1998 Kia Sportage Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 4%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 4% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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.
“Driver and passenger scalded with boiling radiator fluid with foot on pedal, had to keep foot on petal to get off road on may 30, 2013, at approx. 4:30 pm edt, I was driving my 1998 Kia Sportage on the garden state parkway north, just after entering the highway at exit 98 in wall, nj. The air conditioner had not been working well. The local temperature was in the high 90s, near 100 degrees. I had a passenger in the front passenger seat. Suddenly, anti-freeze smoke came out of the dashboard vents, then, hot scalding anti-freeze began falling on my right foot as it was on the accelerator pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10514519, filed 2013-05, 60,000 miles“After turning a corner and attempting to park, the consumer felt that the wheel was slipping. After going into a store and coming back out, the consumer noticed the passenger side front wheel became disconnected. Dealer examined the problem and found that the tie rods needed to be repaired. The left front rod was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10074166, filed 2004-06, 59,000 miles“I am a Kia tech in ct . The 1998 and 1999 Sportage was recalled to have the steering knucles replaced.the four wheeldrive vacum hubs would suck water and dirt into the wheelbearings causing them to fail.in some cases I have seen the bearings were so loose the vehicles would lose there brakes. The recall kits we have installed are now failing in great numbers and are not just 98 and 99 vehicls but 2000 and 2001 vehicles.all of these model year vehicles should be recalled before people get hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #742760, filed 2001-03“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. The brakes now have a grinding sound and I am concerned about their safety factor. …”
NHTSA complaint #705252, filed 1999-04“While driving at 20 MPH and applying the brakes the brakes were soft and the vehicle wouldn't stop. Consumer could not make u-turn or a right turn. Also, there might be something wrong with the steering because consumer can't turn to the right.”
NHTSA complaint #832663, filed 1998-12Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 4 | 7% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 9 | 5% |
| 2017 | 9 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 14 | 18% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 10 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 7% |
| 2002 | 9 | 4% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 13 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 5 | 9% |
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 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