Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
101810/18/2001625917Information regarding manifold catalytic converter replacement. questions and answers for recall. *et12/11/2001
12100110/12/2001625921Subject regarding recall campaign to replace the manifold catalytic converter due to existing mcc developing cracks at weld. *et12/11/2001
101210/12/2001625919Information regarding recall campaign to replace the manifold catalytic converter. *et12/11/2001
19100110/19/2001625909Subject on recall campaign to replace the manifold catalytic converter. *et12/11/2001
02210/01/2001625906Emissions recall compaign :sportage manifold catalytic converter replacement. *et12/11/2001

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
RQ02013HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC10/18/200209/02/2003ENGINE STALLING POST-RECALL99V325000
 Rq02-013 was opened to assess the scope and adequacy of recall 99v-325, which involved modifications to the engine fuel injection wire harness (harness).vehicles produced after the recall population have shown no signs of a defect trend.the majority of recall remedy failures identified were repaired within one day of the initial work.subsequent failure experience is minimal (249/55,548 vehicles remedied).field data show no indication of an ongoing concern: of 627 post-recall stalling-related wire harness warranty repairs, only seven occurred in 2003.consumer complaints and fuel injection wire harness saleshave declined since 2001.odi has received a total of twelve potentially relevant consumer complaints since 2001.under these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources is not justified.the recall query is therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if circumstances warrant.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
02/25/20101341971
 Keyway on crankshaft where timing gear attaches wears out prematurely and can result in having to replace engine! i have replace throttle position sensor, fuel filter, and knock sensor also the mass airflow sensor and timing belt were replaced as there appeared to be a timing issue could not find problem so took to kia dealer to find the keyway on crankshaft to be so worn you could almost turn gear all the way around! in all the years i have been working on vehicles this is the first time i have ever seen this and is very obviously a manufacturer defect! *tr
08/15/2008
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 kia sportage. the contact stated that the vehicle is gradually leaking brake fluid and he is constantly having to add more fluid. also, the vehicle stalls intermittently while driving between 30-50 mph and merging into traffic. his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id numbers 98v222000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping and fittings) and 99v325000 (electrical system:wiring); however, the dealer will repair the vehicle according to nhtsa campaign id number 04v305000 (seat belts:front:buckle assembly). the current mileage was 107,812 and the failure mileage was unavailable.
08/21/200665000102/04/1999
 Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalls at various speeds and intermittently will not start. after sitting for a while the vehicle will restart. the dealership has been informed. there are no lights illuminated on the dash prior to the vehicle stalling. the temperature gauge was acting erratic. the power steering belt was replaced. updated 09/13/06. *jb
08/24/200562500402/18/1999
 1999 kia sportage has had timing belt replaced three times since i bought car new in 1999. while traveling on nj turnpike, what we believed was the timing belt yet again was the crank shaft at the harmonic balance (which holds the timing belt in place) completely snapped into two pieces inside the engine. i spoke to several different kia service departments who advised me that this was not a normal thing and was in no way due to something we could have done. i was told by my kia dealer that the manufacturers warranty had expired last year and that i was responsible for the defect in the kia. the first three times that the timing belt was replaced the warranty covered. now i am told i must pay for a new engine. be advised that every time this happened the car was going 55 m.p.h. or over. it is my belief that was caused by a manufacturing defect and that kia should be held accountable. there has never been any collision or any other event that has taken place for this to occur. we are just lucky that we have never been hurt or killed in this car!*jb
08/09/20041
 Consumer had the same problems as mentioned in nhtsa recall 99v325000. the wires connected to the c123 and c124 connectors can be put under tension by movement of the engine, thus pulling the wires and connectors, and loosening them . this results in a loss of circuit continuity. dealership indicated to the consumer this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to vin. *ak
