Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* - the contact owns a 1997 Kia Sportage. The vehicle was overheating. The contact said that the used car dealer replaced the radiator and the main hose. The vehicle continued to overheat, and when diagnosed ,the contact was told the overheating was due to the clutch overheating and the fan sticking. The contact didn't think that transmission oil was circulating throughout the vehicle properly. There were no warning indicator lights. The vehicle currently will not start. The dealer was no longer in business.
Kia refuses to include my 1997 Sportage ex 4wd in recall for 1997 Kia sportages ex 4wd. Recall 1cmp005 to replace the engine control module (ECM) has never been performed. Also not sure that recall 2cmp014 on wiring has been performed. My main concern and the refusal from Kia is on the ECM.
This car is absolutely unsafe to drive; at any moment it May stall due to the faulty electrical system. I have had this car in for service numerous times and I have never gotten the problem resolved. I have simply had enough and would like some help.
I have this car worked on over the 2 years I own it, Kia offered no help is solving the problem. I called Kia, ask the dealer to help, again no help. The facture warranty ended and I was going to have to pay for any more problems. The car was failing every time they replaced parts in the emisions system. I feeli was forced into trading it in because Kia would not call me back or the dealer back. This car should not be sold to any other person but the dealer and Kia are going to put it back on the road noing of the problem. Please make sure thid vehicle does not get put back on the road. The check engine light comes on some times after driving 20 miles. Please feel free to contact me on this problem. Kia was no help in solving this problem they told me it was my problem and they would do nothing to fix it.
Car continually stalls, check engine light continually comes off and on, when continually stalls at idle speed and highway speeds, engine experiences trouble continuously when it surges and jerks. It has been a real hazard to my health and almost put me in accidents many times while stalling in the middle of the street and intersections. Almost killed myself and my family several different times with this piece of garbage vehicle.it has had so many things wrong with it since the day I bought it that it is almost impossible to list all of them. Dealer claims there is no problem! Even when it gets towed in due to the fact that it won't run! Something needs to be done immediately before people are innocently killed due to the malfunctioning Kia Sportage vehicles.
Engine check light is on, the car is stalling, the air bag lights are on. I am afraid that they will deploy at any given time. Almost killed myself and my daughter on the queenboro bridge, I was going 40 and all of a sudden the car accelerated on it's own, I applied the brakes, but they had turned hard, I had no brakes, put emergency brakes, but nothing, when it was nearing an accident because I had to stop I threw the car in neutral which slowed it down enough for me to safely put it in park in the middle of a bridge. The cars engine roared when I put in park I couldn't move or fear of killing myself. The locks on the car keep opening and closing by themself. It needs 2 quarts of engine oil every month. I am totally dissatisfied with this car.
After purchasing this vehicle new we are very upset at the lack of concern and assisstance from the numerous government agencies I have contacted, completed forms and mailed them, I have yet to be contacted. Both my 4 year old son & I almost lost our lives when my engine stalled on an interstate speed limit 70 cars turning everyway to avoid us, I really felt there was no hope when I saw an 18 wheeler approaching, I turned to move my son from the rear seat to the front so I could at least hold him, the driver saw me and when he managed to stop his rig was jackknifed and 1 side hit the block barrier. I have documents to prove the engine problems in 97 Kia's can't be repaired.will lives be lost before Kia is held responsible? Please help
This vehicle has been a problem from the day that I purchased it, engine failed and it was in shop for two months, transmission failed, the rear end failed, the fuel economy switch failed, then the transmission failed again, and the transmission has failed three times since July, 2000. I have had two near accidents on the interstate due to these mechanical failures. I have tried for over two years to contact a Kia represenative but they will not respond to my complaints . The dealer is no help, they only give you the delay game. I have a vehicle that is no good, it is unsafe to drive and a danger to put on the road. It continually has problems and I am having to make payments on it.please help
When this vehicle was driven off the lot it was in need of repairs, from the first complaint at the dealership I was told "oh that's normal for Kia" I have traveled by tow truck more than in my new vehicle. I have been treated as badly from the dealership as by Kia. Someone needs to stand up and force Kia to face up to their responsibilities. Kia has never had to face a jury or judge in a court of law because they settle for less than most consumers have paid, I know for I will be forced to settle without help . I requested only to get what I paid minus mileage yet if I'm forced to settle my loss will be over $4,000. Lives will be lost unless we act soon
Consumer received a recall notice 99V325000, and had service department taken care off on jun 13, 2000. Since then, problem has come back on and off for the past 6 months. Engine check light came on. And as soon as vehicle started to slow down it stalled. Dealer stated vehicle needed new wiring harness. Problem has been a ongoing since vehicle was purchased in sept. Of 1997. Servicle manager told consumer they corrected wiring harness problem. But, consumer felt work could have been incorrectly done.
Engine complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Kia Sportage, 31% of the model year's 181 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (39 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Kia Sportage engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Kia Sportage, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Kia Sportage engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.