1998 Model Year

Kia Sportage

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
303
Recalls
1
Crashes
19
Severe
32

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

02V216000 Aug 2002

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 2017

RIGHT REAR FRAME RUSTED THROUGH COMPLETELY STABLIZER RUSTED OFF FRAME

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 2015

MY STEERING COLUMN DOESN'T LOCK WHEN I TURN OFF THE ENGINE. IT HAS ALSO STARTED FAILING TO START BUT WHEN WE JUMPSTART IT IT RESPONDS IMMEDIATELY. I...

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Aug 2014

REAR FRAME RUST/ROT IS INCREDIBLY EXCESSIVE. NOTICED TODAY WHILE CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE. ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. RE...

Seat Belts
Jun 2013

I CANNOT FASTEN MY SEATBELT BECAUSE IT WILL NOT EXTEND. I WENT TO POWER KIA IN SALEM, OR AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT UNLESS I PAY FOR REPAIRS. SEEING...

STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 2013

DRIVER AND PASSENGER SCALDED WITH BOILING RADIATOR FLUID WITH FOOT ON PEDAL, HAD TO KEEP FOOT ON PETAL TO GET OFF ROAD ON MAY 30, 2013, AT APPROX....

STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 2013

THIS IS A REPEAT OF CONFIRMATION NO. 10514519, BUT WITH "WAS THERE AN INJURY OR FATALITY? MARKED "YES" ABOVE. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SCALDED WITH BOI...

Structure
May 2013

EXTREME CORROSION AT REAR OF FRAME WHERE AXLE IS SUPPORTED READY TO COLLAPSE AND WILL REQUIRE REMEDIATION TO PREVENT FRAME FAILURE. *TR

Fuel System
Oct 2011

FUEL TANK IS LEAKING, WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, KIA WILL ONLY REPLACE TANK IF THE LEAK IS ON THE VERY BOTTOM OF TANK. THEY ARE SAYING MINE IS LEAKING AT THE...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT Fire
May 2011

1998 KIA SPORTAGE A RECALL ABOUT THE WIRING HAS BEEN REPORTED I [XXX] HAS BEEN SUFFERING FOR TRANSPORTATION DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION JUST NEED JUSTIFIC...

Electrical System
Jul 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE HOLD BUTTON ILLUMINATED...

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Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 1998 Kia Sportage has 303 complaints and 1 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Engine. 19 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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