Common Kia Sportage Problems

by Jennifer Garcia

Like all man-made things, vehicles can oftentimes have flaws. However, there are some vehicles that seem to have more flaws than others. Kia, whose parent company is Hyundai, seems to have a few flaws in its Kia Sportage model. In fact, there have been so many people who've had the same complaints, that the Internet is flooded with message boards where people have posted their problems and experiences with their Sportages. The most common problem by far is the Sportage model stalling out while it's running. This problem seems to be common in the Sportage models ranging from 1998 to 2000. However, other models have also had the same sorts of problems.

Biggest Complaint

The most common problem among Sportages seems to be the engine becoming idle or stalling while the vehicle is in motion. This problem has often been attributed to a faulty EGI control relay or a fuel pump that's failed. The best way to remedy this problem is to replace both of the items at the same time to ensure that the other one doesn't fail and cause the problem all over again.

Check Engine

The check engine light popping on randomly is another problem that Sportage owners have encountered. There are a few different things that can cause this. The first is a leak occurring at the intake ports. It could also be caused by the rubber regulator being destroyed. Regulator leaks can also contribute to this problem. Have a certified technician check your vehicle to single out the problem.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are not uncommon to the Sportage, either. Steel fuel-storage tanks have been found to leak gasoline, which can cause a fire. If you suspect that your Sportage is leaking gasoline, take it to your dealership immediately. Do not try to fix the problem yourself, though you may need to patch the leak in order to get it to your dealer in a safe manner.

ESC

The electronic stability control (ESC) light popping on is another common problem found in the Kia Sportage. The ESC function is supposed to stabilize the remaining three tires if one becomes disabled, however, the light is not supposed to be on constantly. In some cases, the vehicle has to have the wiring re-done in order to fix the problem.

Considerations

Most people who have complained about their Sportages feel strongly about their problems. This is probably true about others who own different brands of vehicles, as well. While all vehicles are subject to problems and flaws in their design, it seems that there are a few problems that can be commonly found in Sportages.