1998 Kia Sportage Problems
- Complaints
- 303filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 34 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Kia Sportage (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake vibration, noise and uneven braking, along with engine and electrical symptoms such as stalling, hesitation and repeated battery or fuse trouble. A frequently reported pattern is the four-wheel-drive system failing to engage in snow or cold weather. Complaints span a wide mileage range, from vehicles under 10,000 miles to examples well past 150,000, with cooling-system, fuel-leak and frame-rust reports clustering on higher-mileage vehicles.
- Brakes
Brake vibration, noise and rotor wear
- 28 complaints (9%)
- median 51,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2004
Owners describe shaking or vibration through the front end when braking, squealing or grinding noises, and rotors that were replaced more than once at low mileage. Some complaints mention uneven braking or a pedal that changed feel, and a few describe a caliper that seized. According to complaints, dealers frequently called the noise normal for disc brakes or attributed repeat rotor wear to driver error. Reported from under 10,000 miles up to about 85,000 miles, often early in ownership.
Recall 98V2220001 related service bulletin
What to check: Drive the car and brake firmly from moderate speed on a straight road, listening and feeling for shake or grinding. Ask for brake and rotor service records and whether the hydraulic brake pipe recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“First time I brought the car back was because the engine light went on and I had a oil leakage in the engine. Car started to shake even after it was hot and made a weird noise in the engine. The motor rr window was not working and the brakes were making some weird noise. Brought to the dealer to fix and he sent it to Kia for repair, the Kia crew found the front caliper frozen, but the customer denied to fix it. So I brought it to a specialist to check double check the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10009850, filed 2002-04, 51,000 miles“I was forced to slam on my brakes to avoid an accident. When I did the right front brake locked up and the car made a violent skid and turn to the right . I let off of the brakes and let the car correct it's slide. When I did it made several very noticable thumps in the right front tire. When I stepped on the brake again there was no brake and the peadal went all the way to the floor. I went and bought a new set of front disk brake pads today and started to do a brake job. …”
NHTSA complaint #739183, filed 2001-01 - Engine cooling
Stalling, hesitation and check-engine light
- 89 complaints (29%)
- median 67,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2013
Owners report engines that stall while driving or at idle, idle speed that surges up and down, and hesitation with the check-engine light on. Several complaints attribute the symptoms to loose or corroded electrical connectors at the throttle position sensor, mass airflow sensor and idle speed actuator, with wiggling the connector restoring operation briefly. Some owners say the dealer could not reproduce or identify the cause despite repeated visits, and some had engines or fuel pumps replaced without a lasting fix. Reported across a broad range, from under 10,000 miles to about 130,000 miles, at all speeds and conditions.
Recall 99V3250001 related service bulletin
What to check: Start the engine cold and warm, watch the idle for surging, and check that the check-engine light is off. Ask whether the wiring-harness recall (C123/C124 connectors) was performed for this VIN and whether sensor connectors have been cleaned or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10291852, filed 2009-11, 130,000 miles“I am registering a complaint against Kia motors, inc. Because of the tremendous amount of problems I have been having with my vehicle. I purchased a 1998 Kia Sportage on january 17, 2000 and it had about 2600 miles on it. About 2 months later at 6683 miles, the engine light came on and since I was ready for an oil change anyway, I took the vehicle to the dealer to get it checked out. The dealer informed me that since the vehicle is still new and in its breaking-in stage, the light will go off in a few days. …”
NHTSA complaint #752475, filed 2001-09 - Transmission and drivetrain
Four-wheel drive does not engage
- 54 complaints (18%)
- median 85,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2007
Complaints describe the 4WD indicator showing engagement while the front wheels do not drive, most often noticed when stuck in snow. Several owners link it to hub seals, bearings or vacuum lines at the front hubs, and some report grinding noises or a system that popped out of engagement. Dealers and mechanics reportedly replaced hub seals, bearings and vacuum hoses, and in some cases owners were told the vehicle was not covered for the repair. Most often reported in snow and cold weather, across a wide mileage spread from about 50,000 to 130,000 miles.
