Two problems related to catalytic convertor have been reported for the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Kia has issued a voluntary recall of its 1998 Sportage sport utility vehicles to replace the manifold catalytic converter. This same problem has also happened to my 1997 Sportage. A friend of mine has the same model and year as my Sportage and the problem has happened to her vehicle also. I think this recall needs to be extended to the 1997 Sportages also. The car will not pass emmisions inspections and I dont think I should have to pay for a problem that was caused by the manufacturer.
Exhaust fumes were coming into the vehicle,and noticed the catalytic converter was hot. Dealer replaced the catalytic converter and rerouted wire. After four months, and just being released again from dealer, exhaust fumes reappeared. Consumer did a 60 mph drive, and driver/passenger, and child felt sick. Went to the hopspital and were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.