Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE HUBS | |||||
| 007R | 03/01/2001 | 619141 | This bulletin provides information on a change to the sportage 4wd hub seals. *tt | 05/15/2001 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 101000 | 1 | 05/01/2000 | |
| The vehicles 4-wheel drive engaged sometimes then popped out causing a loud noise. the consumer found out about a hub seal recall and inquired about it at the dealer . the dealer indicated that the recall was performed by the manufacturer. the consumer looked under the hood for a red mark on the vacuum canister bracket but didn't see one. the consumer therefore believes that the recall has not been completed. *ak *nm | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 01/27/2002 | |||
| Transmission jumps out of gear. the shifter jumps from drive to neutral when vehicle accelerates. dealer has been notified.*ak | |||
| 08/29/2000 | |||
| Transmission failures and replacements from 11/26/99 at 19,790 miles/ 12/28/99 at 21,156 miles, to present. all repairs and replacements were done by a dealer. but, problem still appears to be reoccurring. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 08/08/2001 | |||
| Consumer states while traveling between 20 and 30 mph, another vehicle was cut off by a another driver . consumer states this caused consumer to hit the back of a bus. consumer states when pressing on the brakes vehicle would not stop. consumer hit the back of a bus before vehicle would stop. please provide any further information. | |||
| 08/10/1998 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle will not accelerate under normal operating conditions. dealership has worked on vehicle several times since 1998, and has not been able to repair vehicle. *ak the consumer states that the fuel injector, head gasket, wiring harness and transmission had been replaced. however, the problem still exists and the vehicle was a lemon or defective. *yh | |||
| 11/08/1999 | 1 | 06/17/1998 | |
| The transmission has been slipping and the dealer failed to fix it before the warranty expiration. yh | |||
| 03/30/2000 | 1 | 02/01/2000 | |
| Connector corrosion caused vehicle not to start. also, there was a camshaft oil leak. while driving vehicle at 65mph, engine started to race. was as if someone put vehicle in neutral and stepped on gas. | |||
| 04/22/1999 | 09/01/1998 | ||
| The trnamission fail twice once after the car was checked before we left on vacation, the deeler will not help my and we have ended up having a restraining order draw up because of the threats from his staff. kia it's self has been notified and hav offered a rediculus traid in of $7000. the car was over $18000. the hubs have nearly cost me my life i went off the interstate hitting ice i was not in 4 wheel drive at the time but i went in to a ditch,when i tried to put it in to 4 wheel i would not go i had to travel in a ditch on a busy interstate for 5 mile till i could reach the exit. the washer motor failed on the interstate in smowing conditions, i had to empty water on the window as i was driving to see. this the worst car ever and the dealer and kia will not help with any of these matters. the dates of these incidents might not be the correct date my attorney has all the paper work from the dealer. *ak | |||
| When traveling at 25 mph and upon attempting to accelerate there is hesitation upon acceleration, vehicle does not increase speed. please provide any further details. *ak | |||
| 07/14/1999 | 12/02/1998 | ||
| While driving at 55 mph to 70 mph engine check light came on. vehicle shut down, causing loss of power. also, when putting vehicle into reverse, vehicle shut down. consumer almost hit another vehicle due to brakes failing. consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop vehicle. *ak | |||
| Transmission will abruptley shift into to a low gear on its own at 65 mph. manufaturer has ben contacted. *ak | |||
| 11/02/1998 | 1800 | 11/01/1998 | |
| There are many of problems with this vehicle as of today ther are only 1700 mile on the vehicleas where mor than 1/2 those miles are from going back and forth to the service dept as it is an 80 mile trip to the service dept. as for kia they are totally ignorant as they do not ever return any of my phone calls. this suvis a lemon if i ever saw one . you would thin. no safet defect (s) listed in the summary. *ak | |||
| 11/01/1998 | |||
| Shift-0n-the-fly is hard to shift. takes all 150 pounds of me at times to pull it back. dealer says it is normal. on snow covered road it goes better in 2wd. upon shifting into 4hi or 4low rear end comes out with any gas. i have had nothing but problems with my kia. kia needs to get on the ball and take a note of what they are producing. | |||
| 08/21/1998 | |||
| Consumer is not able to get the vehicle out of park. the dealer told him to put a screw driver in the gear lever to get vehicle out of park. the dealer has wires at the shift lock. *ak | |||
