Axle Assembly Problems of Kia Motor Sportage

Kia Motor Sportage owners have reported 13 problems related to axle assembly (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Kia Motor Sportage based on all problems reported for the Sportage.

1 Axle Assembly problem of the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 11/21/2005

I have a 1999 kia Sportage with less than 35,000 miles on it as of July 5, 2006. In November of 2005 I started noticing a really strong fuel smell. Shortly thereafter I noticed fluid leaking from the rear of my vehicle. I took it in around thanksgiving to find out that the gas tank had to be replaced. I had to pay almost $1,000 for this repair. Also, in may of 2006 power steering fluid leaked all over my garage while the car was in summer storage. Upon further investigation it is due to the power steering pressure hose damping pipe rusting out. This car has also already have to get new front brake rotors (rusted/warped) as well as a new exhaust pipe since the previously one rusted off the muffler. Within the first couple years one of the bearings went bad and they ended up replacing the whole front axle unit. This car has had many problems and with less than 35,000 miles on it basically makes me sick to my stomach. . Read more...

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2 Axle Assembly problem of the 2001 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 08/15/2005

2001 kia Sportage 4 dr with 50,000 miles failed inspection because of broken wheel bearing and right idler arm. I had these repaired, fortunately, under warranty. I'm disappointed and angry that such cheap parts were used in manufacturing (discovered broken at 50,000 miles) which greatly increases the risk for an accident. Not a safe vehicle and will not buy another based on the quality of the manufacturing.

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3 Axle Assembly problem of the 2000 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 01/14/2004

Rotors and pads were replaced every 10,000 miles. The last time vehicle was repaired the rotors/pads and calipers were replaced. Consumer stated brakes were replaced three times. Dealer claimed there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Also dealer replaced left and right axles.

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4 Axle Assembly problem of the 2000 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 11/25/2003

While driving, the consumer heard a loud clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealerships mechanic informed the consumer that the problem was pertaining to the rear axle, but the mechanic was unable to resolve the problem.

5 Axle Assembly problem of the 2000 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 06/12/2001

While driving 65 mph heard a grinding sound from left front wheel. Then, 3 loud clicks. She pulled over to check wheel, and was able to move left front tire back and forth with both hands about 2 inches. She then drove at a slow speed to nearest dealer. Dealer replaced dust boots on both front wheels/ replaced bearings, and both ends of axle. On the way home after this repair, vehicle made same noise again. Vehicle at dealer at this time. Dealer stated this was a known problem on 2000 Sportage.

6 Axle Assembly problem of the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 02/03/2001

While traveling 55mph rear axel broke and right rear tire came off, and wheel area caught on fire. Took to dealer and has been repaired.

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7 Axle Assembly problem of the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 01/20/2000

Vehicle experienced the following problems: 1. ) dealer replaced passenger's air bag due to an electrical short; 2. ) front axle failed, causing vehicle to jerk while making a full left turn/ replaced by dealer, and 3. ) front right tire was replaced because of a bubble on tire.

8 Axle Assembly problem of the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 04/01/1998

This vehicle is garbage - both front window motors-replaced. Transmission replaced, and is now acting up again. Rear-end replaced, acting up, engine squeals, dealer can't hear it, burning anti-freeze smell upon warmup, temp gauge goes crazy, in 4wd vehicle does not want to turn, only wants to go straight, makings hard "clunking" noise if you attempt to turn. The yugo was a better vehicle!.

9 Axle Assembly problem of the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage

Wheel bearing and hubs cracked, causing the metal to grind when making a right turn. Also when applying the brakes, pedal goes to the floor, cause unknown. Was advised by midas not to drive vehicle- wheele could come off.

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10 Axle Assembly problem of the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage

Consumer had recall for the rear axle and bearings remedied in 08/99. According to dealer's diagnostic, the components have failed again ,and could cause wheels to become detached from vehicle while driving.

11 Axle Assembly problem of the 1997 Kia Motor Sportage

This vehicle has been a problem from the day that I purchased it, engine failed and it was in shop for two months, transmission failed, the rear end failed, the fuel economy switch failed, then the transmission failed again, and the transmission has failed three times since July, 2000. I have had two near accidents on the interstate due to these mechanical failures. I have tried for over two years to contact a kia represenative but they will not respond to my complaints . The dealer is no help, they only give you the delay game. I have a vehicle that is no good, it is unsafe to drive and a danger to put on the road. It continually has problems and I am having to make payments on it. Please help.

12 Axle Assembly problem of the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage

Many safety problems please help. Vehicle has stalled 4 times at highway speeds and the dealer says they cannot duplicate the problem somebody is going to be killed or seriously injured. 4 wheel drive inoperable during severe snowstorm. Blower motor for the heater has been replace twice now both times subzero weather. The starter was rewired once and then replace twice, every time vehicle was inoperable and had to be towed. Catalytic convertor replaced once so far. Driver side wiper arm broke off at 55 mph during rainstormspare tire release replaced two times now first time couldn't open it, second time it wouldn't shut. Water coming in from somewhere running along the bottom of the glove box dealer doesn't have time to look at it. Muffler assembly replaced as well as the battery after all the starter problems. I hpe somebody does something with these vehicles before some major tradgedies occur, I already saw at least one fatality on the complaint board while skimming over it. I have called the district manager several times only to be told I was the only one complaining about these safety issues and the last time I spoke with him he hung up on me. I have two small children and I am not sure how safe this vehicle really is.

13 Axle Assembly problem of the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage

I can send you a email I sent to channel 7 out here in denver colo. No safety defect stated in summary.


Other Common Power Train related problems of Kia Motor Sportage


Safety Ratings of Sportage Cars
Fuel Economy of Sportage Vehicles
Sportage Defect Investigations