12/15/200250280
 Tttt 11/16/02tgeneral diagnostics after purchaset no stored codes t $75.50 tttiming check - disconnect batterytt 11/29/02tengine bucks on accelerationt no stored codest $87.26 t broken center console replacedtt 01/02/03tengine stalled - died after one week's time, no diagnosist $70.88 * towed *tt 01/05/03temail sent to: kia consumer affairs advised of poor running condition and t inferior kia service received response as to four t tt manufacturer recalls not performed tot tt date on vehiclet 01/13/03t*sc014 recall - engine wiring harnesst recall performedt $102.44 *sc022 recall - manifold catalytic convertert recall performedt tt*front wheel bearing seals leaking/loose replaced front hub assembliest tt*coolant leaking at bypass hoset r&r hose and replaced sealst tt*determined front bumper replaced t 01/17/03t*exhaust manifold stud brokent removed manifold/drilled out broken studt and replaced $77.77 tt*stuck thermostatt replaced thermostatt 05/22/03t52,500 mile servicett$123.27 tt*wiper blade check - not operating properlyt adjusted wiper arms/replaced bladest ttt operating worse!t tt*front end shaking @ high speedst rotated tires - no change!t tt*replace front turn signal assemblyt completed satisfactorilyt 05/23/03tcar died while driving - stalled out at idlet wiring harness to tcm shorting outt $260.13 t *towed* removed tcm/cleaned/repairedt total out of pocket repairs (not including warranty items) $797.25
08/15/20020
 I am the owner of a 99 kia sportage with only 19000 miles on it bought new with only 10 miles on it back in 99. this suv has been nothing but problems from day one, with everything from the ac to the 4 wheel drive needing repaired twice in one day, to the most serious problem happening on 8-19-02 when my right rear anti sway bar bracket breaks away from where it was welded on the frame in the factory ( the org. welds just broke ) as my daughter and i are driving this suv home one evening causing this suv to be all over the road and uncontrollable. luckily no one was hurt or killed because of this. kia accepts no responsibilty for this. but it was there welds done in there factory when they made this suv. this is the kind of safe products that kia makes and the public needs to be aware of this fact and how much this co. values a human life.
03/08/20042
 While driving at 30 mph vehicle stalled without warning. vehicle was towed to the dealership, and technician determined that wiring and connectors failed. *ak
09/16/2003560004
 While driving at any speed vehicle will intermittently stall. after a few minutes sitting vehicle can be restarted. manufacturer and dealer have been notified of the problem.*ak
05/01/1999103/04/1999
 Consumer states radiator blew up, also having problems with the engine, as well as the engine check light coming on, smoke was entering into vehicle through front vents possibly due to radiator being inoperative.*jb
12/14/1999209/01/1999
 Not only has the proportional braking valve failed,but also engine temp sensor,causing transmission failure, engine light came on,and hold light for the trasmission come on, and now the power window gets stuck open. we smell a faint smell of wire insulation burning,but service dept. said they couldnt do any thing until the brake light came on and stayed on. he said there was a short in the wiring harness.this makes twice. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
03/05/2007760002
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 kia sportage. the seat belt retractor on the drivers side has failed. the air conditioner is also leaking into the passenger side of the vehicle. the vehicle has not yet been diagnosed. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage is 80,000 and failure mileage was 76,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
06/20/20033600015001/03/1998
 99 kia sportage surges when starting and idles so rough when stopped that you think the car will die, has died a few times. dealer has not been able to determine the cause to repair. all recall work was done, including the wiring harness fix sc014, but there was no symptom of problem then. extended warranty has expired, and continually finding problem with car. also tail pipe recently broke off had to be replaced. i now have a spreadsheet of the problems and repairs. would like to fix this problem if i knew what it was. had mass air flow sensor, throttle position sensor, numerous other parts replaced as well as a tune up. also the exhaust smells bad. engine doesn't have much pick up on small hills either. *nlm
10/12/2002
 While traveling on the highway without prior warning. the vehicle shut down and would not restart. the dealership is aware of the problem. mr
09/03/2002
 The vehicle would not start at all. engine light appeared on dashboard. dealership was aware of the problem.
