2001 Kia Sportage Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 11%of 228 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,502miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the body and structure of the 2001 Kia Sportage, 11% of the 228 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,502 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“My 2001 Kia Sportage began to swerve and was all over the road. I brought it to a repair shop that told me the frame was rotted were the stabilizer connected to the chassis. Honda has the same problem and recalled the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10378551, filed 2011-01, 105,280 miles“Purchased a 2001 Kia Sportage with 55200 miles. Went to Kia dealer because of fuel leak. Technician told me that the frame was so rotted on the vehicle and that if I hit a pot hole that the rear end could let go. The technician told me that from 1995 to 2001 Kia used low grade material on the frames of their vehicles and possibly did not coat them. He told me when he put my car on the lift that there was pieces of the frame dropping on the ground. He said he slightly tapped a hammer against the frame and it made holes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10308831, filed 2010-02, 73,764 miles“I was hearing a clunk every time I started going forward and backwards and got underneath the car to notice the frame crossmember was totally separated from the frame. It is the frame crossbar that holds the rear axle support to the frame. The affected frame cross member goes underneath the gas tank and would require 2 days labor to fix at my local repair shop. To remove the gas tank is one project and to have a new welded support bar is another project and will cost alot to fix. I called Kia for possible recalls and they said oh its out of warranty goodluck with that!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10526274, filed 2013-07, 193,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 5 | 9% |
| 2024 | 8 | 11% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 10 | 6% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 24 | 6% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 5% |
| 2008 | 13 | 13% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 8 | 12% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 24 | 11% |
| 2000 | 31 | 10% |
| 1999 | 29 | 10% |
| 1998 | 26 | 9% |
| 1997 | 10 | 6% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 5 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia Sportage
62 complaintsEngine cooling
45 complaintsBrakes
27 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 30, 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