VehicleVerdict

1998 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 558 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Sportage year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 31 Sportage years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (93), brakes (82), and transmission (71), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

558

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

6

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

19

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted558 complaints1995: 88 complaints1996: 98 complaints1997: 299 complaints1998: 558 complaints1999: 493 complaints2000: 462 complaints2001: 354 complaints2002: 321 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 93 complaints2006: 169 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 138 complaints2009: 120 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 264 complaints2012: 454 complaints2013: 449 complaints2014: 154 complaints2015: 193 complaints2016: 182 complaints2017: 551 complaints2018: 221 complaints2019: 99 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 60 complaints2023: 303 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 86 complaints2026: 26 complaints
Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine9317%
Brakes8215%
Transmission7113%
Electrical System6311%
Body & Structure336%
Visibility & Wipers316%
Other305%
Suspension285%
Fuel System254%
Speed Control183%
Tires & Wheels153%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)143%
Steering132%
Latches & Locks112%
Airbags112%
Seat Belts92%
Lighting81%
Seats20%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1998 Kia Sportage have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

02V216000Seat BeltsAugust 16, 2002 · 189,706 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

99V325000Electrical SystemNovember 19, 1999 · 76,986 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CLIPS TO LOCK THE CONNECTORS TOGETHER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO SOLDER A SPLICE IN THE WIRE HARNESS.

98V222000BrakesSeptember 15, 1998 · 39,656 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING CAN CONTACT A HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPE CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INCREASE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PIPE AND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD SLOW DOWN, LIKE THERE WAS NO GAS AND MOTOR SHUT DOWN. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL TAKE OFF. ALSO, ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY CAME ON. ONCE WHILE COMING ACROSS RAILROAD TRACKS, VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT TOOK OFF, AND CONSUMER LOST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 22, 2000 · crash

“BRAKES CONTINUALLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS, SEVERAL REPAIRS (ROTORS,PADS,VALVE, ETC.), HOWEVER BRAKES OVERHEATED ON ONE OCCASION AND CAUGHT FIRE, POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW. *MJS ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 14, 1999 · fire

“DRIVING UPHILL IN ONE INCH OF SNOW THE AXEL HUBS ON THE FRONT OF VEHICLE DID NOT ENGAGE CAUSING THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE STEERING, SLIDING SIDEWAYS AND BACKWARDS TO A STOP. THE PARTS REPLACED WERE AS FOLLOWS: AXEL HUB SEALS, AXEL BEARINGS, UPPER BALL JOINT, VACUUM LINE AND REALIGNMENT OF FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 4, 2004 · crash

“1998 KIA SPORTAGE A RECALL ABOUT THE WIRING HAS BEEN REPORTED I [XXX] HAS BEEN SUFFERING FOR TRANSPORTATION DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION JUST NEED JUSTIFICATION A.S.A.P MY MAILING ADDRESS IS [XXX] MY PH. IS [XXX] ALSO [XXX]. THANK YOU AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 16, 2011 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · crash

1998 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 1998 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 558 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 31 Sportage years. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (93 complaints), brakes (82 complaints), transmission (71 complaints).

Does the 1998 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sportage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage years to avoid are 1998, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2001, 2002, 2023, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2020, 2015, 2016, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Sportage years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.