07/01/2000205/10/1999
 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. *ak 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. *jb
 Oil pump malfunctioned ,causing engine to blow. dealer has replaced the engine. also, camshaft/pulley separated from vehicle, causing engine failure.*ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
 Consumer states that after recall was done, defect stated in recall happened several times. dealership refuse to fix, cause they cannot duplicate the problem. ts
11/01/1999510/01/2099
 9/30/02- please find the attached email that i just sent to kia re; this car. the first time these problems occured was almost immediately after purchasing the vehicle. everytime we have taken the car into the dealership, they have been completely unable to identify the cause or replicate the problem. the described events have occurred at speeds as low as 15 mph and as high as 70 mph. there has never been any warning. 9/30/02 mr
11/01/1999510/01/2099
 Please see attached e-mail from manufacturer. mr
07/16/2002
 While driving at any speed and with no warning vehicle will stall, and it will be hard for consumer to control vehicle. dealer notified. *ak
04/26/2000504/17/1999
 Consumer states that vehicle stalls (one was for recall), before recall car stalled on ice and hit fence, motor belts always in need of adjusting and are noisy. *tt
02/06/2002208/01/1999
 I have to warm my car up at least 35 minutes so that it will not stop at railcrossings, stop signs and red lights. i f i do not continue to run my heater in the car on warm the problem will start again when i make a stop or slow down. when i leave work in the afternoon, i have to go through the same process. i have taken my car to the dealership on several occasions. they say they can not find out what is wrong with the car. they claim they cannot get the car to do the things i reported. frankly i don't think they even drive the car out of the service area to see if there is actually a problem. i really hate having to pay money and get no results. i do not feel safe trying a car i've only had 29 months. i live in a town where 5-6 people have been killed by the train. i have to cross the tracks to go to work and i'm afraid one day that this will happen to me if i can' t get this problem remedied. *ak
12/26/2001
 Consumer was informed by the manufacturer that vehicle is affected by recall 99v325000/ engine stalling. however, when she contacted dealership to have defect corrected, she was informed no service would be performed until mechanic could verify that vehicle was experiencing the problem. consumer indicated that vehicle does stall intermittently, but cannot leave vehicle at dealership for an extended period of time. please provide any additional information / documentation. *ak
 While traveling and without any indication vehicle hesitated and stalled. please provide further information.*ak
07/24/20002
 The engine stalls at highway speeds of 55 mph, consumer states vehicle has no power. (attorney for client). *yh
1
 Engine noisy at start. *yh
02/25/20001
 Prior to recall notification, consumer noticed that engine light was on and the vehicle stalled for a few seconds, consumer was advised by dealership that she would have to pay $150.00 for a diagnostic test to find out what the problem was, consumer stated that vehicle was still under warranty and was under 3000 miles and did not understand why there was a fee involved, once consumer received the recall notification he then went back to have the necessary repairs performed, consumer states dealership did not get to vehicle until 4:00pm that evening in which vehicle was dropped off at 9:00am however vehicle was never worked on and subsequently vehicle was taken to another dealership to have recall repairs performed. *jb
112/01/1999
 Consumer took vehicle to dealer who informed her there were no recalls, however consumer later found there was a recall, 99v325, dealer would not complete repairs due to vehicle not being purchased there. while driving, vehicle pulled in the left hand lane almost causing an accident, consumer states there was a clunking noise. *slc
112/01/1999
 No recall notice #99v325000 was received on vehicle. had taken to dealership, and informed by service manager no recalls on vehicle. later, found there was recall. took vehicle back. mechanic informed owner repairs for engine stalling will not be done due vehicle not purchased at that dealer.*ak abs locked up and caused consumer to hit a deer, consumer was injured. *slc
04/01/2000108/01/1999
 Need bigger engine. *ak (dot number: 0 tiresize: ??)