What to check: On a loose surface, engage 4WD and confirm the front wheels actually pull. Inspect the front hub area for rusted or cracked vacuum lines and ask whether hub seals or bearings have been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After getting stuck in snow found that 4 wheel drive wasn't engaging - mechanic said due to someone over packing components with grease and a part put in backwards there was no way the 4 wheel drive was engaging. So essentially we haven't had 4 wheel drive since we purchased our vehicle in 2000. After the part was installed properly 4wd was engaging. May 16th brought in vehicle due to grinding noise in front wheel hub. Mechanic found 4wd hub rust filled and bad, bearings all rusted out, vacuum hoses to the back of the spindle broken both sides. …”
NHTSA complaint #10018951, filed 2003-05, 85,000 miles“4-wheel drive failed twice within a 1 year time span during snowstorms! It was repaired the first time but failed again less than 1 year later.both failures occurred during deep snow conditions,thusly making driving impossible and creating a potential for hazardous and possible fatal conditions.I am bringing the vehicle in today(01/15/2002) to Kia of westchester to be diagnosed and repairs.please,contact said dealership to insure that the vehicle gets repaired properly and in a expeditious manner.also,I lost 2 days of salary because I was …”
NHTSA complaint #756881, filed 2002-01 - Electrical system
Electrical faults: battery drain, fuses, stalling
- 32 complaints (11%)
- median 75,612 mi at 9.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2011
Complaints describe repeated battery failures and alternator replacement, fuses blowing, and accessories such as windows, locks, radio and clock stopping or cycling on their own. A few owners report a burning smell or a wire-harness fire, and others link stalling and power loss to the wiring recall. Owners say dealers replaced batteries and could not find the underlying fault. Reported from under 10,000 miles to about 140,000 miles, with several cases during the first few years of ownership.
Recall 99V3250001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check that all windows, locks and interior lights work, look for a burning smell or chafed wiring near the engine, and ask whether the wiring-harness recall was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I drove our SUV about 2 miles parked it in the garage and noticed a burning smell. I noticed the clock,radio, door locks, and passenger window were not working. I drove the car the next day for a short distance to work. Than called Kia talked to a janson cook who checked my vehicle for recall on this wiring. He said my Sportage was not on file for the VIN# and would not be fixed under the recall. I checked the internet and the 1998 sportages had a recall for a c123 and c124 cable which became loose and could cause a crash or us of my SUV. …”
NHTSA complaint #10132978, filed 2005-08, 62,225 miles“I purchased my Kia Sportage on 7/14/98. On 11/20/98, my battery was dead. I took my Sportage to the dealer for the recall for the steering intermediate shaft coupling as soon as I received the recall notice. My brakes made a squealing sound since purchase, but I was informed by the dealership that this is normal for disc brakes. The brake light began flickering, then staying lit so I made an appointment with the dealership service dept. But was unable to keep it due to illness. …”
NHTSA complaint #705252, filed 1999-04 - Engine cooling
Fuel smell and leaks at the tank or lines
- 9 complaints (3%)
- median 110,000 mi at 9.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 1998–2011
Owners describe a strong gasoline smell in or around the vehicle and, in some cases, a visible leak under the center of the car. Complaints attribute the leak to corrosion of the fuel tank or to a fuel line that came loose at the engine. Some owners report the vehicle was not drivable pending a replacement tank, and one repair was repeated because the leak returned. Mostly reported on higher-mileage vehicles, roughly 60,000 to 140,000 miles, often noticed after parking.
What to check: Smell around the rear and under the center of the car after it sits, and look for damp or rusted areas on the tank and lines. Ask whether the fuel tank or lines have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10173515, filed 2006-11, 110,000 miles“I noticed a smell gas near the passenger door at the rear of the car. I look underneath and there was a leak of gas underneath. My mechanic has replaced something under it 2 x and it is leaking again.”
NHTSA complaint #10178938, filed 2007-01
Buying note. These vehicles are now old enough that condition matters more than mileage, so get a pre-purchase inspection that covers brakes, front hub and 4WD operation, fuel lines and tank, and the rear frame for rust. Ask for records showing whether the open recalls, particularly the wiring and brake pipe campaigns, were completed for the specific vehicle.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 303 consumer complaints for the 1998 Kia Sportage. 34 of the complaints include a mileage, and 9% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling79 26%
- Brakes71 23%
- Electrical system47 16%
- Body and structure26 8.6%
- Suspension26 8.6%
- Other or unknown25 8.3%
- Fuel system24 7.9%
- Equipment19 6.3%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (18), Steering (13), Air bags (11), Latches, locks and linkages (9), Seat belts (8), Tires (7), Exterior lighting (6), Wheels (6), Engine (2), Seats (2), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Check engine light came on in april 2000. I have taken the vehicle in six times to get the repair complete. At this time the light is off. The last repair was made on oct. 9, 2000. The dealers keeps replacing the same part. I think that it is something wrong with the electrical system that causes a power surge that then damages the tps module.”
