The Lemon Index2001 Kia Sportage.
The 2001 Kia Sportage is worse than average by owner complaints: 113 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 191, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 17 to 19 mpg combined. The best Kia Sportage year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 228 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Kia Sportage year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 34K to 92K miles on the car (125 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- fuel system, gasoline complaints mostly came at 51K–89K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 17K–64K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 38K–139K miles
Recalls 2
- lights 2009
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- lights 2009
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 13 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during…
- Technical service bulletin: service action: front camera operation logic improvement (sa449) -…
- Technical service bulletin: information for headlamp condensation and moisture - this bulletin…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFuel tank leakage2006–2007
- ClosedSeat belt buckle false latch/malfunction2003–2004
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Consumer stated when driving 55mph vehicle will intermittenly lose all power and emit a "burning wire" smell. Dealer is unable to diagnose cause. Ts
2001 Kia Sportage owner · NHTSA complaint 8024124
More owner reports
Consumer states vehicle cuts off at any given time without warning. Consumer states he almost had an accident when the auto cut off in the middle traffic. This has happened twice.
NHTSA complaint 8010786
Brake pedal was applied and brakes appeared to be working fine. But, as the vehicle was coming to a complete stop pedal was hard, and vehicle continued to roll, hitting another vehicle in rear. Dealer has not been contacted.
NHTSA complaint 880842
Quick answers
Is the 2001 Kia Sportage reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 191; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Sportage year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2001 Kia Sportage problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (27%), brakes (15%) and airbags (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Kia Sportage have?
2 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Kia Sportage get?
17 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Kia Sportage problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 34,800 and 92,000 miles. The middle report was at 65,500 miles, from 125 complaints.
Does the 2001 Kia Sportage have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2001 Kia Sportage cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Kia Sportage have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Kia Sportage year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2022 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works