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 2001 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a 2001 Kia Sportage 4 wheel drive. I am the original owner and I am supposed to have an extended 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. I only use the 4wheel drive when it snows. Two years ago I discovered that the vehicle was going into 4 wheel drive. When I went to the dealership I was told that I needed new vacuum lines to the front hubs. Without vacuum to the hubs they won't engage. I had no opportunity to verify that the vehicle would go into 4 wheel drive. In 2008 when it snowed again I again found that the vehicle would not go into 4 wheel drive. Now I am told that I have to buy $1500.00 worth of parts and labor to fix the front hubs so that they will maintain a vacuum. They claim that there is no warranty fix and because the parts necessary to fix the problem are different from what is on the vehicle they don't have to warranty them. …
Over the span of the last 1 1/2 years I have had the following problems *rear seat belts locked up wouldn't loosen far enough to get my child out of the car. *front seat belts (both) would come open while the vehicle was in motion. *drivers side door wouldn't latch when trying to close it, had to jiggle the inside handle *spare tire arm wouldn't stay in the locked position when open. Still won't *four wheel drive wouldn't engage *lifter noise--collapsed lifter *head warped *check engine light had come on a few times holders (front and rear) fell apart *outside trim was fallling off.
2001 Kia Sportage 4wd does not engage. It worked good in winter of 2005, but this year finally having snow in January, I tried the 4wd without success. The front driveshaft spins, so the transfer case works, however the drive isn't being initiated to the front wheels. After doing a little research, I noticed the same problems occurred to same make and model, but in a different year. It is also stated that the double sealed hubs was apparently supposed to remedy this problem with the hubs becoming frozen due to rust. Could it be possible that this remedy didn't alleviate the problem.
We had the transmission replaced in April of 2003 and the clutch replaced in April 2003. The clutch was not covered under warranty. We paid total cost $366.76. The transmission has now gone out again. The transmission is only 2 months old. This will be the 6th problem we have had with this car since October of 2002: (1) clutch switch oct 2002 (2) exhaust manifold cracked apr 2003 (3) passenger side front window would not go up apr 2003 (4) transmission failure April 2003 (5) clutch failure April 2003 (6) transmission failure June 2003
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10mph in snowy conditions, the right front wheel dislodged from the axle. The vehicle was in 4 wheel drive when the incident occurred. It was pulled to the side of the road safely and was towed to the dealership for inspection. The vehicle received regular maintenance and inspection, and had passed state inspection in June 2005 at 32,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting repairs.
2001 Kia Sportage 4 dr with 50,000 miles failed inspection because of broken wheel bearing and right idler arm. I had these repaired, fortunately, under warranty. I'm disappointed and angry that such cheap parts were used in manufacturing (discovered broken at 50,000 miles) which greatly increases the risk for an accident. Not a safe vehicle and will not buy another based on the quality of the manufacturing.
The truck would not start at times and kept blowing fuses.. Dealer found problem to be in the engine harness connector. Also in 10/03, one night while I was driving home from work late, my truck stulled on me, and the shifter was very loose, took to dealer and they replaced the drive shaft and rear main seal (x3). They have also replaced the cat.convertor x3, timing belt due to abnormal streching,and 2 ignition coils.
Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light has been illuminating and the transmission has had failures in shifting gears since the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. The ect connector has been replaced and the sensor has been reprogrammed multiple times. The problem persists despite the repairs. The thermostat was replaced. Updated 02/13/06.
2001 Kia Sportage temperature gauge never registered that the engine was running hot. The consumer had to have the engine replaced. The coolant sensor malfunctioned, the rear hatch panel inside fell off, new clips were installed. Replaced manual transmission clutch, timing belt was replaced, wind noise from front passenger side door area.
My 2001 Kia Sportage has a defect in its design. The solenoid, & hoses that connect to it are placed in an area on the vehicle where they are subjected to the elements-&-in harms way of being damaged from normal driving conditions. I do not have the service paper work on me, at the moment (I am at the public library-doing research on Kia's many safety issues)-if you need copies of my service records, or any further info-please contact me by mail. When solenoid/hoses failed - I was unaware that my 4 wheel drive was inoperable. There were many times, in the winter months- where my Kia would slip/slide-handle erratically in the snow/rain. I have lost track of the times I lost control of my vehicle during this time frame (2001-2004). Now I realize that it was due to the 4 wheel drive malfunctioning. I was lucky enough to have just spun out-with no one else hitting me; thank god for that. …
Transmission complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Kia Sportage, 10% of the model year's 228 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Kia Sportage transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 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.