VehicleVerdict

1999 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 493 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Sportage year — the 1999 model ranks #3 of 31 Sportage years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 21 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (93), transmission (62), and electrical system (48), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

493

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

8

Investigations

43

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

21

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine9319%
Transmission6213%
Electrical System4810%
Brakes4810%
Fuel System439%
Visibility & Wipers388%
Body & Structure326%
Airbags235%
Suspension204%
Seat Belts173%
Other173%
Tires & Wheels122%
Speed Control112%
Steering102%
Lighting92%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)61%
Latches & Locks31%
Seats10%

Does the 1999 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.

04V305000Seat BeltsJune 24, 2004 · 251,594 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.

Consequence

THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS 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.

“NO RECALL NOTICE #99V325000 WAS RECEIVED ON VEHICLE. HAD TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, AND INFORMED BY SERVICE MANAGER NO RECALLS ON VEHICLE. LATER, FOUND THERE WAS RECALL. TOOK VEHICLE BACK. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER REPAIRS FOR ENGINE STALLING WILL NOT BE DONE DUE VEHICLE NOT PURCHASED AT THAT DEALER.*AK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · crash

“WHILE DRIVING FRONT PASSENGER'S WHEEL BEARING BROKE OFF, CAUSING WHEEL TO BENT INWARDS/ SPARKS FLYING, AND FIRE STARTED. DRIVER STOPPED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT WHEEL ALMOST FELL OFF FROM THE AXLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 11, 2000 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 15 MPH IN THE POURING RAIN A FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE DASH. THERE IS A RECALL REGARDING THE ENGINE. RECALL NUMBER 9764 99 V 325 000. TOOK TO DEALER. THEY WILL NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“NO RECALL NOTICE #99V325000 WAS RECEIVED ON VEHICLE. HAD TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, AND INFORMED BY SERVICE MANAGER NO RECALLS ON VEHICLE. LATER, FOUND THERE WAS RECALL. TOOK VEHICLE BACK. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER REPAIRS FOR ENGINE STALLING WILL NOT BE DONE DUE VEHICLE NOT PURCHASED AT THAT DEALER.*AK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“THE CHASSIS OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE IS ROTTING OUT. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE RAILINGS WELDED TOGETHER, ONE RAILING HAS A HOLE ABOUT 6 IN LONG ON THE SIDE OF THE RAILING AND THE GAS TANK HAS TO BE REPLACE. BUT IF THE TANK IS REMOVED THE PART OF THE CHASSIS IT IS ATTACHED TO WILL COME OFF AND THERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 5, 2010

1999 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 1999 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 493 complaints put the 1999 model at #3 of 31 Sportage years. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (93 complaints), transmission (62 complaints), electrical system (48 complaints).

Does the 1999 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 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.