1998 Kia Sportage Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 3%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 3% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,900 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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“Recall 99v325000 concerning stalling. Vehicle was experiencing an electrical problem that interfered with performance. Vehicle was recalled and repairs done, but symptoms returned. Manufacturer claimed no responsibility because consumer was not the original owner. Check engine light was on. The vehicle vibrated, smoked and was overheating. The left front tire blew out. Ignition coils cracked and were replaced. Vehicle had a blown head gasket. Front left turn signal clips broke. Oxygen sensor failed. Right front door lock fell off. …”
NHTSA complaint #8018745, filed 2002-09“Brakes: hydraulic brake pedal has to be pressed to the floor before vehicle stops. The lifters made loud noises & rattling & needed to be changed. Rear door is off line & not shutting properly. Customer states drivers side mirror fell off. The check engine light is on due to oxygen sensor failure. The rear hatch does not close properly. The customer stated that there was a ticking noise at engine when hot or cold, this happens all the time. Dome light screw fell off, dealer found loose ground at light, the ground was resecured and a new screw was installed.”
NHTSA complaint #831224, filed 1998-11Related service bulletins
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: 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…
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 9 | 3% |
| 1997 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Kia Sportage
79 complaintsBrakes
71 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
63 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsBody and structure
26 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsEquipment
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSteering
13 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