2001 Kia Sportage Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 20%of 228 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,056miles
- 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 2001 Kia Sportage, 20% of the 228 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,056 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In january, 2007, my 2001 Kia Sportage was making a loud, straining engine sound. Took the car to be repaired and was told I need a cooling fan blade assembly. My car was out of warranty so I didn't take it to the dealer. I had less than 60,000 miles on the car. I have since found out there is a recall this part. I plan to seek reimbursement from Kia.”
NHTSA complaint #10207580, filed 2007-10, 59,500 miles“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“Polypropylene cooling fan blade broke off while I was traveling on my way to work, the fan proceeded to puncture my radiator and could have caused me to wreck since it over heated and shut off and I had no control.”
NHTSA complaint #10290993, filed 2009-11, 164,695 miles“I was in my 2001 Kia Sportage and was involved in a single automobile accident on 7/20/05. I was driving approximately 5 MPH when the bolt that holds the rocker arm of my engine sheared off and the engine dropped down on the left hand side (driver's side of my vehicle) and fell onto the drive train and axle, crushing everything it hit. I was injured in this accident, as well, and Kia is being extremely difficult about fixing my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10134293, filed 2005-08, 49,190 miles“I purchased a Kia Sportage from a dealership who said the vehicle still had its full power train warranty bumper to bumper for 7 years. The Kia has low mileage and still does due to the fact it has been setting at the Kia garage and they will not do anything to the vehicle. The vehicle had multiple issues with problems from the exhaust, front suspension, moto, and the 4wd transfer system. I cannot get the Kia dealership to fix the vehicle saying they cannot replicate the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107774, filed 2005-01, 27,500 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 2001 Kia Sportage
62 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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