1998 Kia Sportage: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 303 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (18% of complaints); the 1996 and 1997 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 303 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My steering column doesn't lock when I turn off the engine. It has also started failing to start but when we jumpstart it it responds immediately. I have learned; that sometimes if I rock it or push it a few feet it will start right up too. It acts almost like a vapor lock because the engine is warm and just doesn't start after having set for an hour. Almost like a short or disconnect. Additionally the blower motor seems to have died too. Heat/ac works, just doesn't distribute. I'm wondering if there's a recall on either of these since they seem to be electrical or wiring harness issues.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2015
“Rear frame rust/rot is incredibly excessive. Noticed today while checking tire pressure. Entire underside of frame is completely rusted through. Rear cross member in terrible shape. Visible deterioration happened quickly. Purchasing the car in 2012 there was no sign of rot on the frame. Now I feel uncomfortable driving the car, or selling it to someone else for that matter. As a mechanical engineer, the integrity of the square tube frame is compromised to the point that safety in a rear end collision is in question, any kind of trailer load would be impossible and unsafe. Really a danger to the general public because it could fail at any time. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2014
“I cannot fasten my seatbelt because it will not extend. I went to power kia in salem, or and they will not repair it unless I pay for repairs. Seeing how this is a product defect causing a safety issue, I feel the manufacture should be responsible for this, especially because it is the law to fasten the seat belts. Please let me know what to do. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Extreme corrosion at rear of frame where axle is supported ready to collapse and will require remediation to prevent frame failure. *tr”Owner report · Structure · May 2013
“Fuel tank is leaking, widespread problem, kia will only replace tank if the leak is on the very bottom of tank. They are saying mine is leaking at the seam. I very dangerous problem no matter where the tank is leaking. I only hope noone has a fire because of it. I have to pay the extremely expensive bill. I was told not only do I need the tank I will need the fuel pump assembly also and possibly more parts. The total approximately $1000.00 to have installed. This is bs an outrage. Had I known the problem with the kia's I would never have purchased it. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2011
“1998 kia sportage a recall about the wiring has been reported I [xxx] has been suffering for transportation due to this malfunction just need justification a.s.a.p my mailing address is [xxx] my ph. Is [xxx] also [xxx]. Thank you and have a blessed day. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 kia sportage. The contact stated while traveling at 25 mph, the vehicle began to lose power. The hold button illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent where an unknown repair was made to the vehicle. The failure persisted. The mechanic advised that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign id number: 99v325000 (electrical system: wiring) but the contact did not confirm if his VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 89,835.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2010
“Sway bar had broken off from half of the frame.it was found the frame has rotted most of the way through in the backend of vehicle on both sides. I was told the back end could break off from vehicle at any moment.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2010
“I purchased this car used,it stalled on me in the middle of the road. I have basically had the entire motor replaced.I went to test drive and it done the same thing. It stalled in the middle of traffic. I searched for recalls and came up with one in the c123 and c124 wire harness. I believe this was the problem from the very beginning. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2008
“The gas tank on my 1998 kia sportage is seriously corroding. My local garage mechanic stated that this is a serious condition as it could start leaking or break loose from the car. As I understand there is a NHTSA investigation (ea06007) currently being conducted. Please include me into the investigation so that this problem can be remedied. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING CAN CONTACT A HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPE CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INCREASE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PIPE AND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING.
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.
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.
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
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.
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sportage by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Kia Sportage reliable?
NHTSA has 303 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Kia Sportage. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Kia Sportage problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Kia Sportage have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.