1998 KIA Sportage
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sportage › 1998
These records cover every 1998 KIA Sportage. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1998 KIA Sportage. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
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 should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
303 complaints19 involved a crash6 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Right rear frame rusted through completely stablizer rusted off frame
- Unknown or other
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 have learned; that sometimes if I rock it or push it a few feet it will start right up too. It acts almost like a vapor lock because the engine IS…
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 have learned; that sometimes if I rock it or push it a few feet it will start right up too. It acts almost like a vapor lock because the engine IS warm and just doesn't start after having set for an hour. almost like a short or disconnect. additionally the blower motor seems to have died too. Heat/ac works, just doesn't distribute. I'm wondering if there's a recall on either of these since they seem to be electrical or wiring harness issues.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Rear frame rust/rot IS incredibly excessive. noticed today while checking tire pressure. entire underside of frame IS completely rusted through. rear cross member in terrible shape. visible deterioration happened quickly. purchasing the car in 2012 there was no sign of rot on the frame. now I…
Rear frame rust/rot IS incredibly excessive. noticed today while checking tire pressure. entire underside of frame IS completely rusted through. rear cross member in terrible shape. visible deterioration happened quickly. purchasing the car in 2012 there was no sign of rot on the frame. now I feel uncomfortable driving the car, or selling it to someone else for that matter. As a mechanical engineer, the integrity of the square tube frame IS compromised to the point that safety in a rear end collision IS in question, any kind of trailer load would be impossible and unsafe. really a danger to the general public because it could fail at any time. *tr
- Seat belts
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 how this IS a product defect causing a safety issue, I feel the manufacture should be responsible for this, especially because it IS the law to fasten the seat belts. Please let me know what to do. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
This IS a repeat of confirmation no. 10514519, but with "was there an injury or fatality? Marked "yes" above. 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. 4:30Pm edt, I was driving my 1998…
This IS a repeat of confirmation no. 10514519, but with "was there an injury or fatality? Marked "yes" above. 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. 4:30Pm edt, I was driving my 1998 KIA sportage on the garden state parkway north, just after entering the highway at exit 98 in wall, nj. The air conditioner had not been working well. the local temperature was in the high 90S, near 100 degrees. I had a passenger in the front passenger seat. Suddenly, anti-freeze smoke came out of the dashboard vents, then, hot scalding anti-freeze began falling on my right foot as it was on the accelerator pedal. At the same time, the front-seat passenger was also getting scalded. in my case, I sustained a 1ST to 2ND degree burn on my right small (pinky) toe, which was blistered. It was fortunate that I was able to get off at the monmouth service area at milepost 100 of the garden state parkway in wall, nj. my view IS that this IS a serious safety issue caused by design oversight, not merely a maintenance issue on a old car. For example, if a heater core breaks and does not heat, that IS a maintenance problem. However, if it breaks and an unexpected driver gets hurt, and compounded, loses control of the vehicle, and moreover, has to put his foot back onto the accelerator pedal to control the car in a hot-liquid stream, this IS an unacceptable safety condition due to failure to safely contain hot liquids. *Tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
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. 4:30 pm edt, I was driving my 1998 KIA sportage on the garden state parkway north, just after entering the highway at exit 98 in wall, nj. the air…
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. 4:30 pm edt, I was driving my 1998 KIA sportage on the garden state parkway north, just after entering the highway at exit 98 in wall, nj. the air conditioner had not been working well. the local temperature was in the high 90S, near 100 degrees. I had a passenger in the front passenger seat. suddenly, anti-freeze smoke came out of the dashboard vents, then, hot scalding anti-freeze began falling on my right foot as it was on the accelerator pedal. at the same time, the front-seat passenger was also getting scalded. in my case, I sustained a 1ST to 2ND degree burn on my right small (pinky) toe, which was blistered. it was fortunate that I was able to get off at the monmouth service area at milepost 100 in wall, nj. my view IS that this IS a serious safety issue caused by design oversight, not merely a maintenance issue on a old car. for example, if a heater core breaks and does not heat, that IS a maintenance problem. however, if it breaks and an unexpected driver gets hurt, and compounded, loses control of the vehicle, and moreover, has to put his foot back onto the accelerator pedal to control the car in a hot-liquid stream, this IS an unacceptable safety condition due to failure to safely contain hot liquids. *tr
- Structure › Body
Extreme corrosion at rear of frame where axle IS supported ready to collapse and will require remediation to prevent frame failure. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
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 seam. I very dangerous problem no matter where the tank IS leaking. I only hope noone has a fire because of it. I have to pay the extremely…
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 seam. I very dangerous problem no matter where the tank IS leaking. I only hope noone has a fire because of it. I have to pay the extremely expensive bill. I was told not only do I need the tank I will need the fuel pump assembly also and possibly more parts. The total approximately $1000.00 to have installed. This IS bs an outrage. had I known the problem with the kia's I would never have purchased it. *tr
- Electrical system
1998 KIA sportage a recall about the wiring has been reported I [xxx] has been suffering for transportation due to this malfunction just need justification a.s.a.p my mailing address IS [xxx] my ph. IS [xxx] also [xxx]. Thank you and have a blessed day. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system
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 on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent where an unknown repair was made to the vehicle. The failure persisted. The mechanic…
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 on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent where an unknown repair was made to the vehicle. The failure persisted. The mechanic advised that the failure was similar to nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v325000 (electrical system: wiring) but the contact did not confirm if his vin was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 89,835.
