Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light has been illuminating and the transmission has had failures in shifting gears since the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. The ect connector has been replaced and the sensor has been reprogrammed multiple times. The problem persists despite the repairs. The thermostat was replaced. Updated 02/13/06.
2001 Kia Sportage engine complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 46, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Dt: the contact stated engine light illuminated intermittently and the RPM gauge was reading incorrectly, either very high or not reading at all when the same amount of pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal. Also, the exhaust was glowing red underneath the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership eight times, and they have been unable to diagnosis the problem.
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. If I had been driving any faster, like I had been only minutes earlier, the engine could have been yanked from underneath the SUV and separated from my vehicle, leaving me strapped into the frame of my car with no engine in it and free rolling in the frame. It is highly fortunate that I was not killed in this accident because it certainly could have been a possibility. Initially, the local dealer went ahead and repaired the axle, drive train, and engine mount repairs; however, my frame is bent badly on my vehicle and the local dealer says that they do not repair this type of problem. After reporting the accident, then going back and forth being put off multiple times by kia corporate, I now still have no vehicle five weeks after the accident. Kia customer service told that several individuals had my case and that they would call me. They never did until last night when the kia corporate national consumer affairs manager left me a message at home while I was at dinner. This is the first person to call me in five weeks, aside from the local dealership. I am extremely concerned about the safety of my vehicle going forward and my insurance company, usaa, is not willing to help me with this case because even though I reported the accident within minutes of it happening, they did not follow through and now they are saying that since kia touched the vehicle and made repairs before they could look at the exact nature of the damages they cannot help me with this problem. Call logs and all related paperwork is available if needed.
Dt: consumer states that the tire latch on the back of 2001 kia sportage I broke. This was latch that held the spare tire carrier, it also has to open in order for the consumer to open truck. The owners mechanic has oiled and fixed the tire carrier for a temporary fix. The owner has taken the vehicle to the dealership for repairs, and they said they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle and couldn't fix the latch until it was broken, and then they could repair it. The owner has not called kia. The latch has been broken for about 2 months. The owner suggested that the latch could have rotted out. The owner had taken the vehicle last year on june 12, 2004 to have the tail pipe fixed. The kia dealership body shop that was suppose to fix the tailpipe, did not repair the tailpipe. The car was rattling from the exhaust. The owner's mechanic removed the rotted exhaust system, the kia dealership was suppose to fix this and did not at this point the vehicle on had 13,623 miles on it at this point. The dealer is no longer with the address or phone number they closed down.
2001 kia sportage temperature gauge never registered that the engine was running hot. The consumer had to have the engine replaced.*mr the coolant sensor malfunctioned, the rear hatch panel inside fell off, new clips were installed. Replaced manual transmission clutch, timing belt was replaced, wind noise from front passenger side door area.
2001 kia sportage suffered two complete engine failures.*mr along with the engine failures, there were problems with the radio, battery and the terminals, front brakes, a sensor knock, exhaust system, air condition, valve cover gasket, front wheel bearings, front pads and rotors, cruise control, and a defective idler arm.
2001 kia sportage, stopped dead in the middle of a major highway. *bf the consumer was unable to get a full alignment because the idler was defective, on 2 occasions the vehicle would not start and it had to be jump started, which was due to defective battery terminals, the radio, font brakes exhaust system, air condition valve cover gasket, front wheel bearing, cruise control were all inoperative, the vehicle has had 2 engine replacements, and the drive belts were out of tension.
Continual problems with 2001 kia sportage convertible. Replacement of brakes 5 times, replacement of belts 6 times and 14 other problems. *bf 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. *jb
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. I have had to pay my local mechanic $100.00 to find the problems and said they definitely needed fixing or the vehicle would run into more expense as time lingers on. The head gasket is blown and leaking oil, loosing compression and eventually the motor will fail to operate. My wife has a quadriplegic daughter who needs around the clock attention and she needs the vehicle to transport her back and forth to the hospital twice monthly, and she attends church with her daughter several times per month as well. I am afraid that the vehicle is going to malfunction with her daughter inside and if she gets cold then she faces possible sock, pneumonia and is extremely suspectible to any kind of sickness. Kia motors has fought me as well as their safety hook, line and sinker trying to save them a buck. If there is someone out there who will listen to my complaint please contact kia and tell them to fix this vehicle or recommed someone who will take them to court to bring justice into this issue.
Vehicle's engine and A/C failed. *nm the consumer had to replace two engines within a 40000 mile usage. The vehicle stopped dead on a very busy us route 1 hwy. The sudden stop caused a traffic tie up and the vehicle was nearly rear ended by a air conditioning, the vehicle needed a complete engine replacement, valve cover gasket, front wheel bearings, drive belts out of tension, cruise control, v belts replaced, brakes and rotors, exhaust system. *tc
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection, and mechanic determined that fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle, and that the head gasket needed to be replaced.
