AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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 purchased on August 25, 2009. There was a noise under the hood. An independent mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was removed and replaced by a pipe that should not have been on the vehicle. She also stated the air conditioning unit continued to leak water from the vents and onto the floor board. The mechanic stated that there was allergy in the air conditioning unit. The failure and current mileages were 75,200.
This vehicle has multiple defects in which the manufacturer/dealer is unable or unwilling to correct. Car is a safety hazard. Many electrical problems, failing battery, electrical shocks, multiple blown fuses for windows, fuses blown prior to purchase but discovered within the first week of purchase, pulls to the right suddenly, skids often with 'factory equipped' tires, has electrical surges,fumes come from the heating system, canary sounds from the engine after 'servicing by authorized dealer', additionally, dealer's service personnel are 'unable to duplicate' or recognize any problems
Engine stalls in traffic and loses power.took to dealer, hey cleaned engine, and problem reoccurred. Consumer stated the brakes were replaced after 2 months of owning vehicle, 2 oxygen sensors sensors were replaced, the thermostat was replaced, defroster was defective, the exhaust systems was replaced, and the windshield wiper flew off.
This Kia was purchased new and is a one owner car. It has had 2 master cylinders, and 4 sets of brake pads. The car currently has 50,000 miles on it. The car slides to the right on wet roads and does not stop until it hits something or slows to a stop. I have slid 2 times, rear ended someone the 3rd, and my son hit a light pole. The other times the brakes May or May not work. The problem is worse during rainy weather. The brakes go to the floor and the car does not stop. At times the brakes vibrate. This car has had a new cloth top, new air conditioning 2x, 5 catalytic converters, new carpet from the air leaking and molding, new seat covers as they ripped, new brakes, rotors, pads several items I have lost count, the check engine light comes on, the car has been re-wired, at times the car won't accelerate if the air conditioner is on. …
Dealership replaced front/right and front/left brake rotors and brake pads twice, July 2000 at 15,000 miles and August 2001 at 28,000 miles. Front brake rotors continue to warp, resulting in excessive wear. Vehicle was leaking oil, dealer tightened drain plug. Vehicle would not start due to an internal starter failure. Evaporator drain hose was damaged and was causing water to leak on the floor.
When consumer is at a stop sign and then accelerates, the vehicle does not move at all like there is no gas in the vehicle while the engine is still running. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted. Vehicle idled low, when first started in the am vehicle had no power and stumbled until it warmed up, dealer stated the iac would not open, check engine light illuminated due to the tps sensor being out of specifications. Tail light lens cracked and the dash light dimmer switch fell in the dash. Vehicle stalled due to ignition coil and spark plugs, vehicle backfired and hesitated, dealer rerouted the wiring harness and repaired the pin connectors. Vehicle overheated due to a crack in the cylinder head. Passenger side front door rattled when closing and the window was down, dealer stated this was normal. Carpet on the passenger side floor would not lie flat. …
Im not happy that I bought a new car and it averages going into the shop every 6-8 weeks. I cant afford this. Im to arrange my own transportation while my car is in the shop, its been towed 3 times for the engine lite, when work is done they don't call and tell us what was wrong and it can be picked up, last time the car was in the shop they didnt call for over a week to tell me to come get it, I asked to speak with a manager and left several messages and they still havent called. I wil never buy a Kia again or buy from any rizza. I feel like I bought junk, I want my money back, take the car. There is a class action lawsuit in the process at website 100% I hate Kia. Thank youl
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sportage years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (18), 1999 (12), 2001 (8) and 2000 (6) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Kia Sportage ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Kia Sportage model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Sportage ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (36 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (11).
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.