1995 Kia Sportage: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 56 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (24% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 mph the engine locked causing lose of power. There is a special campaign #011, regarding the catalytic converter. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the campaign; however it is not included in the campaign due to the VIN.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2006
“Consumer states while crossing a bridge the rear axle and tire flew off, consumer was able to keep control and come to a stop. Towed to a mechanic, and mechanic stated that the differentral needs replacing. Please provide any further information. Mr”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2002
“Car has stalled in major intersections 6 times now and returned to dealer 4 times. The dealer is unable to find a problem. Occupant of vehicle narrowly missed a major collision twice. The car stalls but electrical power still there. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“I purchased this vehicle in 1997 and have replaced 4 catalytic converters in 5 years. There was a recall in 2000, and we replaced it the 4th time during my ownership. It is out again and I am getting from kia customer service that I must pay for it. I think this part is seriously faulty for it to changed out so many times. Why do I have to pay for it and then have to go through this every year or so as long as I own the vehicle. I really would appreciate any help from you. Thank you, [xxx]. *ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2001
“These are replacement seat belts. The original ones also stopped working. Both manufacturer and dealer were contacted. They said vehicle was no longer under warranty (< 34k miles). NHTSA notified 2 years ago. Now these belts are failing constantly. Latch mechanism is not holding. It slips out. Rear doors would not lock due to latch failures. *slc”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Feb 2001
“After starting vehicle could hear a lot of ticking inside of engine. Had taken vehicle to a technician, and the hydraulic lifters had been replaced three times*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2000
“The engine will start up and stay at aprox 3000 rpm for at least 30 seconds. A few times it would not start at all. Twice the rpms jumped while each my wife and I were driving it and almost caused accidents. The locking hubs on the four wheel drive are not unlocking. It caused some sliding in the rain going around a corner. The wheels always turn at the same rate around corners. The trim is coming loose around the windshield. The transmission is rough when I shift, and during driving it will some times surge forward and back. Too much play in the steering wheel.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2000
“Horn failed to operate/ all of the power windows failed to operate properly/ instrument panel brake light would come on whenever the brake pedal was applied, and driver's seat belt would come unlatched while driving. Dealer notified and refused to assist the consumer in any of these concern. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2000
“Both front seats collapsed backwards in the wreck, luckily my daughter was sitting in the middle of the rear seat. If anyone had been sitting in the window seats, their legs would have been pinned in by the collapsed front seats”Owner report · Seats · Dec 1999
“Contacted dealership about the exhaust system/catalytic converter. Took vehicle to dealership. After arriving, was informed that no parts were available. Would order parts & contact owner. So far no contact with dealership on catalytic converter. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
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.
THE NUTS ATTACHING THE REAR AXLE BEARING OIL SEAL RETAINERS AND BRAKE BACKING PLATES TO THE REAR AXLE HOUSING MAY BE UNDER- TORQUED CAUSING THESE UNITS TO LOOSEN OR FALL OFF.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETORQUE THE REAR AXLE BEARING OIL SEAL RETAINER NUTS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1995 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sportage by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Kia Sportage reliable?
NHTSA has 56 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Kia Sportage. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 Kia Sportage problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 111,500 miles or less.
Does the 1995 Kia Sportage have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.