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 2001 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
Tl contact owns a 2001 Kia Sportage. While driving 75 MPH, the vehicle began to make a popping noise under the hood. The check engine light illuminated, the vehicle would not accelerate, and the contact smelled smoke. The contact shut off the vehicle and attempted to restart it, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that two cylinders and four spark plugs were burnt and destroyed. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 85,000.
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. The consumer's attorney believed it was a defect in the vehicle's structure. Kia denied any responsibility. (consumer on behalf of granddaughter)
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. …
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. …
I purchased my Kia Sportage on 6/29/11 with 90000 miles on it. I am the second owner. I also purchased a one year warranty/10,000 miles. After 2 weeks of driving my car would turn off while driving on the highway. First time scared the crap out of me had not control was able to put car in neutral and apply emergency brake with no steering. Car started back up. Brought to dealership, dealership said there was no way possible of this occurring. I then did research online and saw that many other Kia Sportage owners were having the same problem. Printed out the information from other owners and brought back to dealership.they said my battery housing was loose and they repaired. A week later my car shut off again while driving on highway. Took bag to Kia they then replaced my battery and wires. No problems for a year same issue again. Car stalled while driving. …
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. …
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. …
The polypropylene cooling fan blade broke off while I was traveling at 60 MPH on the freeway, puncturing the radiator, breaking the cowling, and puncturing a hose. The results being the Sportage was towed to the repair shop and the repairs are costing $500 - $600. The Sportage is still in the shop being fixed as I am writing this. The repair shop will save the old parts for me. I contacted Kia customer service and they researched my VIN number, which is outside the window for the present recall (07V161000). The same problem that is occurring with the 2002 models is also happening with the earlier models. I am sure I am not the only one who has had to have these repairs made.
Engine complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Kia Sportage, 20% of the model year's 228 complaints. The component named most often is engine (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Kia Sportage engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Kia Sportage. 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 2001 Kia Sportage engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury 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.