One problem related to engine has been reported for the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle would jerk. Engine check light kept coming on. Vehcle would overheat & fail to start. Also, vehicle had revved while at stop light due to fast idle . The ported passage hole was too small. It needed to be wider according to mechanic. Driveshaft broke twice in last 6 months.