1998 Kia Sportage transmission problems
The 1998 Kia Sportage has 71 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
71
Transmission complaints
13%
Share of year
3
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Transmission complaints by year
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many transmission complaints does the 1998 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the 1998 Kia Sportage transmission — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.
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.