NHTSA complaint #733842, filed 2000-10Brakes: “The ABS on my vehicle fails intermittently. I have taken it to the dealer. The dealer has run diagnostics and told me that there is no problem, despite the fact that the ABS light is illuminated. The dealer called Kia USA, who could offer no help. Because the ABS is not always reliable, the braking characteristics of this vehicle are very unreliable. On 2 december the ABS system suddenly became operational, causing the feel of the pedal to change, startling the driver, who was in the process of braking. The vehicle struck a curb and narrowly missed a tree.”
NHTSA complaint #10144405, filed 2005-12, 73,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Sunday, 11-02-2003, while driving on main st in mesa, arizona, our 1998 Kia Sportage's gearshift lever snapped off in my hand. I was shifting from second to third gear at the time. The break was about 1 1/2 inches from floor level, down inside the consol. I was lucky to be able to coast onto the median without crashing. My pregnant wife and three-year-old son were with me in the vehicle.I contacted Kia and the short of it is that the vehicle is out of warranty and they claim that they don't have to do anything about this. I feel that this is a life-threatening defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10045439, filed 2003-11, 88,675 milesElectrical system: “Continual failure of battery , replaced 5 times and replaced alternator but contiues to have battery failure also windows and door lcks go on and off by themselves.”
NHTSA complaint #10028616, filed 2003-07, 5,900 milesMileage when problems were reported
9% of the 34 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 62,225 and 101,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Kia Sportage version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sportage 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 02V216000Aug 16, 2002Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Kia Sportage 1995–1998, Sephia 1995–1998
On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
- 99V325000Nov 19, 1999Electrical system › WiringCovers: Kia Sportage 1997–1999
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.
- 98V222000Sep 15, 1998Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Kia Sportage 1998–1999
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.
Recall details for the 1998 Kia Sportage → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Body and structure, Exterior lighting. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to…
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Brakes, Exterior lighting. Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia models.
- 10024232Jan 1, 2008Fuel system. Fuel tank replacement under repair benefit program. On certain 1997-2000 sportages.
- 10015753Jan 1, 2004Fuel system. Fuel pump relays & emissions failures. Kia technician times.
Other model years of the Kia Sportage
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 1,060 | 1 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 55 | 17,500 | 1 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 75 | 22,500 | 3 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 193 | 26,887 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 46 | 33,000 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 54 | 53,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 166 | 13,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 71 | 32,000 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 165 | 18,400 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 404 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 134 | 60,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 146 | 75,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 125 | 79,500 | 3 | 4–5 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 381 | 98,000 | 3 | 4–5 | 24 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 392 | 97,750 | 5 | 4–5 | 24 | 80 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 181 | 78,000 | 6 | — | 24 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 20 | 76,297 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2009 | 80 | 64,500 | 3 | — | 22 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 98 | 80,500 | 3 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 77 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 111 | 72,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 68 | 78,600 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 234 | 59,764 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 228 | 65,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 304 | 70,838 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 284 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 303 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 181 | 82,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 57 | 79,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 56 | 111,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Kia Sportage model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Kia Sportage?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake vibration, noise and uneven braking, along with engine and electrical symptoms such as stalling, hesitation and repeated battery or fuse trouble. The issues reported most often: Brake vibration, noise and rotor wear; Stalling, hesitation and check-engine light; Four-wheel drive does not engage.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA recorded 303 consumer complaints for the 1998 Kia Sportage as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Kia Sportage is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 79 complaints (26% of the total), followed by brakes with 71.
Has the 1998 Kia Sportage been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Kia Sportage get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Kia Sportage (Sportage 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Kia Sportage reported?
Among the 34 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 62,225 and 101,000 miles; 9% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.