Sportage (2001)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Kia Sportage Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Kia Sportage, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2001 Kia Sportage
On a used 2001 Kia Sportage, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the fuel system (62), the engine (45) and the cooling system (44). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints on the 2001 Kia Sportage about the fuel system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on the 2001 Kia Sportage about the engine.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2001 Kia Sportage about the cooling system.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 27 owner complaints on the 2001 Kia Sportage about the body and structure.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 26 owner complaints on the 2001 Kia Sportage about the brakes.
Recalls (2)
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2001 Kia Sportage complaints?
Owners have filed 227 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Kia Sportage. The systems they name most often are the fuel system, the engine and the cooling system.
Is the 2001-2001 Kia Sportage a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 227 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Kia Sportage. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA has 227 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 Kia Sportage as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2001-2001 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2001-2001 Kia Sportage vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Sportage?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the fuel system, the engine and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Sportage have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001 Kia Sportage. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 227 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.