Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
In May 5, 2003 I took to inspect the car for a noise at the back. Its like being on a plane for departure. I was told by the dealer that the back differentials was damaged. It only had 25,317 mileage in 2003. I could not believe that. This year 2005 a inspect the car at wester auto I was told the differential is damage. At the store I was told they have seen others Kia Sportage with the same problems. I also when to ped boys. Also, they said verb there were problems Kia differential. At wester auto I change the back bearing thinking that will fix the noise. Kia dealer estimate the repair for $865 on 2003.
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.
While driving 10-20 MPH applied on brakes and without warning brakes did not function. Consumer then tried to shift vehicle manually; however, transmission malfunctioned, resulting in a head-on collision. Driver sustained major leg injuries. Consumer adds that the accelerator was stuck. The air bags failed to deploy.
Driving between 40-45 MPH driveshaft fell out, damaging entire underside of vehicle gouging fuel tank in several places. Rear end fell locking up brakes and throwing vehicle into uncontrollable bouncing for over quarter mile. Driveshaft flew infront of other vehicles windshield. Wife(9 mo. Preg.) & son in car with me.
Right after putting vehicle in park there was a fire in the engine compartment. Vehicle will be towed to the dealership. The vehicle has caught on fire 4 other times in the engine compartment while driving. All 4 times the transmission fluid was drained at the dealership. Please provide any further information.
While driving at 10-15 MPH applied brakes and without warning, brakes did not function, driver had to run a red light, resulting in a head on collision, driver sustained major leg injuries. Consumer states that the airbag failed. Consumer also states that the accelerator and transmission stuck.
While driving at 10-15 MPH, front of the vehicle was hit and none of the air bags deployed. Contacted dealer. Consumer adds the brakes failed. The transmission failed. Experiencing problems with the accelerator.
While driving 10-15 MPH and without warning, was involved in a head-on collision in which the air bags did not deploy, driver sustained major injuries. The transmission jammed and the accelerator stuck.
I took my car in to be serviced on 05/15/01 to westcott Kia, I was hearing a loud grinding noise and my vehicle was resisting to go foward, also lack of power to my vehicle overall, I felt like it was a transmission concern at that time my vehicle had 50888 miles on it, they told me it was my EGR valve , it was malfunctioning, they replaced it. On 03/06/02 I took my car to rancho Kia to be serviced, they told me that I needed my EGR valve kit replaced at which time I didnt realize I had had it done less than a year earlier, they charged me 133.40, I contacted Kia consummer affairs when I realized the repair had already been done less than a year ago, they stated my car had been driven more than 12000 miles (12656 to be exact) and there was nothing they could do for me, I have had so many problems 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
Transmission complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Kia Sportage, 14% of the model year's 181 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Kia Sportage transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.