Total Complaints
462 filings
KIA SPORTAGE · model year
2000 KIA SPORTAGE
462 NHTSA complaints, 27 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2000KIASPORTAGE carries 462 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 27 crashes, 8 fires, 20 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2000 SPORTAGE is fuel system, gasoline with 33 filings, followed by fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly (22) and visibility:power window devices and controls (13). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2000 SPORTAGE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
462
Complaints
27
Crashes
8
Fires
20
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
27 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 33 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 22 |
| VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 13 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 13 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 12 |
| POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) | 12 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 12 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 11 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 11 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11 |
| SUSPENSION | 10 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 10 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 10 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 10 |
Recalls (4)
00V20500027/07/2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. THESE VEHICLES WERE DISTRIBUTED WITH OWNERS MANUALS WITH AN INCORRECT JUMP START DIAGRAM. THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR JUMP STARTING ARE ACCURATE. HOWEVER, THE DIAGRAM DEPICTS THE JUMPER CABLES ATTACHED TO THE WRONG POLARITY TERMINALS. IF THE DIAGRAM
04V30500024/06/2004
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.
09E02500011/05/2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
09E01200007/04/2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
Recent Complaints
20200406FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK LEAKING GAS I BELIEVE THE FUEL TANK IS NO GOOD ANYMORE I PURCHASE A VEHICLE FILL UP THE TANK AND START TO LEAK GAS I THOUGHT IT WAS A GASKET SO GASKET WAS PLACED AND IT'S STILL LEAKING
20170512FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL, LOOKED UNDER CAR AND NOTICED GAS DRIPPING FROM UNDER CAR. UPON FURTHER LOOKING I NOTICED THE GAS TANK PROTECTIVE PLATE IS ROTTING OUT WHICH MAKES ME BELIEVE THE GAS TANK IS TOO.
Mileage: 133,000
20170303AIR BAGS
NO AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL, BRAKES GOES DOWN TO FLOOR, OXYGEN SENSOR BAD IN BANK ONE, POPPING IN TIRES. MY FRAME CAN BREAK FROM CAR AT ANY TIME, DEALER KNEW I HAD KIDS, WE COULD GET SERIOUSLY HURT RIDING IN THIS CAR.
20170303SERVICE BRAKES
NO AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL, BRAKES GOES DOWN TO FLOOR, OXYGEN SENSOR BAD IN BANK ONE, POPPING IN TIRES. MY FRAME CAN BREAK FROM CAR AT ANY TIME, DEALER KNEW I HAD KIDS, WE COULD GET SERIOUSLY HURT RIDING IN THIS CAR.
20170303UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL, BRAKES GOES DOWN TO FLOOR, OXYGEN SENSOR BAD IN BANK ONE, POPPING IN TIRES. MY FRAME CAN BREAK FROM CAR AT ANY TIME, DEALER KNEW I HAD KIDS, WE COULD GET SERIOUSLY HURT RIDING IN THIS CAR.
20161212UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2000 KIA SPORTAGE RECALL - HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT
20160503ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE FAN BLADE DETACHED AND WENT THROUGH THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,477.
Mileage: 128,477
20160225STRUCTURE:BODY
2000 KIA SPORTAGE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, RIGHT FRAME HAS A HUGE HOLE, MY CHILD IS AT RISK CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ALSO LOCKS DON'T WORK, BATTERY DIES, SEATBELTS SUCK, RADIO GOES OFF ...
20160225STEERING
2000 KIA SPORTAGE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, RIGHT FRAME HAS A HUGE HOLE, MY CHILD IS AT RISK CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ALSO LOCKS DON'T WORK, BATTERY DIES, SEATBELTS SUCK, RADIO GOES OFF ...
20160225VISIBILITY/WIPER
2000 KIA SPORTAGE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, RIGHT FRAME HAS A HUGE HOLE, MY CHILD IS AT RISK CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ALSO LOCKS DON'T WORK, BATTERY DIES, SEATBELTS SUCK, RADIO GOES OFF ...
20151112STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME RUSTED
20140814FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GAS TANK IS LEAKING GASOLINE. *TR
Mileage: 141,500
20140722FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK/PAN RUSTED OUT. STRONG GAS ODOR. RECALL FOUND ONLINE. NEITHER DEALER NOR KIA WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE. RECEIVING NUMEROUS MISFIRE MESSAGES AND HAVE CHANGED PLUGS, COILS, AND WIRES. MISFIRE CODE STATES FUEL/AIR RATIO IS WRONG. THERE IS NO HISS WHEN OPENING GAS CAP AND NO PRESSURE REGISTERING FROM TANK. SAFETY AND FIRE ISSUE. WAS WARNED NOT TO DRIVE UNTIL FIXED DUE TO GAS LEAKAGE. VERY UPSET AT KIA FOR TELLING ME THAT RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO MY 2000 SPORTAGE, HOWEVER SHE STATED IT WAS FOR 1996-2002 SPORTAGES. WAS INFORMED I COULD PAY $92/HOUR FOR IT TO BE INSPECTED BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CHARGES. VERY DISTURBING, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS VEHICLE USED TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY AND NOW I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE. *TR
Mileage: 123,041
20140404FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL GUARD WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 179,000.
Mileage: 179,000
20140306SUSPENSION
THE STRUCTURE IS ROTTEN AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS AND CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR
Mileage: 160,000
20140306STRUCTURE:BODY
THE STRUCTURE IS ROTTEN AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS AND CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR
Mileage: 160,000
20140203FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING. I NEED TO HAVE KIA TO REPLACE THIS TANK. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME TO KEEP DRIVING. I HAVE CHILDREN AND I AM CONCERN FOR THEIR SAFETY AS WELL AS MY OWN. *TR
20130924STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,066.
Mileage: 101,066
20130715SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RUSTED FRONT BRAKE LINES. WHILE VEHICLE WAS ON THE LIFT THE FRAME WAS FOUND TO BE COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU IN MANY PLACES MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Mileage: 152,033
20130627CrashAIR BAGS
ON APRIL 12, 2013 I GOT INTO MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE TO GO TO WORK. AS SOON AS I GOT INTO THE CAR I HIT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO GET THE DEW OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD AND INSTEAD OF JUST GOING ONCE THEY WENT OFF EXTREMELY FAST WITH OUT STOPPING FOR ABOUT 45 SECONDS. ONCE I GOT THEM TURNED OFF I WENT UP THE ROAD AND TURNED TO HEAD TO WORK VIA THE BACK ROADS. I DROVE ABOUT 1 MILES WHEN OUT OF THE BLUE MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GOING OFF AGAIN THEN A SECOND LATER I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND 2 OF MY AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED AND I FELT A THROBBING PAIN IN MY RIGHT SHIN. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND THE LOWER AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED. MY CAR WAS THE ONLY CAR INVOLVED AND HAS A CLEAR CARFAX. THE ROAD I WAS DRIVING ON WAS SMOOTH AND I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE WHERE IT SITS. *TR
Mileage: 179,000
Compare 2000KIASPORTAGE to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2000 KIA SPORTAGE have?▼
The 2000 KIA SPORTAGE has 462 NHTSA complaints, 27 crashes, 8 fires, 20 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2000 KIA SPORTAGE?▼
Yes, the 2000 KIA SPORTAGE has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 KIA SPORTAGE?▼
The most-complained component for the 2000 KIA SPORTAGE is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE with 33 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY and VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS.
Is the 2000 KIA SPORTAGE safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.