Most common 2001 Kia Sportage problems
Share of the 228 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Sportage complaints by model year
Best Sportage years: 2019, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2025, 2017, 2024, 2012. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2001 Kia Sportage:
Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 Kia sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02v-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type a97.
Fuel tank leakage
A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from June 1999 to October 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component…
What 2001 Kia Sportage owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 62 →
I bought the car 2 weeks after I left dealer started noticing a smell of gas though was. Because just put gas in .then when turned on heat smell would get worse ! A few days ago went to fill gas and a lot gas over.filled onto ground not able to figure out why the smell gas so strong inside car its. Actually upset my stomach when driving the. At and afraid going start fire ! Also leakage on ground when parked . I have read other complaints with same problem !! It's a 2001 Kia. Only has 78,000 miles on it think should be cover. From company since not only one with this problem .
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Kia Sportage. While driving at various speeds, fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Engine & cooling all 46 →
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. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Kia Sportage. On November 21, 2006, while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to smoke. The contact noticed the smoke entering through the air vents on the passenger side of the vehicle. She pulled to the side of the road and called her local Kia dealer to inquire if she could bring her vehicle in for service. The dealer advised her to bring it in the following day. The dealer replaced the blower motor, but the failure continued for the next three years. The contact also had the brake pads replaced, but the dealer has been unable to remedy the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 05/13/08 the check engine light illuminated. Updated
Brakes all 27 →
Tl contact owns a 2001 Kia Sportage. On November 21, 2006, while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to smoke. The contact noticed the smoke entering through the air vents on the passenger side of the vehicle. She pulled to the side of the road and called her local Kia dealer to inquire if she could bring her vehicle in for service. The dealer advised her to bring it in the following day. The dealer replaced the blower motor, but the failure continued for the next three years. The contact also had the brake pads replaced, but the dealer has been unable to remedy the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 05/13/08 the check engine light illuminated. Updated
The consumer rear ended another vehicle in March 2002, the consumer applied the brakes, but the vehicle failed to stop. In September 2002 the brake light illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was discovered the master cylinder had a major leak. A month later the consumer was involved in another accident, this time the consumer the dealer called it intermediate pedal drop where at times the master cylinder failed to transfer the fluid between the cylinders to provide braking to the system, the dealer denied anything was wrong.
2001 Kia Sportage engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 21 / 19 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 21 / 19 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 20 / 18 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Kia Sportage a good car?
Based on 228 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Sportage rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Sportage at the same age. It is one of the Sportage years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Kia Sportage?
The fuel & propulsion system — 62 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the engine & cooling (46) and brakes (27).
How many recalls does the 2001 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Kia Sportage. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Sportage?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2025, 2017, 2024 and 2012. See the full Kia Sportage years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Kia Sportage problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 66,000 miles; 39% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.