1999 Kia Sportage Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 10%of 284 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the visibility of the 1999 Kia Sportage, 10% of the 284 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Heater coil was replaced three times. The last time the vehicle broke down in the middle of the bridge. Vehicle was towed, and the heater coil was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10105098, filed 2004-12, 117,000 miles“I purchased my Kia Sportage 4x4 brand new in july of 1999 since I day I drove it off the lot it has been a constant source of stress and frustration. Shortly after purchasing it the check engine light would continously come on and then the car would lurch and chug. Car was towed back to the dealership and it was kept there for apporoximately 2and a half weeks. It has also had problems where it wouldn't start due to corrosion on the starter clip . This has happened twice. …”
NHTSA complaint #760149, filed 2002-04“The heat shield on my catalytic converter rusted off,the manifold cracked,the muffler rusted through within a year,the widshield wiper transmission broke and was replaced,while the Kia Sportage is engaged in 4wd it pops out into two wheel drive and causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle.this has happened to me numerous times this winter and the recalled parts have now failed again causing Kia to put in manual hubs from 1997 into my 1999 SUV.I feel this is a danger to all who own a Kia Sportage and I have contacted a lawyer to look into possible litigation against Kia.I have found a…”
NHTSA complaint #738450, filed 2000-12“While driving with my windshield wipers on in the rain. The driver side windshield wiper suddenly flew off the window and rested on the rearview mirror. After having the wiper inspected it was caused by a faulty linkage system slowly causing the wiper to screw while in use. Even after screwing the wiper back into place the wiper just laid there after turning the wipers back on.”
NHTSA complaint #719491, filed 2000-03“4-wheel drive does not always engage, both front hubs were replaced and pass operation cable adjusted, dealer claims the problems is fixed, however consumer states there is no difference once vehicle is repaired. Check engine light illuminated. Power window inoperable, dealer replaced window motor.”
NHTSA complaint #879906, filed 2001-02Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 4 | 7% |
| 2024 | 12 | 16% |
| 2023 | 13 | 7% |
| 2022 | 5 | 11% |
| 2021 | 3 | 6% |
| 2020 | 5 | 3% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 9 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 6% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% |
| 2001 | 17 | 7% |
| 2000 | 24 | 8% |
| 1999 | 27 | 10% |
| 1998 | 27 | 9% |
| 1997 | 9 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1999 Kia Sportage
79 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
57 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsBody and structure
29 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