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1997 Kia Sportage recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1997 Kia Sportage. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Kia been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Kia dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1997 Kia Sportage recalls, newest first

August 16, 2002NHTSA 02V216000189,706 vehicles potentially affected

Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly

Summary
On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Owner notification began December 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 19, 1999NHTSA 99V32500076,986 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical system › Wiring

Summary
Vehicle 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.
Consequence
This condition can cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install spring clips to lock the connectors together. In addition, the dealers will be instructed to solder a splice in the wire harness.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 181 complaints about the 1997 Kia Sportage with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
32
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
24
Deaths reported
1

Most complained-about components

  1. Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline39
  2. Air bags › Frontal21
  3. Service brakes20
  4. Vehicle speed control20
  5. Fuel system18

Other Kia Sportage years

Other 1997 Kia models

Most recalled 1997 vehicles

  1. 1997 Ford F-150 (25 recalls)
  2. 1997 Honda Civic (16 recalls)
  3. 1997 Honda Accord (15 recalls)
  4. 1997 Dodge Caravan (14 recalls)
  5. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (13 recalls)
All of 1997’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 1997 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: seat belts, electrical system, latches/locks/linkages. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1997 Kia Sportage recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1997 Kia Sportage?
181 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.