1998 Kia Sportage Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 9%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 9% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have an antifreeze problem still to this day; our brakes still are squealing now; it didn't start twice; ice builds up where the door and the car come together-damaging door; has iced over inside the car; windows would never clear off-couldn't see anything while driving; didn't idle properly-and still doesn't”
NHTSA complaint #703981, filed 1999-03“Water runs off my windshild into the door and forms ice in the hinges which results in having a hard time getting in or out of my vehicle. The manufacturer states there is nothing that can be done for this, and I have to accept it and live with it all for $17,000.00.”
NHTSA complaint #703079, filed 1999-02“Acording to dealership , the predrilled holes and the child safty seat anchoring system is not available for the 1998 Kia Sportage and are still not available at this time. Its is my understanding that these items are required by law. Im looking for information about this problem and any assistance that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I became aware of this problem when I purchased a new carseat for my two year old son. The manual for the carseat strictly says that with out the proper anchor hardware the carseat can not be installed properly.”
NHTSA complaint #737307, filed 2000-12“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“I've had continuous problems with my car since purchasing it, it has been taken into the shop for the engine check light coming on 2 times, the first time they said it was a sensor, but the problem reoccurred 2 days later , they then said it was a harness, that was replaced then I've taken it in for two recalls on the brakes and a hub problem, I'm currently having problems with the door handles sticking so it makes it impossible to open the doors with the key from the outside, dealer states that they can't get it to happen when I take it to the shop but it occures continually when the…”
NHTSA complaint #716342, filed 1999-12Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 5 | 9% |
| 2024 | 8 | 11% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 10 | 6% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 24 | 6% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 5% |
| 2008 | 13 | 13% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 8 | 12% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 24 | 11% |
| 2000 | 31 | 10% |
| 1999 | 29 | 10% |
| 1998 | 26 | 9% |
| 1997 | 10 | 6% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 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 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsOther or unknown
25 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 30, 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