VehicleVerdict

2001 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 354 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Sportage year — the 2001 model ranks #7 of 31 Sportage years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 25 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (65), engine (56), and electrical system (32), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

354

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System6518%
Engine5616%
Electrical System329%
Brakes278%
Body & Structure247%
Transmission236%
Airbags216%
Suspension206%
Visibility & Wipers195%
Speed Control113%
Seat Belts103%
Other103%
Lighting82%
Tires & Wheels82%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)72%
Steering51%
Latches & Locks41%
Seats41%

Does the 2001 Kia Sportage have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY 2001 KIA SPORTAGE HAD A STRONG GAS ODOR FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER TO GET A NEW GAS CAP. THE ODOR BECAME STRONGER AND I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR AT AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE STATION. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW GAS TANK. THE TANK WAS CORRODED AND LEAKING. I HAD THE GAS TANK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 15, 2007

“WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE. WHEN CONSUMER PULLED INTO A DRIVEWAY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. *AK THE CONSUMER'S ATTORNEY BELIEVED IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE'S STRUCTURE. KIA DENIED ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 22, 2003 · fire

“TL*THE 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 13, 2006 · fire

“BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND BRAKES APPEARED TO BE WORKING FINE. BUT, AS THE VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP PEDAL WAS HARD, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE IN REAR. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“2001 KIA SPORTAGE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER REGISTERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING HOT. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED.*MR THE COOLANT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED, THE REAR HATCH PANEL INSIDE FELL OFF, NEW CLIPS WERE INSTALLED. REPLACED MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH, TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 1, 2005

2001 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 2001 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 354 complaints put the 2001 model at #7 of 31 Sportage years. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (65 complaints), engine (56 complaints), electrical system (32 complaints).

Does the 2001 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.