Five problems related to underhood wiring have been reported for the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving 34 mph smoke came from under the hood. Consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
My car will not get out of first gear. The kia coproration field experts cannot figure out what is wrong with it, they say it's a wiring nightmare, they refuse to take it to irvine (kia headquarters) because it is out of warranty. I believe they wiring harness recall of 1997 proves that the car has never been properly fixed, and I can't get any answers. My car has been at the mission bay kia dealership since 12-1-02, and I'm still waiting to find out what's wrong with it.
Vehicle stalled at 35 mph. Consumer smelled smoke, then saw flames coming from under the hood. Vehicle was totalled.
Consumer received a recall notice 99v325000, and had service department taken care off on Jun 13, 2000. Since then, problem has come back on and off for the past 6 months. Engine check light came on. And as soon as vehicle started to slow down it stalled. Dealer stated vehicle needed new wiring harness. Problem has been a ongoing since vehicle was purchased in sept. Of 1997. Servicle manager told consumer they corrected wiring harness problem. But, consumer felt work could have been incorrectly done.
Brakes- excessive braking distance when brakes applied; engine coolant system- vehicle over headed caused vents on dashboard to pop; electrical system under hood- continuous "check engine light" expensive repair bills; engine- shakes like an earthquake, stalls while driving, scared will cause accident/death.