1997 Kia Sportage: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Kia Sportage: 3 recalls, 181 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #97V234000 · 1997 · 23,493 vehicles
What's wrong: A microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently.
Why it matters: Should this occur, security from unwanted intrusion into the vehicle is lost.
The fix: Dealers will modify the rear hatch door unlock circuit.
Electrical Vehicle recall #99V325000 · 1999 · 76,986 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition can cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #02V216000 · 2002 · 189,706 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle May "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Owner notification began December 20, 2002.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 24 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (56): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (28), warning light on (10), electrical failure (6).
- Airbags (39): the most common themes are fails to deploy (13).
- Transmission & drivetrain (25): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7), hard / delayed shifting (7).
- Speed control / throttle (22): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (7).
The 1997 Kia Sportage has 181 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 31 Sportage model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 152). Complaints peaked in 2000 (46 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 82,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (57 complaints, 3 recalls), 1998 (303 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Kia Sportage.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Kia Sportage problems?
Owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (56), airbags (39), transmission & drivetrain (25).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Kia Sportage repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.