1999 KIA Sportage
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sportage › 1999
These records cover every 1999 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 1999 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 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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
284 complaints27 involved a crash3 involved a fire14 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted strong fuel fumes on the exterior and the interior. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted strong fuel fumes on the exterior and the interior. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact also stated that the timing belt failed three times and was replaced by a mechanic. The drive train failed once and was replaced by a mechanic. The crank shaft was also replaced once. The contact also was experiencing a transmission failure in which the gears slipped randomly and were slow to change over. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than three times and they were not able to remedy the failure. The contact replaced the seals due to the transmission failure. The fuel leak continued and was not repaired. The vin was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The failure mileage was 333,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the transmission slipped gears without warning. The failure recurred sporadically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, who stated that the transmission would need to be…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the transmission slipped gears without warning. The failure recurred sporadically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, who stated that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
I had just filled gas tank with unleaded gas. When I noticed a strong gas smell. The car sits all day. I only move it for emissions each year I work from home. They tested and told me evap emission control sys malf. The guy said he could see gas leaking from my fuel line. He said it was a recall on…
I had just filled gas tank with unleaded gas. When I noticed a strong gas smell. The car sits all day. I only move it for emissions each year I work from home. They tested and told me evap emission control sys malf. The guy said he could see gas leaking from my fuel line. He said it was a recall on this to check with KIA. KIA told me my vin number did not match the recall. This car does not see alot of action there IS no reason other than a few good snows that may have rusted the tank other wise why would my tank all of a sudden leak gas. This IS a hazard that I think KIA should be responsible for. I am the second owner of the car and have had it longer than the first. I have experienced first hand some issues this model has had which KIA took care of. But they refuse this. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to shake violently and caused that contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was corrosion on the rear end of the vehicle after he regained control, stopped and…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to shake violently and caused that contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was corrosion on the rear end of the vehicle after he regained control, stopped and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they did not inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,390. updated 02/03/2014 *lj updated 02/24/14*lj
- Power train · Structure › Body · Suspension
Rear frame of my 1999 KIA sportage rotted, and causing the whole rearend to shift severely. At 30mph. Causing me to park my sportage. Rest of the frame in good shape. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact was driving approximately 55 mph when a larger truck passed him on the roadway and caused the contact's vehicle to swerve into another lane. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the frame was fractured. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact was driving approximately 55 mph when a larger truck passed him on the roadway and caused the contact's vehicle to swerve into another lane. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the frame was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
- Seat belts
Front left side seat belt, won't retract. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
I was driving on the interstate and hit a bump when my car began swaying back and forth from side to side. I had a very hard time maintaining control. I slowly drove home and upon further inspection underneath my 1999 KIA sportage I discover the frame IS totally rusted to the point of falling…
I was driving on the interstate and hit a bump when my car began swaying back and forth from side to side. I had a very hard time maintaining control. I slowly drove home and upon further inspection underneath my 1999 KIA sportage I discover the frame IS totally rusted to the point of falling apart. The passenger side of the frame IS almost non existent and the drivers side isn't much better there are holes and pieces of the frame gone. I have been reading on line that this IS a huge problem my 11 year old daughter or myself could have been killed because of this defect, please do something so others will not have to worry about this. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact took the vehicle for an oil change and was told that the frame of the vehicle was rusted completely. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer where an engineer for the manufacturer inspected and determined that the rear frame was severely rusted and could not be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 72,083.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate when accelerating. When accelerating from a complete stop, there was a delay in the vehicle accelerating and when it would, the transmission would exhibit an abnormal noise. The vehicle was not inspected. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. while driving 50 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle began to sway back and forth. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic where they advised that the vehicle had rusted from the chassis on the rear passenger side. The mechanic also advised that the…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. while driving 50 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle began to sway back and forth. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic where they advised that the vehicle had rusted from the chassis on the rear passenger side. The mechanic also advised that the failure was non-repairable. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted but was unable to assist. the failure and current mileage was 88,000. updated 9/16/11 *cn updated 2/9/12 *cn