Problems with vehicle starting up as well as stalling. *mr the vehicle was hard to start and the gas mileage was dropping way down and the vehicle was taken in for a tune up but the problem still existed. When the vehicle was driven on the expressway, the consumer hit a bump and the engine stalled. The consumer was informed that the transmission had to be serviced. The filler neck rusted and the fuel cap was leaking. The filler neck was replaced, but immediately after the problem recurred. The transmission fluid was worn and the transmission was flushed. *sc
Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer after the check engine light came on. Engine coil became defective, and broke into two parts. Dealer contacted the consumer to inform him that they replaced the coil with the same one that came out of the vehicle.
For a period of 30-45 minutes after starting the vehicle gasoline and exhaust fumes entered the passenger's cabin. A company named green circle tested the vehicle, which tested positive for carbon monoxide. Passengers complained of headaches while in the vehicle, and driver sometimes became dizzy. Dealer replaced the catalytic converter twice, intake manifold once, and fuel injectors once. These repairs did not remedy the problem. *ak
2001 kia sportage 4x4 with 76k miles. Within the last 3 weeks I have had to have the front brakes totally replaced, alternator and 2 belts replaced, muffler tailpipe rusted thru, and both front bearing hubs need to be replaced (wobbly).
While driving, the engine on my kia will simply stop. There is no warning whatsoever, and this happens at any time - short trips, long trips, highways, back roads, there is no common denominator whatsoever. I have taken it to the kia dealership numberous times - it was there monday through friday last week, and was again towed there sunday night where it is still there. Each time they give me my car back saying they can't find anything wrong with it, but the problem keeps occuring. I work on the road and I'm terrified to drive this car - afraid that someday I won't be able to get to the breakdown lane when it dies the next time. The kia service advisor tries to help, but the problem is not getting fixed and I'm told by the dealership that there is no one else I can talk to. At this point I don't want the car back until it's repaired, or replaced with a similar vehicle. I currently owe more than it's worth in the blue book, otherwise I'd trade it in.
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
While driving check engine light appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle started to decelerate. When consumer pulled into a driveway vehicle caught on fire. Fire department extinguished the fire. *ak the consumer's attorney believed it was a defect in the vehicle's structure. Kia denied any responsibility. (consumer on behalf of granddaughter)
Have had recurrent problems with engine performance idle and running. Engine racing with RPM's to 3500 at stop sign. Have had to turn vehicle off to resolve problem. I was afraid that if I did not turn engine off, idle would have continued to race and "blow up." engine also has very rough idle/alternating with intermittent misfires most of the time... "bogging" down to almost stall /then racing to RPM of 1500-2500. This problem occurs when attempting acceleration onto freeway or when driving around town at signals. Vehicle has been to dealer 4 times now in attempts to correct malfunctions. I am concerned that the operation of this vehicle is unsafe. The dealer has been helpful but unable to completely resolve the problem. The manufacturer insists that problem will be resolved, but I, the consumer believe that the vehicle is unsafe and unreliable. It is also time consuming to repeatedly return the car for service.
Electrical system failed and caused several components to malfunction. The hazard warning signal light engaged by itself, which caused a rear end collision and drained the battery. Also, engine light continuously illuminated. The cause of the failure was undetermined because the dealership was unable to duplicate the problem.
I have had problems with the car since I brought it. The windshield washer doesn't work, the mirrors don't work, 2 blowouts, the chambers that hold the spark plugs needed to be replaced, it needs a complete brake job, I have trouble when I put the car in drive. How can I complain to the dealer I think I brought the lemon of the bunch?
Transmission light appeared on the dashboard, also engine check light.
I bought my 2001 kia sportage new in march of 2001. Within two months it was at the dealer for repairs. Over the next 2 years it has been back 10 times! The problem is always related to the fuel system, specifically the catalytic converters.they have been replaced 6 times! The last time was in june 18th. On july 13th the converters plugged again. This time they were red-hot. I'm lucky they did not explode and/or catch fire. Currently the vehicle is unsafe and undrivable. Attempts for resolution with both my state lemon law and the bbb auto line have failed. If others are having the same kind of problem, someone is going to get hurt.
Several: loose bolts at heat shield, loose muffler bolts, problem with fan pulley, master brake cylinder defective, t-stat, engine light, dealership could not identify most recent problem, said they put a new computer in. Reflected last date below........
The vehicle stalled while driving.
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.
Over the span of the last 1 1/2 years I have had the following problems *rear seat belts locked up wouldn't loosen far enough to get my child out of the car. *front seat belts (both) would come open while the vehicle was in motion. *drivers side door wouldn't latch when trying to close it, had to jiggle the inside handle *spare tire arm wouldn't stay in the locked position when open. Still won't *four wheel drive wouldn't engage *lifter noise--collapsed lifter *head warped *check engine light had come on a few times *cup holders (front and rear) fell apart *outside trim was fallling off.
Consumer stated that while riding and without warning the radiator would over heat causing a distraction to the consumer dealer notified. Ts
Consumer stated when driving 55mph vehicle will intermittenly lose all power and emit a "burning wire" smell. Dealer is unable to diagnose cause. Ts
Consumer stated the radio failed the radio failed.
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