1998 Kia Sportage Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 8%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 8% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10781260, filed 2015-10, 170,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10323635, filed 2010-04, 101,000 miles“All the nut, bolts, clamps, brackets and some parts in my Kia are badly corroded/rusted....ect. None of these parts are covered under warranty. It looks as if they used the cheapest parts they could find. I'm scared that the whole thing might fall apart driving down the road. Another couple of years up here in new england and it just might!”
NHTSA complaint #718018, filed 2000-01“I had numerous problems with the Kia when reporting problems stated they said contact dealer but never assist me with working with dealer. Once they sell me the vehicle its my problem and work it out with dealer. I feel when the axle cracks almost causing a accident and brakes fail. Also sensors fail causing lost of power would this not be a safety issues and be of a big concern to Kia. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769340, filed 2002-11“I have not received the 3 most recent recalls for my vehicle from the manufacturer which gives me great concern in regards to myself and my passenger's safety. Please tell me what I need to do next to fix this.”
NHTSA complaint #10156349, filed 2006-04Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 29% |
| 2025 | 22 | 40% |
| 2024 | 21 | 28% |
| 2023 | 50 | 26% |
| 2022 | 8 | 17% |
| 2021 | 16 | 30% |
| 2020 | 34 | 20% |
| 2019 | 18 | 25% |
| 2018 | 23 | 14% |
| 2017 | 75 | 19% |
| 2016 | 18 | 13% |
| 2015 | 27 | 18% |
| 2014 | 14 | 11% |
| 2013 | 27 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 8 | 10% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 7 | 10% |
| 2002 | 6 | 3% |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 14 | 5% |
| 1998 | 25 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 9% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
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 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsEquipment
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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