407/01/1999
 Many safety problems please help. vehicle has stalled 4 times at highway speeds and the dealer says they cannot duplicate the problem somebody is going to be killed or seriously injured. 4 wheel drive inoperable during severe snowstorm. blower motor for the heater has been replace twice now both times subzero weather. the starter was rewired once and then replace twice, every time vehicle was inoperable and had to be towed.catalytic convertor replaced once so far. driver side wiper arm broke off at 55 mph during rainstormspare tire release replaced two times now first time couldn't open it, second time it wouldn't shut. water coming in from somewhere running along the bottom of the glove box dealer doesn't have time to look at it. muffler assembly replaced as well as the battery after all the starter problems. i hpe somebody does something with these vehicles before some major tradgedies occur, i already saw at least one fatality on the complaint board while skimming over it. i have called the district manager several times only to be told i was the only one complaining about these safety issues and the last time i spoke with him he hung up on me. i have two small children and i am not sure how safe this vehicle really is
12/01/1999
 Periodically vehicle would shut down while it was in motion, causing consumer into an accident. dealer has not duplicated defect, and was not able to provide remedy.*ak
705/01/1999
 The vehicle has stalled several times and has been in the shop 7 times but the problem still occurs. nlm
107/28/1999
 After driving the kia for about one month, the vehicle began to emit a rotten egg smell, service manager explanation was that vehicle needed breaking in, later owner was told that the smell was coming from using cheap fuel, vehicle would not turn on because of left over fuel in the combustion chamber, not sure why engine light came on and vehicle stalled. *cj
11/30/20003
 4-wheel drive does not always engage, both front hubs were replaced and pass operation cable adjusted, dealer claims the problems is fixed, however consumer states there is no difference once vehicle is repaired. check engine light illuminated. power window inoperable, dealer replaced window motor. *slc
12/08/200009/01/1999
 No lights on dashboard came on .this is one time engine check light did not come on. oil all over motor. around area of dip stick.pressure from motor blew out dip stick has anyone else had to replace motor on these cars? also have had brakes replaced 5 times. wiper assembly replaced. fourwheel drive hose replaced. windsheild replaced. emissons replaced. rotors 5 times. seats front and back 1 time each. soft top replaced 3 times need replaced again.smells like sulfur all the time. will never buy one again . first i have to pay 3000.00 for a new motor and pay this one off.asked for help from kia they said no.they will not replace motor. i bought extended warrenty . don't buy it doesn't cover brakes or rotors or hubs.had headlight switch by motor replaced no headlights they would go off when i put them from high beam to low beam or low to high. then they stopped working alltogether had to hold switch to see to get home.
 Recall 99v325000 work was corrected. since recall work was done engine check light illuminated on the dash. consumer contacted the dealer. dealer noted that recall problem has failed and wires went bad. also, air bag light was illuminating on the dash. please provide any further details.*ak
08/11/1999107/06/1999
 #2 cylinder misfired causing the engine to stall while driving. nlm
03/06/2000708/01/1999
 The car stalls between 60 and 75 mph. i lose 10 to 15 mph and have almost been rear ended twice! no engine light comes on, warranty part replaced twice, dealership told me they didn't care if i died in the car!
 Oil pump malfunctioned ,causing engine to blow. dealer has replaced the engine. also, camshaft/pulley separated from vehicle, causing engine failure.*ak
08/01/20001201/01/1999
 Engine stalls randomly without warning, from a stop to normal freeway speeds. took it in 5 times still have the problem. shocks rattle with every bump just like a 15 year old car. battery goes dead without warning. this is a dangerous car.
