The 1998 Kia Sportage has 82 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 15% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
82
Brakes complaints
15%
Share of year
5
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
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.
“BRAKES CONTINUALLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS, SEVERAL REPAIRS (ROTORS,PADS,VALVE, ETC.), HOWEVER BRAKES OVERHEATED ON ONE OCCASION AND CAUGHT FIRE, POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW. *MJS ”
NHTSA has 82 complaints about the 1998 Kia Sportage brakes — 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 98V222000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.