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure › Frame and members
1995 to 2002 KIA sportages frames are rotting out and gas tanks leaking also. KIA refuses to repair or put out a recall on this issue. Vehicles are a safety issue to the public. Ford windstars had similar problems from 1998 to 2003 back axle rotting out, they are taking action and owning up to the…
1995 to 2002 KIA sportages frames are rotting out and gas tanks leaking also. KIA refuses to repair or put out a recall on this issue. Vehicles are a safety issue to the public. Ford windstars had similar problems from 1998 to 2003 back axle rotting out, they are taking action and owning up to the problem. I have been a state inspection mechanic for the state of pa. For 35yrs this defect IS going to cause several crashes, maybe deaths. KIA IS not concerned about this matter any help would be great. Thanks *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 KIA shortage. The contact stated after dispensing fuel into the full tank, he would smell a strong odor of fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they were unable to locate the problem. There was a manufacture…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 KIA shortage. The contact stated after dispensing fuel into the full tank, he would smell a strong odor of fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they were unable to locate the problem. There was a manufacture voluntary recall pertaining to the fuel system. The contact notified the dealer and they informed that safety recall expired. In addition, the fuel tank was not in stock. The problem persisted and became progressively worse. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. updated 2/23/11 *cn the consumer stated the fuel tank and fuel pump had rust problems. The consumer was informed it was not safe to drive the vehicle. The consumer has since purchased another vehicle. Updated 02/28/11
- Structure › Frame and members
I have a 1999 KIA sportage with 55,000 miles on it. the entire frame IS rotted and rusted out. cannot drive the vehicle in safety. will not pass inspection. I have 6 more months of payments I want to know what I can do about this? this IS unacceptable. 3 dealerships would not even take it as…
I have a 1999 KIA sportage with 55,000 miles on it. the entire frame IS rotted and rusted out. cannot drive the vehicle in safety. will not pass inspection. I have 6 more months of payments I want to know what I can do about this? this IS unacceptable. 3 dealerships would not even take it as a trade! I was told not to drive the vehicle because the gastank could fall down if I hit a bump in the road and the vehicle could explode. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
1999 KIA sportage. I have owned it since 2008. I have had the gas tank patched 3 times, then completely replaced cost of over 400 dollars. My mechanic said the tank kept rusting no matter what he tried and it was defective. All rear brakes twice and now with even new lever and other parts 420…
1999 KIA sportage. I have owned it since 2008. I have had the gas tank patched 3 times, then completely replaced cost of over 400 dollars. My mechanic said the tank kept rusting no matter what he tried and it was defective. All rear brakes twice and now with even new lever and other parts 420 dollars. Now the car IS undriveable due to the rear frame which has cracked and separated causing the car to sway and making steering extremely difficult. I thought it was a shock that broke when I heard the clunking sound, took it to the mechanic who informed me the car was to unsafe to drive because the frame IS swinging all around. I have no other vehicle and two children am a single parent. Now I can't get to work, appointments, schools ect. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure › Frame and members
I own a 1999 KIA sportage and recently had it racked to see what the noise was that was coming from underneath my car. The entire undercarriage has rusted out and the fame IS separating from each other, leaning on the shock absorbers on both sides, there are large holes in the fame where they have…
I own a 1999 KIA sportage and recently had it racked to see what the noise was that was coming from underneath my car. The entire undercarriage has rusted out and the fame IS separating from each other, leaning on the shock absorbers on both sides, there are large holes in the fame where they have rusted through, the fuel tank and shield IS rusted out and this car IS a ticking time bomb, ready to fall apart, and or if anything hits the fuel tank it will disintegrate and possibly explode. This car IS literally coming apart underneath.two of the doors panels underneath have rusted away. Everything IS rusted and it scares me to death to be driving it now that I have seen the undercarriage. I have many photos to submit for proof of the problem.apparently this car has been rusting for some time and I have never noticed it. I bought it brand new in september of 1999. It has prematurely rusted out unlike most vehicles which last for many years. I was informed by my brother this past summer and he told me that there was a service campaign on the fuel tank but when I took it to the dealer, they said it was past the 10 year mark by a few months and they wouldn't do anything about it. I have been in contact with KIA to gather information about recalls and service campaign notices of which I only was notified about 3 or 4 of them shortly after I purchased it. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