4
 While driving vehicle would suddenly stall for no reason. had no prior warning before incident happened. had been to dealer twice for repairs, but stalling problem reoccurred. *ak
06/29/20002
 Recall 99v325 000/engine stalling: vehicle experiencing ongoing problem with stalling while driving, and will not restart. vehicle been in dealer shop on two occasions, and problem still reoccurring. vehicle remained in dealer's shop at this time. feel free to provide further details. *ak
07/13/19993004/08/1999
 Vehicle sporadically jumps forward/ stalls out. dealer has seen vehicle, and has not been able to solve problem. *ak
02/22/2000408/21/1999
 Vehicle has continued to stall after having recall 99v325000 repairs work done. vehicle was just repaired again & stalled a few days later. dealer doesn't know why problem can't be resolved. *ak *ml
 When driving at any speed vehicle will cut off and stall without prior warning,causing poor steering control. consumer has contacted the dealer. please provide any further details. *ak
04/08/2000007/28/1999
 Automobile has been stalling ever since consumer has had the automobile. mechanic keeps saying that they are fixing the problem, but it does not stop vehicle from stalling. vehicle has been to dealer repeatedly for this problem as well as others (air flow wiring, air conditioning, oil leak, dome light, turn signal, thermostat) *ak *ml
1
 Was going across railroad tracks when vehicle stalled out. there was no prior warning. stalling problem has happened several times before. took vehicle to dealer and was informed nothing was wrong with vehicle. also, would make a thumping noise when accelerator was depressed. *ak
 Consumer received recall notice concerning the engine stalling. contacted the dealer. no available appointment until june 13, 2000. please give and further details. *ak
02/29/2000
 Received an appointment a week ago to repair engine stalling. but, dealer called to cancel appointment because no parts were available. it would be two months waiting before next appointment would be issued. *ak
 Nhtsa recall 99v325000 and mfr recall 99v325000/ engine stalling. no parts were available. *ak
 Nhtsa recall 99v325000 and manufacturer's recall 99v32500/ engine stalling: dealership has been waiting for part 6 days, and still doesn't know when they will receive it. dealer couldn't make consumer an appointment, or give a date and time when they would expect the part to be in. *ak
10/01/19990
 While driving about 40 mph vehicle stalled without prior warning, consumer tried to keep control of vehicle when it started to roll off the road. *ak
02/28/20000
 Manufacturer claimed that before driving consumer had to warm up the vehicle for few minutes to avoid problems with transmission. no osafety issue. *ak
11/01/199903/01/1999
 Cd player replaced on 05/19/99 because a cd was stuck in it due to an electrical shortage (per kia service center), cd player will not accept cds and will eject them immediately since 08/15/1999, not replaced due to the units being on back order since july of 1999, service center investigated a possible fluid leak and found no leak on 11/11/99, service center investigated a horrible exhaust/cabron monoxide smell coming into cabin of vehicle, found no problems but they replaced the catalyst converter anyway. on 11/11/99 less than 10 minutes after picking up the vehicle, the horrible smell came back again 10 times worse than originally, had to wait an entire week to return the vehicle for service because they were booked up. on 11/17/99 returned vehicle to service department bec of continous exhaust/carbon monoxide smell in cabin causing terrible headaches. they claim to have replaced some kind of a canister but had no real documentation proving so. said they could not find a cause for the odors/fumes and gave me a rental car. after no responce from dealership in 48 hours as to a staus update, was told that a kia motors field representative would be coming to the dealership on 11/22/99 to look at the vehicle. on 11/22/99 was told the rep would be there on 11/23/99. on 11/23/99 was told he would be there on 11/24/99. on 11/24/99 was told by dealership owner to come pick up my vehicle in it's current un-repaired condition because the field rep. would not be out for another 2-4 weeks and the dealership could not afford to provide me with the rental car for that length of time. meanwhile, the cd player still has not been replaced or repaired and/or even looked at because 'they're on back order with our distributor and having to drive a vehicle that is putting exhaust/carbon monoxide odors/fumes into the cabin of the vehicle.
02/12/1999
 While pulling out of the garage vehicle stalled, and the garage door fell down onto the roof of the vehicle. also, alternator and the battery went completely out. engine check light was on for a week. in addition, when shifting gears, transmission wasn't shifting properly. passenger's side window was jammed and stuck half way up. finally, when applying the gas pedal there was a pounding noise, and no power within the vehicle. *ak
06/11/1999
 Seat belt would continuously chime. the air bag light stays on after starting vehicle. vehicle would start erratically. door frame would leak. convertible top did not stay closed. vehicle would idle at 2000rpms when slowing down & almost stall out. will be taking vehicle to dealer. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
02/12/200560043105/22/1999
 I am the owner of a 99 kia sportage with only 60043 miles. i bought the vehicle brand new. the vehicle stalled at 40 mph, luckily, it did not stalled at 75 mph while i was taking one of my daily trips to ok city because it would have been disastrous. the crankshaft sheared off flush with the engine housing leaving the main and timing belt pulleys disconnected from the engine. as consequent, the engine stalled leaving the vehicle without power in the middle of traffic. no one was hurt or killed because of this. contacted the kia dealer and they will not take any resposibility for this defective part. this is the kind of safe product that makes kia customers not to be repeat customers.
