1998 Kia Sportage
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 303
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 303 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 123 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 132 |
| 2017 | 401 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 161 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 192 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
29% · 87 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Service brakes
27% · 81 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
23% · 71 reportsMost commonly citing column shift and automatic transmission.
Electrical system
19% · 57 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Owner says that the vehicle had an electrical fire which damaged the wire harness. Please provide any additional information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-27
Engine check light came on and the vehicle stalled out. Smelled a burning smell, dealer contacted, and attributed the problem to faulty wiring, under warrany, repair work done.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-16
Structure
10% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing door and body.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1998Complaint volume 303 complaints filed for this model year.
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1998-10-19Service brakes, hydraulic98V222000 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, increase the clearance between the brake pipe and steering intermediate shaft coupling.
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I
1999-05-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-10-21 Windshield wiper
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I
2000-01-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-06-29 Turn signal, traffic safety hazard
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2000-01-25Electrical system99V325000 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…
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.
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I
2000-06-29Engineering analysisClosed 2002-07-29 Turn sighal
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I
2002-06-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-09-20 Safety belt buckle malfunction
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2002-10-18Recall queryClosed 2003-09-02 Engine stalling post-recall
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2002-12-20Seat belts02V216000 On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "False latch" And expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
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…
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I
2006-05-09Engineering analysisClosed 2007-11-30 Fuel tank leakage
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 87 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 81 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 71 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V222000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 99V325000 · Electrical system
- Recall 02V216000 · Seat belts
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Kia Sportage is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Kia Sportage have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.