Went to engage 4X4 in bad blizzard and got only grinding noise and no increase in traction. Dealer states hubs are corroded and vacuum seals and hoses need to be replaced. Seems to be a very common complaint. What good is a 4X4 if it is not working when you need it? dealer does not acknowledge common complaint.

- Conifer, CO, USA

Was going off to work on 3 different snow days engaged vehicle 4X4 (at least according to the idiot light I was ) proceeded to work so I slid all over the road and got stuck in 2 inches of snow. After 3rd attempt contacted dealer to ask if it was a known cause and they told me yes that there was a tsb for a new hub assembly. Cause the inner seals are failing due to the manufactures design of the 4X4 vacuum /seal system, I asked that if this is a failure in the design should the Kia manufactures have made a recall for this defect in their workmanship, and was told "no" there is a fix for it but my 4X4 is not a safety issue it was a convenience issue and it would cost me $1000 dollars to fix, when I ask why wasn't it fixed in 2001 when I had it in for a 4X4 concern they told me that the tsb wasn't issued then but have found on different web sights that it was..so to solve my own problem I ask the head technician at what use to be lynnfield Kia "what caused the failure and is there a better solution" his response was we don't repair we just replace...I feel if its a manufacturer defect in design it should be a recall.

- Revere, MA, USA

I purchased this Kia Sportage in November of 2004 with 36000 miles. Noticed tranmission slipping during cold start up. Brought back to dealer and was told this is normal. January 2005 cars idle and handling is becoming a hazard. Car fishtales regardless of degree of turn or amount of dampness on the road. Car is also shuddering when put into four wheel drive. March of 2005 was driving at about 50 when I heard a grinding noise from the left front wheel which got louder as I drove to get to the side of the road. As I pulled over the wheels locked and I heard a snapping sound as I skidded to a stop. I could not move the car, tried a few times and finally did get the car home. Brought to atlantic Kia and was told I needed a whole hub assembly. The inner seals were rotted and this allowed water and dust to enter the assembly and cause it to fail. This is a problem known to Kia as I called and had words with them about there knowlege of this problem and was told that as long as it is not a recall there is nothing they will do to fix this problem of defective seals. I also asked if someone had to die before they made this a recall. He didnt have an answer.

- Lindenhurst, NY, USA