326098
 Engine belt and pulleys fail every 3 months and have to be replaced. cause unknown.*ak
07/01/1999103/26/1999
 Fan belt failed. nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
11/21/200528000110/06/1999
 I have a 1999 kia sportage with less than 35,000 miles on it as of july 5, 2006. in november of 2005 i started noticing a really strong fuel smell. shortly thereafter i noticed fluid leaking from the rear of my vehicle. i took it in around thanksgiving to find out that the gas tank had to be replaced. i had to pay almost $1,000 for this repair. also, in may of 2006 power steering fluid leaked all over my garage while the car was in summer storage. upon further investigation it is due to the power steering pressure hose damping pipe rusting out. this car has also already have to get new front brake rotors (rusted/warped) as well as a new exhaust pipe since the previously one rusted off the muffler. within the first couple years one of the bearings went bad and they ended up replacing the whole front axle unit. this car has had many problems and with less than 35,000 miles on it basically makes me sick to my stomach. i am reporting this to you after reading on www.kia.com technical/owners section about a service campaign for the leaking fuel tanks in may 2006. nobody has notified me and i just happened to run into myself as i was researching information related to the power steering system since that started leaking in may 2006. *jb
12/15/200250280
 Tttt 11/16/02tgeneral diagnostics after purchaset no stored codes t $75.50 tttiming check - disconnect batterytt 11/29/02tengine bucks on accelerationt no stored codest $87.26 t broken center console replacedtt 01/02/03tengine stalled - died after one week's time, no diagnosist $70.88 * towed *tt 01/05/03temail sent to: kia consumer affairs advised of poor running condition and t inferior kia service received response as to four t tt manufacturer recalls not performed tot tt date on vehiclet 01/13/03t*sc014 recall - engine wiring harnesst recall performedt $102.44 *sc022 recall - manifold catalytic convertert recall performedt tt*front wheel bearing seals leaking/loose replaced front hub assembliest tt*coolant leaking at bypass hoset r&r hose and replaced sealst tt*determined front bumper replaced t 01/17/03t*exhaust manifold stud brokent removed manifold/drilled out broken studt and replaced $77.77 tt*stuck thermostatt replaced thermostatt 05/22/03t52,500 mile servicett$123.27 tt*wiper blade check - not operating properlyt adjusted wiper arms/replaced bladest ttt operating worse!t tt*front end shaking @ high speedst rotated tires - no change!t tt*replace front turn signal assemblyt completed satisfactorilyt 05/23/03tcar died while driving - stalled out at idlet wiring harness to tcm shorting outt $260.13 t *towed* removed tcm/cleaned/repairedt total out of pocket repairs (not including warranty items) $797.25
08/24/2003103/04/2000
 Smell of exhaust coming from under hood again. has been in shop number of times, check engine came on 50 miles after leaving dealership for repairs.runs very bad, same as before repairs. has been out of warrnety for while, pay for repairs out of pocket. *ak
430001
 During vehicle operation exhaust fumes are entering the passenger cabin.*ak
06/20/20033600015001/03/1998
 99 kia sportage surges when starting and idles so rough when stopped that you think the car will die, has died a few times. dealer has not been able to determine the cause to repair. all recall work was done, including the wiring harness fix sc014, but there was no symptom of problem then. extended warranty has expired, and continually finding problem with car. also tail pipe recently broke off had to be replaced. i now have a spreadsheet of the problems and repairs. would like to fix this problem if i knew what it was. had mass air flow sensor, throttle position sensor, numerous other parts replaced as well as a tune up. also the exhaust smells bad. engine doesn't have much pick up on small hills either. *nlm
08/01/19991000010005/25/1999
 Exhaust is sucked into the passenger compartment when the rear vinyl window releases from the track that is suppose to keep it secured and closed. the exhaust causes illness and headaches. the design of the window and exhaust pipe do not allow for an exhaust free passenger compartment. *jb
11/21/1999
 We bought a 1999 kia in november of 1999. since then we have had nothing but trouble with it. every six months there is something gone wrong with it.
