechanic and was told that vehicles do not overheat with just a little coolant loss. Kia claims I was a little low, filled it up & sent me on my way.”

   NHTSA complaint #10016313, filed 2003-04, 34,015 miles

   “The polypropylene cooling fan blade broke off while I was traveling at 60 MPH on the freeway, puncturing the radiator, breaking the cowling, and puncturing a hose. The results being the Sportage was towed to the repair shop and the repairs are costing $500 - $600. The Sportage is still in the shop being fixed as I am writing this. The repair shop will save the old parts for me. I contacted Kia customer service and they researched my VIN number, which is outside the window for the present recall (07v161000). …”

   NHTSA complaint #10194792, filed 2007-06, 100,000 miles

Buying note. Given the age of this model year, the fuel tank and rear frame are the areas worth inspecting most carefully before purchase, preferably on a lift by an independent mechanic. Ask for records of fuel tank, pump and cooling system work, and treat brake, suspension and electrical items as normal wear-and-tear checks on a vehicle this old.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.