- Unknown or other
Sway bar had broken off from half of the frame.it was found the frame has rotted most of the way through in the backend of vehicle on both sides. I was told the back end could break off from vehicle at any moment.
- Electrical system
I purchased this car used,it stalled on me in the middle of the road. I have basically had the entire motor replaced.i went to test drive and it done the same thing. It stalled in the middle of traffic. I searched for recalls and came up with one in the C123 and C124 wire harness. I believe this was the problem from the very beginning. *Tr
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
I own a 1998 KIA sportage 4WD. I have access to alldata.com. I have recently performed some engine work to my vehicle and came across a recall that caused me some concern. Number: kt2006050901 IS listed as a possible concern for "certain 1996 - 2002 sportage models."i would like to know what makes…
I own a 1998 KIA sportage 4WD. I have access to alldata.com. I have recently performed some engine work to my vehicle and came across a recall that caused me some concern. Number: kt2006050901 IS listed as a possible concern for "certain 1996 - 2002 sportage models."i would like to know what makes a particular vehicle one that IS marked "for concern." the recall states the exact issue that I am facing with my vehicle. this condition IS being exhibited at this time. the local KIA dealership has informed me that my vehicle IS not one that I sto be serviced under this recall even though it IS exhibiting what the recall information outlines. Why, would you please, IS my vehicle not one that should be a candidate for this safety recall? I have a leak from the top of the tank. a dealership in nashville says that from all that they understand, my vehicle should be inspected/repaired for this recall concern. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I noticed a smell gas near the passenger door at the rear of the car. I look underneath and there was a leak of gas underneath. My mechanic has replaced something under it 2 x and it IS leaking again. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv) · Unknown or other
Safety recall. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The gas tank on my 1998 KIA sportage IS seriously corroding. My local garage mechanic stated that this IS a serious condition as it could start leaking or break loose from the car. As I understand there IS a nhtsa investigation (ea06007) currently being conducted. Please include me into the investigation so that this problem can be remedied. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Strong odor of gasoline in and around the car indicated a fuel leak. when investigated the leak was found coming from the fuel tank underneath the center part of the vehicle. appears to be due to corrosion of the tank. we are still checking on replacement fuel tanks for replacement and are not able to drive the vehicle. *Nm
- Unknown or other
I have not received the 3 most recent recalls for my vehicle from the manufacturer which gives me great concern in regards to myself and my passenger's safety. Please tell me what I need to do next to fix this. *jb
- Tires
Dt*: the contact stated while driving on the freeway at 65 mph. the passenger rear tire blew out. the tire dealership determined the tire failed due to tread separation. the tire manufacturer IS kumho. the size of the tire IS: 20575r15. *Ak updated 05/03/06
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The ABS on my vehicle fails intermittently. I have taken it to the dealer. the dealer has run diagnostics and told me that there IS no problem, despite the fact that the ABS light IS illuminated. the dealer called KIA USA, who could offer no help. because the ABS IS not always reliable, the…
The ABS on my vehicle fails intermittently. I have taken it to the dealer. the dealer has run diagnostics and told me that there IS no problem, despite the fact that the ABS light IS illuminated. the dealer called KIA USA, who could offer no help. because the ABS IS not always reliable, the braking characteristics of this vehicle are very unreliable. on 2 december the ABS system suddenly became operational, causing the "feel" of the pedal to change, startling the driver, who was in the process of braking. the vehicle struck a curb and narrowly missed a tree. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Dt: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated. a diagnostic test indicated it was the maximum airflow unit. the vehicle hesitated while driving at any speed. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer to determine the exact problem with the vehicle. *ak updated 12/7/2005. *nm
- Electrical system
I drove our SUV about 2 miles parked it in the garage and noticed a burning smell. I noticed the clock,radio, door locks, and passenger window were not working. I drove the car the next day for a short distance to work. Than called KIA talked to a janson cook who checked my vehicle for recall on…
