VehicleVerdict

1997 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 299 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Sportage year — the 1997 model ranks #10 of 31 Sportage years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 46 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (63), airbags (39), and transmission (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

299

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

50

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

46

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted558 complaints1995: 88 complaints1996: 98 complaints1997: 299 complaints1998: 558 complaints1999: 493 complaints2000: 462 complaints2001: 354 complaints2002: 321 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 93 complaints2006: 169 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 138 complaints2009: 120 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 264 complaints2012: 454 complaints2013: 449 complaints2014: 154 complaints2015: 193 complaints2016: 182 complaints2017: 551 complaints2018: 221 complaints2019: 99 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 60 complaints2023: 303 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 86 complaints2026: 26 complaints
Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6321%
Airbags3913%
Transmission289%
Speed Control258%
Electrical System258%
Brakes207%
Fuel System196%
Other165%
Visibility & Wipers114%
Body & Structure114%
Suspension72%
Latches & Locks72%
Steering72%
Tires & Wheels72%
Seat Belts62%
Lighting52%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Seats10%

Does the 1997 Kia Sportage have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V216000Seat BeltsAugust 16, 2002 · 189,706 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

99V325000Electrical SystemNovember 19, 1999 · 76,986 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. 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, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CLIPS TO LOCK THE CONNECTORS TOGETHER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO SOLDER A SPLICE IN THE WIRE HARNESS.

97V234000Latches & LocksDecember 17, 1997 · 23,493 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MICROSWITCH ON THE REAR HATCH LOCK CYLINDER CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS TO UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY.

Consequence

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, SECURITY FROM UNWANTED INTRUSION INTO THE VEHICLE IS LOST.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNLOCK CIRCUIT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE STALLED AT 35 MPH. CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE, THEN SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 3, 2002 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING 10-20 MPH APPLIED ON BRAKES AND WITHOUT WARNING BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION. CONSUMER THEN TRIED TO SHIFT VEHICLE MANUALLY; HOWEVER, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR LEG INJURIES. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 28, 2001 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 10-20 MPH APPLIED ON BRAKES AND WITHOUT WARNING BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION. CONSUMER THEN TRIED TO SHIFT VEHICLE MANUALLY; HOWEVER, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR LEG INJURIES. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 28, 2001 · crash

“DT: KIA SPORTAGE 1997, VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE, AFTER THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IT KEPT SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE HAD A BENT FRAME. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 3, 1999 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 10-20 MPH APPLIED ON BRAKES AND WITHOUT WARNING BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION. CONSUMER THEN TRIED TO SHIFT VEHICLE MANUALLY; HOWEVER, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR LEG INJURIES. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 28, 2001 · crash

1997 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 1997 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 299 complaints put the 1997 model at #10 of 31 Sportage years. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (63 complaints), airbags (39 complaints), transmission (28 complaints).

Does the 1997 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sportage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage years to avoid are 1998, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2001, 2002, 2023, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2020, 2015, 2016, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Sportage years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.