1999 KIA sportage gas tank rotted and leaking. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 KIA sportage. When the mechanic was changing the oil he notified the contact that the rear frame had decayed. The vehicle was driveable but had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 115,000. updated 02/10/11 *bf updated 03/11/11*jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
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 will be no way to attach a new one. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel tank leak. Smell of gasoline when car IS put in garage. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Keyway on crankshaft where timing gear attaches wears out prematurely and can result in having to replace engine! I have replace throttle position sensor, fuel filter, and knock sensor also the mass airflow sensor and timing belt were replaced as there appeared to be a timing issue could not find…
Keyway on crankshaft where timing gear attaches wears out prematurely and can result in having to replace engine! I have replace throttle position sensor, fuel filter, and knock sensor also the mass airflow sensor and timing belt were replaced as there appeared to be a timing issue could not find problem so took to KIA dealer to find the keyway on crankshaft to be so worn you could almost turn gear all the way around! In all the years I have been working on vehicles this IS the first time I have ever seen this and IS very obviously a manufacturer defect! *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel tank leaking every time when filling tank. Fuel pump was replaced, problem with gasoline leakage when filling tank IS still a problem. No repairs as of yet. I'm on disability. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
The frame IS all rust. I had to have the stabilizer bar welded where it come lose from the frame from rust. The bar was on the rear of the car witch maid it go all over the road. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I own a 1999 KIA sportage. when I filed tank, gas leaked. I took my car to the repair shop and they stated that I have a leak in my gas tank. *Tr
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.
- Fuel tank leakage
On january 4, 2006, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate alleged fuel leakage from the steel fuel storage tank in certain model year 1999-2000 KIA sportage vehicles.odi sent a letter to the manufacturer on january 25, 2006 requesting information about these and other…
On january 4, 2006, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate alleged fuel leakage from the steel fuel storage tank in certain model year 1999-2000 KIA sportage vehicles.odi sent a letter to the manufacturer on january 25, 2006 requesting information about these and other KIA sportage vehicles.odi IS aware of 40 non-duplicative complaints that allege fuel storage tank leakage in the subject vehicles.analysis of manufacturer data indicates that alleged fuel leakage at or near the storage tank may be attributed to several different failure modes involving the fuel containment and distribution system.kia has identified corrosion as a primary causal factor related to fuel storage tank complaints and continued fuel system part sales.according to KIA, fuel tank corrosion claims related to leakage can be divided into two categories: lower tank claims associated with exterior corrosion due to disruption of the polyvinyl chloride (pvc) protective coating and upper tank claims associated with corrosion at the fuel sending unit mounting plate area.the manufacturer's investigation into alleged fuel tank corrosion resulting in leakage IS ongoing.accordingly, this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea06-007) to further study the frequency, scope, and safety consequences of the alleged defect.
- Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
The manufacturer has initiated a safety related campaign to recall the subject vehicles for correction of the seat belt buckle defect.the corrective action IS to replace the seat belts/buckles.this safety recall program has been assigned nhtsa campaign no. 04V305.
- Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 KIA sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02V-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type A97. Odi analyses indicate a continuing…
Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 KIA sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02V-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type A97. Odi analyses indicate a continuing trend of consumer complaints following a series of design modifications made by KIA to improve the A97 latch assembly.my 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles were equipped with different design latch assemblies (type DB-6 or autoliv) and exhibit a much lower complaint count.this rq has been upgraded to an ea in order to further investigate this matter for the subject vehicles equipped with type A97 latch assemblies.
- 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.
- Windshield wiper
- 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.
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.
- 625921Subject regarding recall campaign to replace the manifold catalytic converter due to existing mcc developing cracks at weld.
- 625919Information regarding recall campaign to replace the manifold catalytic converter.
- 625917Information regarding manifold catalytic converter replacement. Questions and answers for recall.
- 625909Subject on recall campaign to replace the manifold catalytic converter.
- 625906Emissions recall compaign :sportage manifold catalytic converter replacement.
- 619141This bulletin provides information on a change to the sportage 4WD hub seals.
Every KIA Sportage model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.