26th Nov 2007, 13:46

I was very saddened to read of the loss of two young lives in the previous comment. There is no excuse for poor work, but that seems to be were we are in this world now and it is costing us dearly. I too have a used Kia 97 4x4 and have been suspect of it's quality. I am reminded of the middle 70s and the Datsun and Fiat lines. Quick to make, quick to break. As of now the Kia will not idle smooth and there is no holding rpm between 1000 and 2000. It will drop to 800 or jump to 2500+. I am a fair mechanic, but this car is fighting me every step. Possibly it is the TPS and the IAC. Fuel injectors will be next. I will soon replace all unless someone has a idea.

25th Jan 2008, 20:57

Thank you to everyone who posted. I was considering purchasing a used 2002 KIA Sportage EX, and had my eye on a couple of them that were reasonably priced for the km's they had on them (I live in Ontario, Canada). I'm going to delay purchasing because of this thread! I once had leased a 2002 KIA Sportage not very long ago, and had to part with it for financial reasons. But during the time I had it, I did not: a) find my experience with the dealership from whom I bought it to be exceptional as to do business with them again; and b) I also experienced some common mechanical problems with mine that I read about in here. After careful consideration, I was going to go shopping for another used 2002 KIA Sportage, but I think that I've changed my mind. It's not worth the headache, and sounds like these vehicles will certainly empty my wallet very quickly!

CL

Toronto

28th May 2008, 00:50

I bought a 99 Kia Sportage convertible off the lot brand new with 90 miles on it. That was 9 years ago.

I have had some problems including the airbag light not going off, replaced the brakes, had a new timing belt, and recently a mass air flow sensor and a loose ground wire to the electric system that didn't let the car start at all.

I've been in accidents and had body work done on it, and the convertible top is coming apart at the seams literally, and with almost 140000 I still LOVE my Kia!!! Maybe it's just that it's a 99 and most of these were about 2000 models.

14th Sep 2008, 00:33

I bought a used 2000 Kia Sportage back in May of 2008. Since then I haven't had too many problems, except for the heat shield rattles very loudly and makes the car sound horrible.

Also, the car has no power; big diesel trucks drive on the highway next to our house, and when I pull out on to the highway the truck can be a mile away and I am scared it's going to hit me, because the car does not accelerate fast enough.

I really like Kia, my mom owns a Kia Sorento and it's awesome!!! But I am not having such a good time with my Kia.

Wish I would have taken a little bit more time to look around and see what was on the market!!!

15th Jan 2009, 02:27

Hi, my name is Bob from Malaysia.

Just bought a Kia Sportage 2000, in Malaysia they only have one model (hard top, 4 door,4X4, no airbags).

This past month I have changed the timing belt, water pump (necessary since I bought it second hand). It had done 93,000km when I got it.

Anyway, my problem is that the car won't start at times, the mechanic has had the immobilizer re-set with an computer; he says there's a chip in the key itself, the problem seems fixed, anyway, after reading your comments, all I can say is GOD HELP ME!!!

5th Feb 2009, 13:30

My daughter bought a 2000 KIA Sportage EX in May, 2008 with 70,000 miles on it. It ran very well until December, when the temperatures dropped very low. For the past 2 months it has failed to start right up, but takes turning the engine over and over and over. We have run the battery down at times. The mechanic had it for the past 6 weeks. After they repaired the TPS wiring, they said the computer indicated nothing wrong. They also checked the intake air controller. Then they tried a new crank sensor, and finally a new electronic fuel injector relay. Nothing solved the problem. They gave up and told me to pick the car up. I am going to try another mechanic, but I am afraid the comment by the last one might stand: there must be a gremlin in there.

11th Feb 2009, 09:07

For the last comment that was left on here. Put a block heater on the car. It's nothing wrong with the car... but when the weather is that cold, it won't start, any car won't, it's logic. Put a block heater on, plug it in, then no problems, it will start right up every time.

21st Feb 2009, 12:04

I have a 2000 Kia Sportage 4x4. It's hell, it over heats, leaking under the damn car, was rusty - they fixed that, and I fixed everything, then just two weeks ago the crap started over heating!!! I was very upset, but you know when you buy a car, make sure you know the owner, because I bought it from a friend of mine and she did not take good care of this car. I bought this car for 1000$ and I spent 2000$ in fixing it.

It has a weird smell of anti freeze. It was good to me for a whole year, now it's just giving up on me after I fixed this car, and if one more thing happens to it, I will surrender my plates and park the crap in my backyard!!!

11th Apr 2009, 18:23

Hi I have a 2000 KIA Sportage. I bought it from my son. The car will not start half of the time. I have put 600 in it for an oxygen sensor. Did not fix the problem. Put a new battery in it and it was OK for two weeks. Now I am being told by KIA that it needs a fuel relay and harness. There is a short in it. I am afraid to put any more money into the car. I am not sure if any really knows the problem with this year of car. I paid 2000 for it and 400 to have it shipped up from Florida. Then the 600 for the sensor and 75 for a battery. I am going to cut my losses. I love the way the car drives when it is running. I am scared to even buy a new Kia Sportage.