Photo: order_242 from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
1997 Kia Sportage: common problems and reliability
217 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 Sportage?The 1997 Kia Sportage has 217 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and air bags.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Kia Sportage vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the Sportage?
Across the 29 Sportage model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2003) to 399 (2017). With 217 complaints, the 1997 Sportage sits above the model's median of 131.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 Sportage
seat belts:front:buckle assembly
Campaign 02V216000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 99V325000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.
latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock
Campaign 97V234000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MICROSWITCH ON THE REAR HATCH LOCK CYLINDER CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE POWER DOOR LOCKS TO UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a polarized ownership experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sportage. See the full Sportage owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sportage listings typically run $17,749–$24,718.
Other Sportage model years
Compare every Sportage year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sportage against its rivals
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