I drove our SUV about 2 miles parked it in the garage and noticed a burning smell. I noticed the clock,radio, door locks, and passenger window were not working. I drove the car the next day for a short distance to work. Than called KIA talked to a janson cook who checked my vehicle for recall on this wiring. He said my sportage was not on file for the vin# and would not be fixed under the recall. I checked the internet and the 1998 sportages had a recall for a C123 and C124 cable which became loose and could cause a crash or us of my SUV. I than called the nhtsa and talked to kim she said file a complaint. I am afraid to drive for long distances more the 5 miles without something happening to cause me or someone else injury. The recall notice IS 99v325000 this to fix the loose wiring that can cause SUV to stop completely causing injury or loss of vehicle control. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Air bag light illuminated. diagnostics revealed airbag control module failure.*ak
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
The 4WD system on the 98 KIA sportage IS unreliable. the vacuum system, which actuates the front hubs does not work. I have had the vehicle in for this problem every winter since I purchased the vehicle in 1998. the dealers repair lasts a week or so and then fails. unexpected lack of 4WD IS a safety issue. *jb
- Power train › Axle hubs · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
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 end.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank leakage
A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from june 1999 to october 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of…
A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from june 1999 to october 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component was replaced.odi's analysis focused on leaks occurring on the underside of the tank due to corrosive failure caused by disruption of the protective pvc coating.the analysisindicates that such leaks are rare and do not show evidence of an increasing trend. Accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See document file for additional information regarding this resume.
- Engine stalling post-recall
Rq02-013 was opened to assess the scope and adequacy of recall 99v-325, which involved modifications to the engine fuel injection wire harness (harness).vehicles produced after the recall population have shown no signs of a defect trend.the majority of recall remedy failures identified were repaired within one day of…
Rq02-013 was opened to assess the scope and adequacy of recall 99v-325, which involved modifications to the engine fuel injection wire harness (harness).vehicles produced after the recall population have shown no signs of a defect trend.the majority of recall remedy failures identified were repaired within one day of the initial work.subsequent failure experience IS minimal (249/55,548 vehicles remedied).field data show no indication of an ongoing concern: of 627 post-recall stalling-related wire harness warranty repairs, only seven occurred in 2003.consumer complaints and fuel injection wire harness saleshave declined since 2001.odi has received a total of twelve potentially relevant consumer complaints since 2001.under these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources IS not justified.the recall query IS therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if circumstances warrant.
- Safety belt buckle malfunction
By letter dated august 25, 2002, KIA advised nhtsa that the subject vehicles will be recalled.specific corrective action to be taken by KIA has not been reported to nhtsa at this time.the safety recall program has been assigned campaign no. 02V-216.
- Turn sighal
There is no summary currently available
- Turn signal, traffic safety hazard
Allege that while driving, the trun signal switch failed.this failure increases the risk of a vehicle crash due to operator distraction and due to other vehicles being uninformed of the operator's intentions.
- Windshield wiper
Alleged windshield wiper becomes inoperative when the wiper arm and pivot separate
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10024232Fuel tank replacement under repair benefit program. On certain 1997-2000 sportages.
- 10015753Fuel pump relays & emissions failures. KIA technician times.
- 10000033This bulletin provided information related to recall campaign 027 to replace the front seat belt buckles.
- 10000032Recall campaign 027 to replace front seat belt buckles. Notification letter to dealers.
- 619141This bulletin provides information on a change to the sportage 4WD hub seals.
- 615644Emissions recall campaign: manifold catalytic converter replacement.
- 600994Provided information related to the KIA motors america technical assistance center and the tech line worksheet.
Every KIA Sportage model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.