26th Oct 2001, 11:58

I have a 2000 Kia Sportage 4W EX. It has had both front wheel hubs replaced. The dealer told me it was a wonder I was not killed. The front wheels were ready to fall off!

After this repair, while driving in 2w drive, the car would attempt to initiate 4W drive. I would lose control of the car with a severe clanging and bumping noise. This supposedly is repaired.

Next, on Oct 23, 2001, while driving from Atlanta to Chattanooga, I smelled antifreeze and noticed my temperature gauge was on the highest level of hot. I immediately pulled off the road. I had prompt towing service from KIA to the dealer in Chattanooga. The whole engine needs to be replaced since everything is fused together. KIA repair folks tell me they will have to get the new engine in before they know why it overheated. So I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and my KIA is in Chattanooga Tennessee... supposedly to be fixed by my return on November 9 2001. So do I feel safe in this vehicle? I WILL LEAVE IT TO YOU TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

Charles Wessel, cbw@pitt.edu

10th Oct 2002, 14:00

So far I have been pleased with our Kia. It now has 36,000 miles and has never been a problem. Kia does use cheap batteries and brake pads from the factory and will need replacing in about two years. We did have trouble with the 4 wheel drive, but I had the same trouble with my Chevy and my Dodge. these are problems that you don't have in other countries. Americans don't like having to get out and lock the hubs in so the manufacturers have replaced reliable locking hubs with vacuum hubs that don't work. Most people will never know the difference since they don't even use 4 wheel drive. Owning one make them feel strong and tough. I love my kia. It works well off road, has plenty of room for hunting and fishing outings and has never failed to start and run well.

14th Apr 2003, 09:46

My KIA has 68,000 miles n it and I have had to have the front hubs replaced, three window actuators, plus the four on the drivers door, the four wheel drive is making a metal to metal noise when activated, the front brakes need replacing every 20,000 miles or so, the muffler shield rattles when you start to go forward after stopping, but--the radio works good. Not my choice for my next car.

17th Oct 2003, 15:07

I have a Kia Sportage 2000. It has under 35000 miles. So far I have had to replace the brakes, struts and more. The windshield wiper motor stopped working on the car while we were driving it in the middle of a rainstorm. The rear passenger side seat belt (which is rarely used) will no longer retract. And now the rear driver side window will not go up and needs to have a new regulator put in. Piece of junk Kia!! I'm going back to Toyota!!

5th Dec 2003, 14:20

I am ready to replace the hubs AGAIN for the second time within a year. The 4WD went out on me this second time in a snowstorm just like it did the first time. I try to keep it active by engaging 4WD about once a month and almost always when it rains because I live in a hilly city. The first time I had it replaced I asked the service manager at the dealer if I was doing anything and he simply stated "Poor design." That's all I could get out of him. You wanna know what else? I never once recieved a recall in the mail from Kia, and I KNOW there should have been at least recall on the heat shield, I mean, come on... every person I met with a sportage has had the same problems!!!

16th Dec 2003, 11:24

Hello. I wished I would have found this website before I purchased this piece of garbage! I can't believe it. I bought this car used with 54,500 miles on it. When it hit 60,500, I noticed the speed in the car was gone. I took it to the shop and was told that it was a timing belt and a gasket problem. I had that fixed, but the check engine light would not go out, I had it checked again and now it's the O2 Sensors. There's also some black fluid coming out of the exhaust pipe. This is the worst car I've ever had and the funny thing about is Kia knows it. That's why they've stop making it!! And the warranty only last for 60,000 miles! I will never get another KIA!!

6th Dec 2006, 10:47

I own a 2000 Sportage. I had the 4 wheel drive replaced exactly one year ago. When I went to use it less than 12 months later it does not work again. The 4 wheel drive on the Sportage years 98-2002 is vacum sealed and the fixed was to double seal it. The system does not work and never will. So my dealer is putting in manual hubs for me. Yes, I need it not to make me feel safer, but because I live in the UP and we get snow storms almost daily in the winter, that is the reason I bought the car for the 4 wheel drive.

7th Dec 2006, 09:29

I recently bought a 2000 Sportage 4x2. I got a good price for it due to high mileage (92,000). I had to replace the radiator, fan clutch, thermostat, tires and front wheel bearings. I also had the exhaust system replaced. It runs great and I get great gas mileage. Note: get better mileage by adding one of those magnets to your fuel line. It really makes a difference... believe it or not. Bottom line; not a bad truck for the money.

4th Jan 2007, 17:35

I have a 1997 Sportage and it had 124K when I sold it. I didn't have any of these problems that you all are talking about. While it wasn't one of the best cars I've ever owned, it certainly wasn't the worst. Maybe you all need to learn how to properly maintain your vehicles.

17th Jan 2007, 21:15

I have a 2000 sportage the four wheel drive did go out, but was fixed by replacing the vacuum hose under the hood and from the wheel to the body. now I wonder about kia dealerships. they wanted almost 500.00 to replace the timing belt, 50.00 in parts and five hours later I replaced it. is it the truck or the dealership?

25th Jan 2007, 22:55

I own a 2000 KIA sportage, never had any major problems listed here, 4 x 4 works marvelously, fuel economy is great. Maybe not the greatest car I ever had, but not bad for the money I spend on it.

TIP: when you switching in 4x4 in driving, you have to put the shifter in neutral.

Also I found out that, when the check engine light is on, the car computer shows different codes usually the speed sensor is gone, then something else, etc.- My advice before you spend any money on sensors and else check the wiring, it will cost you less and you will fix the problem for good.

I like the car, not thinking of selling it. I am so sorry for everybody had a bad experience with it. Anyway it is just a car. Cheers.