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EquipmentPart report

1998 Kia Sportage Equipment Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
6%of 303 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the equipment of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 6% of the 303 complaints for this model year.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Continuation of complaint.... I then checked the NHTSA website for recalls or service campaigns and found 3 recalls that fit in my VIN range. I immediately called Kia's 800 number and asked if my vehicle was included and was promptly told no. I believed this response since it was coming directly from the manufacturer and not the dealer. About 2 months later, I received a disturbing call from a representative from Kia consumer affairs telling me to immediately stop driving the vehicle because the same 3 recalls I saw on the NHTSA website and called to inquire about included my vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #752476, filed 2001-09

“Im not happy that I bought a new car and it averages going into the shop every 6-8 weeks. I cant afford this. Im to arrange my own transportation while my car is in the shop, its been towed 3 times for the engine lite, when work is done they don't call and tell us what was wrong and it can be picked up, last time the car was in the shop they didnt call for over a week to tell me to come get it, I asked to speak with a manager and left several messages and they still havent called. I wil never buy a Kia again or buy from any rizza. I feel like I bought junk, I want my money back, take the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #730942, filed 2000-09

“Oxygen sensor has been replaced three times after routine service was performed. Consumer also stated the wipers were not clearing windshield, windows go up slowly, 4-wheel drive was inoperative,vehicle was loosing power steering, dealer replaced the fan belt,air condition was inoperative,wheel bearing were loose,weatherstrip was replaced,the engine boggs down while driving, front brakes were noisy.”

NHTSA complaint #8002866, filed 2002-01

“All four windows get stuck, doors lock and unlock by themselves, vehicle is trying to shift into 4x4 while vehicle is in motion, air conditioner works 1 out of 4 times, latch opens on back of vehicle while in motion. Black tarry dust on front tires.”

NHTSA complaint #748607, filed 2001-07

“While accelerating in reverse vehicle cuts off. Vehicle has been brought to the dealership 3 times for this problem. Fuel injection system was changed twice. Also, the moulding around the sparks plugs broke loose, and it was replaced. Consumer is still experiencing stalling problems. Shield over the catalytic converter replaced. The rear latch for the spare cable rusted and came out upon pulling, the mounting for the rear wheel has released itself while vehicle is in motion.”

NHTSA complaint #857615, filed 2000-02

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202311%
202112%
201710%
201411%
200611%
200252%
2001104%
200093%
1999114%
1998196%
199753%
199635%

Other parts of the 1998 Kia Sportage

Engine cooling
79 complaints
Brakes
71 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
63 complaints
Electrical system
47 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaints
Body and structure
26 complaints
Suspension
26 complaints
Other or unknown
25 complaints
Fuel system
24 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Air bags
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 Kia Sportage

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology