1999 Kia Sportage Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 20%of 284 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Kia Sportage, 20% of the 284 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rear frame of my 1999 Kia Sportage rotted, and causing the whole rearend to shift severely. At 30mph. Causing me to park my Sportage. Rest of the frame in good shape.”
NHTSA complaint #10557195, filed 2013-12, 161,000 miles“I have a 1999 Kia Sportage with less than 35,000 miles on it as of july 5, 2006. In november of 2005 I started noticing a really strong fuel smell. Shortly thereafter I noticed fluid leaking from the rear of my vehicle. I took it in around thanksgiving to find out that the gas tank had to be replaced. I had to pay almost $1,000 for this repair. Also, in may of 2006 power steering fluid leaked all over my garage while the car was in summer storage. Upon further investigation it is due to the power steering pressure hose damping pipe rusting out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161481, filed 2006-07, 28,000 miles“The automatic locking hubs on my '99 Kia Sportage have failed again. This is 4 times in 4 years. I have had a vacuum line replaced and the entire front assembly replaced. Last year they would not work during a snow storm , causing me to almost get stuck in a snow drift. Had the vehicle to the dealer a week later---and they were working. Temperatures were warmer when the dealer looked at them. During recent snow storm (12/5/03) hubs once again would not engage. Indicator light is on, but the rear wheels spin in the snow. Don't know what to do. Would like Kia to replace with manual locking hubs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049329, filed 2003-12, 52,000 miles“Vehicle had driveshaft replaced every 20,000 miles due to wear. Consumer believed that when the vehicle is driven on wet road condition, water is getting into the seal. Dealer was notified. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #10083276, filed 2004-07, 30,000 miles“99 Kia Sportage timing belt snapped because of a freezing valve, cause head to warp, the vehicle stopped working with no warning and stalled on the freeway.”
NHTSA complaint #10213654, filed 2008-01, 89,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 19 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 18 | 11% |
| 2017 | 41 | 10% |
| 2016 | 8 | 6% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 5% |
| 2012 | 21 | 5% |
| 2011 | 23 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 12% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% |
| 1999 | 57 | 20% |
| 1998 | 63 | 21% |
| 1997 | 25 | 14% |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1999 Kia Sportage
79 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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