1996 Kia Sportage: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Kia Sportage: 3 recalls, 57 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #96V131000 · 1996 · 693 vehicles
What's wrong: The accelerator pedal assembly could bind or stick during operation.
Why it matters: This condition can cause the accelerator to hold the throttle partially open, resulting in loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #97V234000 · 1997 · 23,493 vehicles
What's wrong: A microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently.
Why it matters: Should this occur, security from unwanted intrusion into the vehicle is lost.
The fix: Dealers will modify the rear hatch door unlock circuit.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #02V216000 · 2002 · 189,706 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle May "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Owner notification began December 20, 2002.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 27 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (14): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), hard / delayed shifting (4).
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
- Airbags (9): the most common themes are fails to deploy (4).
The 1996 Kia Sportage has 57 owner complaints, ranking #24 of 31 Sportage model years for complaints (well below the 152 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 79,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (56 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (181 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Kia Sportage.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Kia Sportage problems?
Owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (14), transmission & drivetrain (11), engine & cooling (10).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Kia Sportage repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.