Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I've had continuous problems with my car since purchasing it, it has been taken into the shop for the engine check light coming on 2 times, the first time they said it was a sensor, but the problem reoccurred 2 days later , they then said it was a harness, that was replaced then I've taken it in for two recalls on the brakes and a hub problem, I'm currently having problems with the door handles sticking so it makes it impossible to open the doors with the key from the outside, dealer states that they can't get it to happen when I take it to the shop but it occures continually when the vehicle is in my possession, back hatch door does not close completely unless you slam it several times, dealer says nothing wrong, engine always smells like it is burning and now the car will only start when it wants to, dealer said it was the battery but the car is only 1 year old, I've talked to several …
When consumer is at a stop sign and then accelerates, the vehicle does not move at all like there is no gas in the vehicle while the engine is still running. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted. Vehicle idled low, when first started in the am vehicle had no power and stumbled until it warmed up, dealer stated the iac would not open, check engine light illuminated due to the tps sensor being out of specifications. Tail light lens cracked and the dash light dimmer switch fell in the dash. Vehicle stalled due to ignition coil and spark plugs, vehicle backfired and hesitated, dealer rerouted the wiring harness and repaired the pin connectors. Vehicle overheated due to a crack in the cylinder head. Passenger side front door rattled when closing and the window was down, dealer stated this was normal. Carpet on the passenger side floor would not lie flat. …
Im not happy that I bought a new car and it averages going into the shop every 6-8 weeks. I cant afford this. Im to arrange my own transportation while my car is in the shop, its been towed 3 times for the engine lite, when work is done they don't call and tell us what was wrong and it can be picked up, last time the car was in the shop they didnt call for over a week to tell me to come get it, I asked to speak with a manager and left several messages and they still havent called. I wil never buy a Kia again or buy from any rizza. I feel like I bought junk, I want my money back, take the car. There is a class action lawsuit in the process at website 100% I hate Kia. Thank youl
Acording to dealership , the predrilled holes and the child safty seat anchoring system is not available for the 1998 Kia Sportage and are still not available at this time. Its is my understanding that these items are required by law. Im looking for information about this problem and any assistance that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I became aware of this problem when I purchased a new carseat for my two year old son. The manual for the carseat strictly says that with out the proper anchor hardware the carseat can not be installed properly.
While accelerating in reverse vehicle cuts off. Vehicle has been brought to the dealership 3 times for this problem. Fuel injection system was changed twice. Also, the moulding around the sparks plugs broke loose, and it was replaced. Consumer is still experiencing stalling problems. Shield over the catalytic converter replaced. The rear latch for the spare cable rusted and came out upon pulling, the mounting for the rear wheel has released itself while vehicle is in motion.
There are many of problems with this vehicle as of today ther are only 1700 mile on the vehicleas where mor than 1/2 those miles are from going back and forth to the service dept as it is an 80 mile trip to the service dept. As for Kia they are totally ignorant as they do not ever return any of my phone calls. This suvis a lemon if I ever saw one . You would thin. No safet defect (s) listed in the summary.
We have an antifreeze problem still to this day; our brakes still are squealing now; it didn't start twice; ice builds up where the door and the car come together-damaging door; has iced over inside the car; windows would never clear off-couldn't see anything while driving; didn't idle properly-and still doesn't
Fuel tank sensor went out in vehicle 7 different times. Door handle on passenger's side had came off twice. 4-wheel drive did not work when using it. Taken vehicle to dealership for repairs. Was informed that fuel tank should not be filled completely. Will be looking at the other problems for repairs.
Water runs off my windshild into the door and forms ice in the hinges which results in having a hard time getting in or out of my vehicle. The manufacturer states there is nothing that can be done for this, and I have to accept it and live with it all for $17,000.00.
Body complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1998 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the body & structure of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 9% of the model year's 303 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sportage body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1998 Kia Sportage, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Kia Sportage body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 175,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.