This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Rear frame rust/rot is incredibly excessive. Noticed today while checking tire pressure. Entire underside of frame is completely rusted through. Rear cross member in terrible shape. Visible deterioration happened quickly. Purchasing the car in 2012 there was no sign of rot on the frame. Now I feel uncomfortable driving the car, or selling it to someone else for that matter. As a mechanical engineer, the integrity of the square tube frame is compromised to the point that safety in a rear end collision is in question, any kind of trailer load would be impossible and unsafe. Really a danger to the general public because it could fail at any time.
While driving, 4 wheel drive will kick in intermittently on its own. Vehicle has been taken to dealer numerous times, cannot find cause. Consumer adds the catalyst had to be replaced. There is an oil leak and front end was serviced 3 times.
After picking up daughter from the daycare consumer was driving down the street, travelling about 45mph, all of a sudden vehicle started swaying from left to right and lost control. Was able to maneuver and pulled over to side of road. Contacted the dealer, and had the vehicle towed.
The 4- wheel drive fails to work properly. Vehicle also makes hideous noises & the steering wheel shakes very badly. Took the vehicle back to the dealer numerous times to solve the problem. Noises and vibrations are getting worse.
- Winterport, ME, USA
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I purchased a leftover new 1998 Sportage 4X4 on 4/12/99. The vehicle was manufactured on 3/31/98. I brought my vehicle for autobody repairs on Thursday 5/13/99 with 592 miles on it. When I picked up my vehicle on moday 5/17/99 with 594 miles on it the lifters were making a horrible tapping noise. I was informed by the service manager that the noise was due to the vehicle being in storage for over a year and when purchased by myself that a new oil filter and oil change should have been done. After numerous attempts I finally got him to put it in writing and I now have the document as proof. My question is how does a lifter go bad at 594 miles and why didn't a large company such as Kia have the insight to provide better customer service upon purchase of a vehicle. I have acessed your complaint files for the 1998 Sportage and it printed 21 pages. Can all those consumers be wrong? I do not think so, I feel my SUV is on its way to being the lemon that attacked New York. If I was advised of your website prior to my purchase I would have definitely looked to other auto makers. Thank you for your informative site, but I feel that this problem is just the beginning!!!( dot number: )
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- Athens, OH, USA