1998 Kia Sportage Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 303 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the tires of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 2% of the 303 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“The contact stated while driving on the freeway at 65 MPH. The passenger rear tire blew out. The tire dealership determined the tire failed due to tread separation. The tire manufacturer is kumho. The size of the tire is: 20575r15. Updated 05/03/06”
NHTSA complaint #10154830, filed 2006-04, 80,000 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“Tires are wearing low- was told to replace at 22,000 miles will need to replace- warranty will not cover then for they are not worn down enough. (DOT number: 5mul tiresize: p205/75r15)”
NHTSA complaint #744066, filed 2001-04“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 2002-09Tires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 6 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 3% |
| 1998 | 7 | 2% |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 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 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