| 01/15/1999 | 5 | 11/01/1998 | |
| Was told able to shift into 4-d up to speeds of 50mph. have not been able to do so/ indicator light stays on long after shifted out of 4-wd. *ak | |||
| 01/19/1999 | 10 | ||
| Transmission could switch to reverse by itself on low temperture or cold weather and the tires move side by side. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES | |||
| 11/20/2003 | 1 | 02/27/2002 | |
| Vehicle had four recalls and airbag light kept flashing. recalls were on brake hoses, front buckle assembly, electrical wiring and missing label. *la while driving the vehicle air bag light began to flash. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician indicated that the air bag module had failed. while driving the vehicle's check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was taken tot he dealer who indicated that the coils were cracked. transmission line was leaking. *nm | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) | |||
| 09/01/1998 | 2 | 06/28/1998 | |
| Gear popping out of gear. mjs | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT | |||
| 02/20/2002 | 7 | 01/08/2001 | |
| While driving, 4 wheel drive will kick in intermittently on its own. vehicle has been taken to dealer numerous times, cannot find cause. *ak consumer adds the catalyst had to be replaced. there is an oil leak and front end was serviced 3 times. *tt | |||
| 12/27/2001 | 3 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Oxygen sensor has been replaced three times after routine service was performed.*ak consumer also stated the wipers were not clearing windshield, windows go up slowly, 4-wheel drive was inoperative,vehicle was loosing power steering, dealer replaced the fan belt,air condition was inoperative,wheel bearing were loose,weatherstrip was replaced,the engine boggs down while driving, front brakes were noisy.*slc | |||
| 01/23/2001 | 2 | 01/01/1998 | |
| 4-wheel drive failed twice within a 1 year time span during snowstorms! it was repairedthe first time but failed again less than 1 year later.both failures occurred during deep snow conditions,thusly making driving impossible and creating a potential for hazardous and possible fatal conditions.i am bringing the vehicle in today(01/15/2002) to kia of westchester to be diagnosed and repairs.please,contact said dealership to insure that the vehicle gets repaired properly and in a expeditious manner.also,i lost 2 days of salary because i was unable to make it home(i was in pa visiting my ill father) because of 1-foot of snow and unable to engage 4-wheel drive!*ak | |||
| 1 | 10/15/1998 | ||
| The 4-wheel drive malfunctions, it appears to be engaged when it really is not.*jb | |||
| 06/01/2001 | 01/01/2001 | ||
| All four windows get stuck, doors lock and unlock by themselves, vehicle is trying to shift into 4x4 while vehicle is in motion, air conditioner works 1 out of 4 times, latch opens on back of vehicle while in motion. black tarry dust on front tires. | |||
| 04/13/2001 | 1 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Over all 4 wheel drive dosen't seem to work when indicator light shows that it is on. *ak | |||
| 11/24/2000 | 4 | 12/01/1998 | |
| 4 wheel drive not working for sometime during winter storm- replaced both front knuckle assembly. *ak | |||
| Fuel tank sensor went out in vehicle 7 different times. door handle on passenger's side had came off twice. 4-wheel drive did not work when using it. taken vehicle to dealership for repairs. was informed that fuel tank should not be filled completely. will be looking at the other problems for repairs.*ak | |||
| 12/20/1998 | |||
| 4- whell drive unit pops out or won't go into 4- wheel drive. dealer has had vehicle 4 times. *ak | |||
| Four wheel drive mode will not engage when it is activated. consumer has not spoken with kia about this. *ak | |||
| 01/12/2001 | |||
| At 20-25 mph in snow consumer had vehicle in 4-wheel drive, light indicated that it was. consumer hit guardrail, only 2-wheels were turning, 4 wheel drive not working. *ak | |||
| 02/22/1999 | 6 | 02/01/1999 | |
| 4-wheel drive not engaging. dealer has made three attempts to repair. recalled september 1999. replaced vaccum seal december 27, 2000 still not working.*ak | |||
| Vehicle never had 4-wheel drive even though 4- wheel green light indicator came on . failure was due to front seal that shrank. consumer has taken vehicle back to dealer several times to fix defect, but defect still occurs, placing consumer in dangerous situation. consumer is now on waiting list for a new part that manufacturer claims will fix defect. *ak | |||
| 03/04/1999 | 1 | 10/01/1998 | |
| Main concern is 4 wheel drive, could cause an accident if indicator lamp is on and 4 wheel drive is not engaging. causing a false sense of security on hazardous roadways, causing loss of vehicle control.*ak | |||