01/02/2001
 There is a very strong smell that comes from back seat that can disrupt the driving. contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. *ak
10/16/2001102/10/2000
 Upon starting vehicle a smell came from exhaust. while driving smell intensified. took to dealer. mechanic stated smell was coming from tail pipe. *ak the consumer believes the exhaust fume was due to defective muffler and should be replaced. another center stated that the vehicle had bad odor from o2 sensor, catalytic converter or emission problems. *yh
107/28/1999
 After driving the kia for about one month, the vehicle began to emit a rotten egg smell, service manager explanation was that vehicle needed breaking in, later owner was told that the smell was coming from using cheap fuel, vehicle would not turn on because of left over fuel in the combustion chamber, not sure why engine light came on and vehicle stalled. *cj
12/08/200009/01/1999
 No lights on dashboard came on .this is one time engine check light did not come on. oil all over motor. around area of dip stick.pressure from motor blew out dip stick has anyone else had to replace motor on these cars? also have had brakes replaced 5 times. wiper assembly replaced. fourwheel drive hose replaced. windsheild replaced. emissons replaced. rotors 5 times. seats front and back 1 time each. soft top replaced 3 times need replaced again.smells like sulfur all the time. will never buy one again . first i have to pay 3000.00 for a new motor and pay this one off.asked for help from kia they said no.they will not replace motor. i bought extended warrenty . don't buy it doesn't cover brakes or rotors or hubs.had headlight switch by motor replaced no headlights they would go off when i put them from high beam to low beam or low to high. then they stopped working alltogether had to hold switch to see to get home.
07/01/1999
 I have sent the following e-mail both to kia and hyundai sevreal times and have not recieved a response.i have a 1999 sportgage convertible vin # kndja6235x5590866, after. no safety complaint. *ak
08/01/1999
 Vehicle has been experiencing exhaust leakage problem. vehicle has been at dealer's shop on five occasions, but problem continues to reoccur. dealer informed consume r that nothing colud be done. *ak
06/01/1999103/26/1999
 Consumer smelling fumes inside vehicle. nlm
110/01/1998
 Exhaust system smells of amonia. *mjs
06/15/1999106/01/1999
 I have a 1999 kia sportage which has a convertible top on the back part. when the inside air flow button is on it causes the top to flap so hard that the entire vehicle begins to shake. it also so cause such a vibration that it hurts your ears . but you donot always have to have the inside air flow on for this happen. when you get up to about 65 or 70 it will do it any way. there is know way you can travel at all with the inside air flow button in unless you want to go crazy. plus the shaking of the vehicle is also a nightmare i do belive it could cause someone to lose control . i have contacted the dealer about it before they tried to act as if they did not know what the problem was. but today i took it in and they admited their had been other complaints. they are going to replace the top but i donot think the dealer even thinks this will work. *ak
03/10/2000406/22/1999
 Consumer smelled exhaust fumes inside of vehicle and became sick. had to open windows for ventilation. dealer and manufacturer contacted, but unable to correct the problem. *ak *ml
 When appling accelerator, poor performance the vehicle will give off an amonia smell which makes the driver nauseous. dealer says it's normal mjs
109/01/1998
 Fumes enter passenger compartment while driving at highway speeds and when accelerating. nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
06/17/2003106/01/1999
 1999 kia sportage 4dr ecm trouble code 171 - left bank lean. dealership has had vehicle for over a week and is not able to fix. *ak
105/01/1999
 Oxygen sensor and air flow sensor failed. nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
08/24/20065
 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. last night the highway patrol office wanted to know why i would endanger my son's life in a car that won't stop or slides. that is a good question. why are any of these models still on the highway when there are so many things wrong with them. in looking at the complaints there were many that dealt with the brakes. at this point is there any recourse with the car? i don't feel that i can sell it outright honestly and put someones life in danger. the highway patrol officer made me feel like a neglectful parent by even letting my son drive the car. we even parked it for 6 months trying to decide what to do with the car. my son's car was in the repair shop, so he took the kia. i feel that the car is a death trap. *jb
