1998 Kia Sportage Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,088miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the seat belts of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 3% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,088 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10522187, filed 2013-06, 157,000 miles“Driver's side front seat belt latch does not hold, causing seat belt to pop open while driving. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****743827”
NHTSA complaint #10006445, filed 2001-04, 19,176 miles“While traveling and without prior warning a deer appeared in the street. To avoid him, consumer swerved and hit an enbankment. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Consumers seat belt popped causing consumer to lurch forward and and hit her head. Consumer sustained multiple injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #8006184, filed 2002-03“When consumer was involved in a minor crash seat belt on the driver's side came unhooked, causing the driver to hit the steering wheel. Problem has been reported to the manufacturer. Vehicle will be repaired by the dealership. Please give any further informaiton.”
NHTSA complaint #856395, filed 2000-02“Front windshield has air leaks & at high speeds the wind is annoying. The front passenger seat belt locks into place as soon as the passenger clamps into place. One doesn't have to press brake peddle for it to tighten around person. When driving and particularly engaging the clutch to down shift the gear linkage disengages and the gears can't be located especially in second, third or fourth gears and because of such has almost caused three crashes. We had this checked by the dealer and they said they found nothing wrong with the gear shifting mechanism. …”
NHTSA complaint #705541, filed 1999-04Related recalls
- 02V216000Aug 16, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.Covers: Kia Sportage 1995–1998, Sephia 1995–1998
Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 15% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 9 | 4% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% |
| 1999 | 17 | 6% |
| 1998 | 8 | 3% |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 14% |
| 1995 | 11 | 20% |
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 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