| 11/19/1998 | 4 | ||
| The 4- wheel drive fails to work properly. vehicle also makes hideous noises & the steering wheel shakes very badly. took the vehicle back to the dealer numerous times to solve the problem. noises and vibrations are getting worse. *ak | |||
| 12/07/1998 | |||
| After being stuck in a snow storm consumer discovered that vehicle did not have 4-wheel drive, eventhough the system was engaged in 4-wheel drive. the dealer/manufacturer are aware of the problem. the problem has not been corrected. *ak | |||
| 03/21/1999 | 1 | 02/01/1998 | |
| Four wheel drive failed, while waiting for replacement parts vehicle experienced violent vibration and breakage of the axle while driving 60-65 mph. | |||
| 01/09/1998 | |||
| Eventhough the 4- wheel drive light indicates that the system is engaged, it is not engaging in 4-wheel drive. the cold weather causes the seals in the vacumm to shrink. the manufacture/dealer acknowledge that this is a prolbem. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer had recall for the rear axle and bearings remedied in 08/99. according to dealer's diagnostic, the components have failed again ,and could cause wheels to become detached from vehicle while driving.*ak | |||
| 10/01/1998 | |||
| I can send you a email i sent to channel 7 out here in denver colo. no safety defect stated in summary. *ak | |||
| Wheel bearing and hubs cracked, causing the metal to grind when making a right turn. also when applying the brakes, pedal goes to the floor, cause unknown. was advised by midas not to drive vehicle- wheele could come off. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT | |||
| 07/11/1999 | |||
| Wheel bearings had completely rusted out. was informed by mechanic water got into seals & were not sealing. this also affected 4-whel drive locking hubs. *ak | |||
| 06/24/1999 | 2 | 10/01/1998 | |
| The dealer knew the bearings was bad at 19500 miles and they told my wife if they started grinding to bring back the vehicle but there was no warning all at once it pulled to the left and started grinding now they are telling me that kiais working on new bearings and hubs they can`t get parts they have to get the parts the kia rep. now i have to wait for him and they would not give us a loaner they said it was not the dealers responsiblity so i had to rent a car i could say more but that is enough for now. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1999 | 2 | 06/08/1998 | |
| The hubs were cracked and wheel bearing was gone, causing a total loss of brakes which resulted in an accident. kia has done nothing to help. *ak *ml | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL | |||
| 01/15/2001 | 4 | 05/01/1998 | |
| 4-wheel drive system has gone out due to front axle seals leaking. dealer said parts were on national backorder. unknown when parts would be available. *ak *slc | |||
| Vehicle never had 4-wheel drive even though 4- wheel green light indicator came on . failure was due to front seal that shrank. consumer has taken vehicle back to dealer several times to fix defect, but defect still occurs, placing consumer in dangerous situation. consumer is now on waiting list for a new part that manufacturer claims will fix defect. *ak | |||
| 07/11/1999 | |||
| Wheel bearings had completely rusted out. was informed by mechanic water got into seals & were not sealing. this also affected 4-whel drive locking hubs. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE HUBS | |||
| 12/04/2004 | 73475 | 2 | 11/22/2004 |
| Driving uphill in one inch of snow the axel hubs on the front of vehicle did not engage causing the loss of control of the steering, sliding sideways and backwards to a stop. the parts replaced were as follows: axel hub seals, axel bearings, upper ball joint, vacuum line and realignment of front end.*ak | |||
| 03/26/2003 | 85000 | 11/04/2000 | |
| After getting stuck in snow found that 4 wheel drive wasn't engaging - mechanic said due to someone over packing components with grease and a part put in backwards there was no way the 4 wheel drive was engaging. so essentially we haven't had 4 wheel drive since we purchased our vehicle in 2000. after the part was installed properly 4wd was engaging. may 16th brought in vehicle due to grinding noise in front wheel hub. mechanic found 4wd hub rust filled and bad, bearings all rusted out, vacuum hoses to the back of the spindle broken both sides. both front wheels had same problem. in checking your complaints on file there are many for the same problem, same year and vehicle. *jb | |||
| 04/02/2001 | 01/01/2000 | ||
