1999 Kia Sportage acceleration problems

Filed Nov 30, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · 69,000 miles · NY

I purchased my kia used, from a dealer, less than a year ago, and it passed the electronic systems check for vehicle inspection. I immediately had to have dealer replace the gasoline tank after smelling gasoline. This car is used solely for light usage to transport myself and my children to and from dr's and grocery stores. After owning the car for less than two months, check engine light came on, reporting issue with catalyst. Found a recall on this issue and am trying to get original dealer to fix. Now experiencing loss of power to engage inclines or hills, causing a hazard to other drivers. Also back brakes simply "blew"! Without any forewarning, with my children in the car, I lost all braking abilities. Thank goodness I was not going fast and have a standard to quickly downshift. My mother was killed due to loss of brakes, and it was an absolute panicking situation for me emotionally. Being a single mother I rely on mechanics to do all my work, and I had just had all my fuel levels topped off and my pads checked, without any issue found. I have also had an intermittent issue with the front seat belts remaining engaged. The dealer warranty expired and I am stuck with recalls nobody seems to want to fix!

Filed Mar 15, 2005 · Acceleration, Airbags · OK · crash · 1 injury

Upon being at a stop engine revved, and vehicle accelerated, landing in an intersection; which caused a collision. Consumer's vehicle hit a semi truck. Upon impact, the air bags did not deploy. Due to a previous incident vehicle was in cruise control mode. However, vehicle accelerated, and took off on its own. Consumer had to slam on brakes to stop the vehicle.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Acceleration · FL

Gas pedal goes all the way down, vehicle doesn't go anywhere. Dealer has inspected vehicle for the last past two years ;replaced a number of parts, and still problem occurs

Filed Apr 27, 2001 · Acceleration · LA

Whenever the gas pedal was depressed to move forward, it would sometimes cut off/stall out. This would happen after driving for a while. Problem was intermittent.

Filed Aug 29, 2000 · Acceleration · IL

1 month after purchasing this vehicle, it began to accelerate on its own, and then it stalled. Mechanic claimed cheap gas was the cause. Vehicle continues to accelerate on its own. On 08-22 vehicle accelerated through toll plaza and I had a hard time stopping vehicle, once vehicle stopped it stalled and an indicator light came on. Towed to dealer for repair. 2 days later vehicle accelerated on its own, and the same indicator light came on. Dealer contacted and claims problem with pressure from gas cap. The explanation provided seems ridiculous based on the number of other consumers with this same problem. Problem with accelleration continues and I have not been given any reasonable information as to why. I truly don't believe that we are all usingf the same gas. I don't think that the recall work for recall 99v325000 was performed even though I took the vehicle in for the work and that this is why the accelleration problem still exists. I noticed in the listing of complaints at least 7 consumers that have experienced my problem. This vehicle is not safe and I hope that you will investigate this.

Filed Aug 24, 2000 · Acceleration · OH

Was driving approximately 60mph when rpms revved up to 6000 & vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. When brakes were applied vehicle would stop. Problem was intermittent. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic could not duplicate problem.

Filed Jun 15, 2000 · Acceleration, Body · AK

Throttle: car intermittently jerks in first and second gears. Service person at dealership has been present and experienced this and said throttle has problems, but problem continues to be unresolved. Technician says he can't duplicate it. This jerking occurs several times a week and after the car has warmed up. This is dangerous on the roads in the winter and can cause loss of control of the vehicle. Tailgate assembly has been repaired at least two times - it fails to shut properly - which allows exhaust fumes to enter vehicle. The tailgate has to be shut three or more times before finally closing. Problem has not been fixed. Same problem - not shutting properly - with passenger side rear doors. During the winter, inside of windows stayed "fogged up" preventing a clear view of traffic. Defrost failed to clear moisture inside vehicle. Dealership said this was normal.

Filed Mar 21, 2000 · Acceleration, Engine · NY

Was going across railroad tracks when vehicle stalled out. There was no prior warning. Stalling problem has happened several times before. Took vehicle to dealer and was informed nothing was wrong with vehicle. Also, would make a thumping noise when accelerator was depressed.

Filed Mar 6, 2000 · Acceleration, Transmission · WI

While driving vehicle will stall., and gear will go into overdrive, and then vehicle will begin to accelerate.

Filed Aug 31, 1999 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

While pulling out of the garage vehicle stalled, and the garage door fell down onto the roof of the vehicle. Also, alternator and the battery went completely out. Engine check light was on for a week. In addition, when shifting gears, transmission wasn't shifting properly. Passenger's side window was jammed and stuck half way up. Finally, when applying the gas pedal there was a pounding noise, and no power within the vehicle.