Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
(1) noticed that the fuel tank shield is severely rotted out and is barely connected. (2) smell fuel vapors periodically while in the vehicle. (3) fuel tank appears to be rusting, afraid to mess with tank in fear of disturbing the rust and rupturing a hole in tank. (4) brake lines were so severely rusted in one area that it blew a hole in the line and prevented the vehicle from stopping and required the prompt action for repair. Other brake lines look like they May fail in near future. (5) steel portion of power steering line rusted out and blew fluid everywhere preventing the ability to turn the wheel while driving. (6) the frame has heavy rust scale and appears to be rotting in several place. (7) paint is starting to bubble which is indicating body is rusting under paint job. This is a 12 year old vehicle with very bad rotting of metal from salt corrosion. …
I took my 2000 Kia Sportage in to my mechanic to have the brakes redone. As he was out testing to make sure the brakes worked he noticed that the rear end was moving around quite a bit. He takes it back to the shop to look up underneath and noticed that the chassis was rusted away so bad that there was s fist sized hole in it. He told me this needed to be fixed asap! This is a serious concern not only for me but for everyone else who owns the vehicle. Its a scary thought to know that at any given time my chassis can literally fall apart on me. We need this to be recalled due to the amount of complaints that it already as and the extremely poor design of this chassis.
Car purchased new, nov 2000. Now has 29K miles. Has had brakes, pads & rotors replaced twice because of excessive wear and pulsating when stopping. Done by dealer, who said common problem with the brakes on "these small cars". Now needs replaced again; doing same thing as before. Also loses brake fluid, 1/2 pint every few weeks. Now just had left front bearing siezed up; pulled car to left into oncoming lane of traffic (no impact with other vehicles). Dealer replaced both front axles, spindles, bearings, etc., but denies this is common problem. However, checking other complaints on record, find both brakes and the bearings problem are evidently very common.
While driving, the driveshaft made a loud noise and broke. When this occurred, the consumer pulled over and called a towing company. The dealership replaced the driveshaft, but it failed again. The drive shaft was replaced three times within three years. The vehicle would make rattling sounds that would get louder and the vehicle became too loud to drive. The service dealer found the center bolt stripped, the sop propeller was replaced for noise, the brake light was on due to 25% left on the pads and the transmission seal was replaced due to leaking.
Tires became bald three months after I bought the car, brake pads and rotor needed replacing. The gas lever has been and is broke again. Hubs were replaced the first time, seals were replaced second time. The heat shield needs to be replaced right now. Passenger side window moves very slow. Timing belt replaced early. Brake light comes on whenever I applied the brakes. I went to an auto dealer and had them check out the brakes. They told me that the master brake cylinder was leaking badly.
I have had the brake rotors repalced or resurfaced 4 times now. Vehicle has recurring problem of brake pulsation due to warped rotors. Originally I was told the rotors were defective and Kia was replacing all rotors. Now after several attempts to repair I am told this is not a defect but "normal wear". I believe the front braking system is sub-standard and is prone to overheating which causes warping.
My car has only thirty thousand miles and the master brake cylinder is broken. I spoke to many automachenics and they all said that should not have have happen to the car at with only 30K. Kia will fix it but only if I pay for it. This is a safety issue I keep my car in good condition and I shouldn't have to worry about my safety with a car that only has 30000.
Brakes not working properly.,when you step on brake you can feel the brake or tire spending and your car is still rolling when your are stepping on the brake. Engine, turning the car engine on and off. When you start the engine the engines clicks but does not start. Its not the transmission. I have replaced the battery several times but still the same problem.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Kia Sportage. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake icon illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the master cylinder failed. Approximately 7 years later, the failure has recurred. The failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 05/21/08 updated 05/20/08
Dt: contact stated the rotors warped every 5,000-6,000 miles, . The rotors have been turned and have been replaced. The master cylinder has also been replaced. The service mechanic said that when the brakes were hot and water was applied to the brakes the rotors warped. The service manager suggested buying another brand of rotors.
Brake complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Kia Sportage, 18% of the model year's 304 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Kia Sportage brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Kia Sportage, though it has 2 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 2000 Kia Sportage brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 53% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.