| Continuation part 3...very slowly, there was a terrible crunching or grinding metal on metal noise when the vehicle was slowed down (not the brakes), the was a horrible groan sound when the vehicle accelerates on the freeway, there was something wrong with the hubs on the vehicle, and the vehicle would stall at any given time. when i picked the vehicle up from the dealer after being out of service for 8 consecutive days, the dealer stated that they duplicated each and every concern and addressed them all. exactly 1 week later, the check engine light came back on and the vehicle died on me at the mall. i called a tow truck and had to get the battery boosted since something that the dealer did electrically was improper. i made it back home but was unsure whether or not i could make it to work the next day with a weal battery. sure enough, the vehicle did not start in the morning. i immediately called the dealer, and they sent a tow truck to my house to pick up this lemon. after another 5 days out of service, i picked the vehicle up and was advised that there was a bad engine harness in the vehicle. exactly 2 days later, the engine light came back on, the vehicle started leaking oil, the windows started moving slow again, the rear end of my vehicle started rattling, the front end of the vehicle had the metal on metal noise again, the groan noise had come back, the vehicle had lost power going up the slightest incline. feeling like there was no other option available to me, i sent kia a letter asking for a buyback as well as all of my repair invoices and all they did was off to pay one of my car notes and told me to take the vehicle back to the dealer. i declined their offer to pay 1 car note and took the vehicle to the dealer where it stayed for 16 consecutive days. again, all concerns were duplicated and addressed. after picking up the vehicle, i noticed that none of the instrument panel lights were coming on as they usually did when i started the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 2 | |||
| I am a kia tech in ct . the 1998 and 1999 sportage was recalled to have the steering knucles replaced.the four wheeldrive vacum hubs would suck water and dirt into the wheelbearings causing them to fail.in some cases i have seen the bearings were so loose the vehicles would lose there brakes. the recall kits we have installed are now failing in great numbers and are not just 98 and 99 vehicls but 2000 and 2001 vehicles.all of these model year vehicles should be recalled before people get hurt.*ak | |||
| 03/18/1999 | 3 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Front bearings replaced, causing excessive tire wear, after replacement bearings had to be replaced shortly after due to faulty parts that fell apart, hub and bearing assembly/four wheel drive defective and not locking in properly and causing loss of control on minimal snow coverage prior to recall repair, after repair vehicle still experienced failures. *mjs | |||
| 02/11/2000 | 1 | 02/01/2000 | |
| Front hubs were seized. purchased vehicle 1 week before incident. *ak | |||
| 07/11/1999 | |||
| Wheel bearings had completely rusted out. was informed by mechanic water got into seals & were not sealing. this also affected 4-whel drive locking hubs. *ak | |||
| 06/24/1999 | 2 | 10/01/1998 | |
| The dealer knew the bearings was bad at 19500 miles and they told my wife if they started grinding to bring back the vehicle but there was no warning all at once it pulled to the left and started grinding now they are telling me that kiais working on new bearings and hubs they can`t get parts they have to get the parts the kia rep. now i have to wait for him and they would not give us a loaner they said it was not the dealers responsiblity so i had to rent a car i could say more but that is enough for now. *ak | |||
| 12/21/1998 | 1 | 07/02/1998 | |
| The car indicates the four wheel drive system is engaged even though the four wheel drive hubs failed, unable to have repair due lack of parts. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | |||
| 1 | 02/01/1998 | ||
| Noise caused by material used in clutch. | |||
| 10/28/1998 | 3 | 10/01/1998 | |
| I feel that the kia sportage is a poorly made vehcle and should be bought back from all owners. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE | |||
| 01/04/2000 | 0 | ||
| When putting vehicle in any gear can hear a loud squealing noise. when pushing down on clutch, it reduces the squealing noise, consumer stated it was a very annoying sound. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT | |||
| 02/19/2002 | 51000 | 6 | |
