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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2001 Kia Sportage Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
17about this part
Share
7%of 228 total for the year
Median mileage
35,488miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Kia Sportage, 7% of the 228 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,488 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“We had the transmission replaced in april of 2003 and the clutch replaced in april 2003. The clutch was not covered under warranty. We paid total cost $366.76. The transmission has now gone out again. The transmission is only 2 months old. This will be the 6th problem we have had with this car since october of 2002: (1) clutch switch oct 2002 (2) exhaust manifold cracked apr 2003 (3) passenger side front window would not go up apr 2003 (4) transmission failure april 2003 (5) clutch failure april 2003 (6) transmission failure june 2003”

NHTSA complaint #10070012, filed 2004-01, 35,488 miles

“The steering wheel is peeling, I have had it replaced but the new one is doing the same thing. The window strips are all twisted up and make a roaring sound when I drive. I have had them replaced but they still roar. The dash rattles, but they didn't fix it. The rear windows do not roll down. The radio has static most of the time. It doesn't seem to want to go when I accelerate. It kind of sputters and then goes. The bands squeal bad. They have been replaced but they still squeal.”

NHTSA complaint #762598, filed 2002-06

“The contact owns a 2001 Kia Sportage. On november 21, 2006, while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to smoke. The contact noticed the smoke entering through the air vents on the passenger side of the vehicle. She pulled to the side of the road and called her local Kia dealer to inquire if she could bring her vehicle in for service. The dealer advised her to bring it in the following day. The dealer replaced the blower motor, but the failure continued for the next three years. The contact also had the brake pads replaced, but the dealer has been unable to remedy the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10226377, filed 2008-05, 75,479 miles

“Continual problems with 2001 Kia Sportage convertible. Replacement of brakes 5 times, replacement of belts 6 times and 14 other problems. The cup holder, convertible top, and belts were replaced. The alarm wires were re-adjusted, the AC compressor, ignition coil pack, cd player right rear axle, right front strut, catalytic converter, center console, rear window fuse, spark plug and engine harness were all replaced numerous times.”

NHTSA complaint #10109781, filed 2005-03

“Left rear window stopped functioning within 2 months of purchasing car (november2001). Dealer replaced regulator/motor. Right window functions most of the time, but when I get ready to take to dealer it functions correctly. Both rear windows stopped functioning summer of 2003. Took to dealer & both regulators/motors were replaced. Gear shift is slipping between gear by itself. Took to dealer and was adjusted june 2003.”

NHTSA complaint #10021401, filed 2003-06

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202614%
202547%
20241216%
2023137%
2022511%
202136%
202053%
201853%
201792%
201643%
201521%
201476%
201331%
201241%
201153%
200911%
200822%
200711%
200687%
200534%
2002156%
2001177%
2000248%
19992710%
1998279%
199795%
199624%
1995713%

Other parts of the 2001 Kia Sportage

Fuel system
62 complaints
Engine cooling
45 complaints
Brakes
27 complaints
Body and structure
24 complaints
Electrical system
23 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
22 complaints
Air bags
20 complaints
Suspension
20 complaints
Vehicle speed control
11 complaints
Equipment
10 complaints
Seat belts
9 complaints
Other 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 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