One problem related to engine shut off without warning has been reported for the 2001 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Kia Motor Sportage based on all problems reported for the 2001 Sportage.
I purchased my kia Sportage on 6/29/11 with 90000 miles on it. I am the second owner. I also purchased a one year warranty/10,000 miles. After 2 weeks of driving my car would turn off while driving on the highway. First time scared the crap out of me had not control was able to put car in neutral and apply emergency break with no steering. Car started back up. Brought to dealership, dealership said there was no way possible of this occurring. I then did research online and saw that many other kia Sportage owners were having the same problem. Printed out the information from other owners and brought back to dealership. They said my battery housing was loose and they repaired. A week later my car shut off again while driving on highway. Took bag to kia they then replaced my battery and wires. No problems for a year same issue again. Car stalled while driving. I cant believe I have yet to get in a car accident. This time my warranty was up and I had to pay for a new battery and wires and the holder that the battery sits on because they said it was defective. It is now 5/9/2013. Today my car shut off again on the highway. I wasliving in new york and now san antonio texas. I have also gone through three thermostats in 6 months due to defects. This is ridiculous. Kia needs to recall the car not starting issue immediately.