Kia Motor Sportage owners have reported 4 traction control system related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common traction control system problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's traction control system (4 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Traction Control System problems |
Electronic stability system (ess) doesn't work on cold days. When starting car ess off light is on and the ess system won't work. Took car to dealer in spring 2010 and dealer indicated that problem was a bad brake light switch. Dealer replaced switch and ess appeared to be repaired. Cold weather hit again and the ess doesn't work again.
2002 kia Sportage 4wd has a vacuum-hub system, I have been researching on the internet and have found that this has a history of failure, however there is no way of knowing that the 4wd is not engaged,because the indicator on the dashboard lights whether or not the 4wd is working. This is a common ongoing problem in these vehicles, the solution would be to install manual hubs,however kia does not offer to pay for this option to its consumers. I live in wisconsin and am a single mother and depend upon the 4 wheel drive to get me through the wisconsin winters, now that the 4 wheel drive is not working I get stuck in the smallest amount of snow, and feel like a idiot calling aaa to tow me out all the time. I think that this problem should be made into a recall especially since I only have 56,000 miles on the vehicle and am the original owner.
The frame, behind the rear wheels, rusted to the point of not passing inspection in 2009. It could have led to a problem in an accident with collapse and crushing the gas tank.
The contact owns a 2009 kia Sportage which was purchased in September 2009. He stated that the traction control was dangerous and if there was very little wheel slip, the engine would slow down almost to a stall and the rpms would idle very high. The traction control would not allow him to depress the accelerator while functioning . His concern was that following vehicles would not be aware of the vehicle slowing down and could potentially crash into the rear of the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and could not assist with his concerns. He wanted to have the traction control shut off; however, that was not an option. The failure and current mileages were under 5,522.