11/01/200140000106/01/1999
 Catalytic converter was recalled and replaced by the dealer in 2001, rattling and not working correctly since (engine light on - diagnostic says converter), return to dealer approximately. 2 months later, they verified everything was ok, would not pass smog the next year, returned to dealer they say it is the converter again, will not pay to replace again. car runs with no power and is a danger on the road. *la
11/26/2002
 Consumer stated that the catalytic converter failed causing a distraction to the consumer. dealer notified. ts
11/09/20001
 The muffler and catalytic converter failed. (attorney for client). *slc
08/20/2000108/01/1999
 The heat shield on my catalytic converter rusted off,the manifold cracked,the muffler rusted through within a year,the widshield wiper transmission broke and was replaced,while the kia sportage is engaged in 4wd it pops out into two wheel drive and causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle.this has happened to me numerous times this winter and the recalled parts have now failed again causing kia to put in manual hubs from 1997 into my 1999 suv.i feel this is a danger to all who own a kia sportage and i have contacted a lawyer to look into possible litigation against kia.i have found a recall on a previouse modle from 1998 but the components seals are failing in the replacment parts hubs .thank in advance for your time and letting me inform you of this dangerouse situation...ed geisler. *ak
11/01/199903/01/1999
 Cd player replaced on 05/19/99 because a cd was stuck in it due to an electrical shortage (per kia service center), cd player will not accept cds and will eject them immediately since 08/15/1999, not replaced due to the units being on back order since july of 1999, service center investigated a possible fluid leak and found no leak on 11/11/99, service center investigated a horrible exhaust/cabron monoxide smell coming into cabin of vehicle, found no problems but they replaced the catalyst converter anyway. on 11/11/99 less than 10 minutes after picking up the vehicle, the horrible smell came back again 10 times worse than originally, had to wait an entire week to return the vehicle for service because they were booked up. on 11/17/99 returned vehicle to service department bec of continous exhaust/carbon monoxide smell in cabin causing terrible headaches. they claim to have replaced some kind of a canister but had no real documentation proving so. said they could not find a cause for the odors/fumes and gave me a rental car. after no responce from dealership in 48 hours as to a staus update, was told that a kia motors field representative would be coming to the dealership on 11/22/99 to look at the vehicle. on 11/22/99 was told the rep would be there on 11/23/99. on 11/23/99 was told he would be there on 11/24/99. on 11/24/99 was told by dealership owner to come pick up my vehicle in it's current un-repaired condition because the field rep. would not be out for another 2-4 weeks and the dealership could not afford to provide me with the rental car for that length of time. meanwhile, the cd player still has not been replaced or repaired and/or even looked at because 'they're on back order with our distributor and having to drive a vehicle that is putting exhaust/carbon monoxide odors/fumes into the cabin of the vehicle.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
11/09/20001
 The muffler and catalytic converter failed. (attorney for client). *slc
08/20/2000108/01/1999
 The heat shield on my catalytic converter rusted off,the manifold cracked,the muffler rusted through within a year,the widshield wiper transmission broke and was replaced,while the kia sportage is engaged in 4wd it pops out into two wheel drive and causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle.this has happened to me numerous times this winter and the recalled parts have now failed again causing kia to put in manual hubs from 1997 into my 1999 suv.i feel this is a danger to all who own a kia sportage and i have contacted a lawyer to look into possible litigation against kia.i have found a recall on a previouse modle from 1998 but the components seals are failing in the replacment parts hubs .thank in advance for your time and letting me inform you of this dangerouse situation...ed geisler. *ak