| First time i brought the car back was because the engine light went on and i had a oil leakage in the engine. car started to shake even after it was hot and made a weird noise in the engine. the motor rr window was not working and the brakes were making some weird noise. brought to the dealer to fix and he sent it to kia for repair, the kia crew found the front caliper frozen, but the customer denied to fix it. so i brought it to a specialist to check double check the car. they found the following defects and found the car unsafe (caliper rgt worn, frozen, caliper hardware worn, wheel cyl rgt- new/kit leaky, shoe hardware worn, c.v. boot/joint rfo/rfi/lfo/lfi worn, coil springs front broken rr broken, ball joints/lower l worn). i spoke with the dealer because i still had warranty and told him i didn't want the car it was giving me hard times already and only having it at that time for not even a month. as i would drive i would have to release the gas, because it would start to shake and felt as if it was going to shut off. *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760758 | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||
| 12/05/2000 | 1 | 02/01/1998 | |
| We were lucky in a 25 mile speed zone-highway speed would have killed us. no safety defect mentioned in summary | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT | |||
| 09/01/1999 | 1 | 06/28/1998 | |
| Insufficient lubrication on the driveshaft causing noise. mjs | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 08/11/2000 | 1 | ||
| Transmission failure. *slc | |||
| While trying to shift gears, gears stick in between shifting. dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||
| 03/25/1999 | 5 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Front windshield has air leaks & at high speeds the wind is annoying. the front passenger seat belt locks into place as soon as the passenger clamps into place. one doesn't have to press brake peddle for it to tighten around person. when driving and particularly engaging the clutch to down shift the gear linkage disengages and the gears can't be located especially in second, third or fourth gears and because of such has almost caused three crashes. we had this checked by the dealer and they said they found nothing wrong with the gear shifting mechanism. i beg to differ because i drive that car every day and i've driven many manual shift transmissions cars and i believe that after driving for sometime (i.e., one to two hours) the transmission heats up and causes problems with gear selection. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY | |||
| 11/02/2003 | 88675 | 1 | 11/29/2000 |
| Sunday, 11-02-2003, while driving on main st in mesa, arizona, our 1998 kia sportage's gearshift lever snapped off in my hand. i was shifting from second to third gear at the time. the break was about 1 1/2 inches from floor level, down inside the consol. i was lucky to be able to coast onto the median without crashing. my pregnant wife and three-year-old son were with me in the vehicle.i contacted kia and the short of it is that the vehicle is out of warranty and they claim that they don't have to do anything about this. i feel that this is a life-threatening defect. kia should be very interested in finding out how or why a vehicle with no history of accidents could have this critical part break off unexpectedly! not giving the brush-off! i have digital photos that i am willing to email.*ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) | |||
| 01/21/2005 | 5 | 09/16/1998 | |
| The 4wd system on the 98 kia sportage is unreliable. the vacuum system, which actuates the front hubs does not work. i have had the vehicle in for this problem every winter since i purchased the vehicle in 1998. the dealers repair lasts a week or so and then fails. unexpected lack of 4wd is a safety issue. *jb | |||
| 03/26/2003 | 85000 | 11/04/2000 | |
| After getting stuck in snow found that 4 wheel drive wasn't engaging - mechanic said due to someone over packing components with grease and a part put in backwards there was no way the 4 wheel drive was engaging. so essentially we haven't had 4 wheel drive since we purchased our vehicle in 2000. after the part was installed properly 4wd was engaging. may 16th brought in vehicle due to grinding noise in front wheel hub. mechanic found 4wd hub rust filled and bad, bearings all rusted out, vacuum hoses to the back of the spindle broken both sides. both front wheels had same problem. in checking your complaints on file there are many for the same problem, same year and vehicle. *jb | |||
| 03/27/2003 | 92000 | 1 | |
| The 4 wheel drive did work and rear the brakes were not in line. *jb | |||
| 01/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| The 4-wheel drive did not hold while driving up a hill, which caused the vehicle to spin. *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| The 4 wheel drive does no engage when put in gear. took to dealer who installed some type of child safety device under the clutch. problem is still occurring. please provide any further information. *nlm *dt | |||
| 01/01/1999 | 1 | 05/19/1998 | |
| The 4-wheel drive system failed to engage due to a bad seal, the seal causes the vacuum not to engage properly. *slc | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 1 | 10/28/1998 | |
| Four wheel drive locks up wheels causing poor control. | |||