1996 Kia Sportage: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 57 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% 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 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer was traveling at 25 mph in foggy conditions when suddenly she lost sight of the road and proceeded to strike a tree head on. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2004
“The passenger side door speaker caught on fire while listening to the radio . Fortunately my wife was able to put the fire out with her jacket. The fire burned part of the door panel. *jb”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 2003
“The driver-side seat belt fastener will not work. I have contacted kia, but they say that this item is not covered by warranty. I have not abused this piece of equipment and I have never had a seat belt fail (in any other car-- nor heard of this) because it comes unlatched. I am really concerned about this as it seems I will need to pay for the new seat belt fastener. Ts”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. Upon impact, airbags deployed, but lap and shoulder belt didn't hold. Consumer was thrown into window and sustained injuries. *ak *yh”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2002
“Air bags deployed inadvertently while parked. Dealer has been notified. *ak consumer stated that while sitting in the vehicle keys not in ignition, the airbag deployed and caused injury on her face and legs. *yd”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2001
“While driving, seat belt detaches. When driving more than 35-40 mph consumer has to depress brakes harder than usual. *ak consumer states there was an accident and that there were problems with the belts detaching 2-3 months prior to the accident, one person was injured in the accident, consumer did not list the cause of the accident. *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2001
“The car's rear left tire detached from the vehicle. The lug nuts and the assembly where intact. From what the body shop told me the ball bearings melted causing the casing where the bolts go to detach. I'm not a mechanic so I don't know the details but if you need further information please do not hesitate to contact the body shop that's working on the car. I can get you that information if you request it. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2001
“I was involved in an accident at the speed of 40 mph and the air bag did not inflate. The impact between my chest and the steering wheel left me with bruised ribs. I am very appreciative that the accident or the injury was not severe. If you can look into a couple of my concerns, 1) at which speed should the air bag deploy, 2) if it was to deploy at 40mph then what should be my next step towards kia to verify that this doesn't happen to any one again. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2000
“Consumer was traveling about 40 mph on highway and another vehicle veered into her vehicle, causing an accident. Upon impact, frontal airbags didn't go off. There were slight injuries. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2000
“When the brakes were applied in a panic stop pedal was normal, and vehicle experienced extended stopping, causing a collision which resulted in injuries. Also, airbags did not deploy. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified and will not cooperate at all. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 27 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY COULD BIND OR STICK DURING OPERATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MICROSWITCH ON THE REAR HATCH LOCK CYLINDER CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS TO UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE REAR HATCH DOOR UNLOCK CIRCUIT.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 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 1996 Kia Sportage reliable?
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Kia Sportage. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Kia Sportage problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,075 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Kia Sportage have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal. 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.