Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
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. 4:30 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. …
First time I brought the car back was because the engine light went on and I had a oil leakage in the engine. Car started to shake even after it was hot and made a weird noise in the engine. The motor rr window was not working and the brakes were making some weird noise. Brought to the dealer to fix and he sent it to Kia for repair, the Kia crew found the front caliper frozen, but the customer denied to fix it. So I brought it to a specialist to check double check the car. They found the following defects and found the car unsafe (caliper rgt worn, frozen, caliper hardware worn, wheel cyl rgt- new/kit leaky, shoe hardware worn, c.v. Boot/joint rfo/rfi/lfo/lfi worn, coil springs front broken rr broken, ball joints/lower l worn). …
While driving vehicle would slow down, like there was no gas and motor shut down. Then all of a sudden it will take off. Also, engine light constantly came on. Once while coming across railroad tracks, vehicle attempted to slow down and stop, when all of a sudden it took off, and consumer lost control and went into a ditch.
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. …
I purchased my Kia Sportage on 7/14/98. On 11/20/98, my battery was dead. I took my Sportage to the dealer for the recall for the steering intermediate shaft coupling as soon as I received the recall notice. My brakes made a "squealing" sound since purchase, but I was informed by the dealership that this is normal for disc brakes. The brake light began flickering, then staying lit so I made an appointment with the dealership service dept. But was unable to keep it due to illness. The brakes now have a "grinding" sound and I am concerned about their safety factor. In August of 1998 I was stuck in traffic for over 2 hours due to a bad highway accident and the radiator overheated so I had to turn off, and keep off, the A/C. Recently, the engine is overheating and fluid drains when the car is parked. I feel that this is a lot of problems for a new car less than 9 months "old". …
First of all, my 1998 Kia Sportage has has several (like 4) recalls. When the recall came about the hubs on the 4x4, I took the vehicle in to have the work done. The next winter however, the 4x4 did not work. Thankfully the car was still under warranty and it was fixed under the warranty. Since that time, I have had to have no bearings put into the brakes, new rotators and brake pads twice. In dec., 2002, I had $500.00 worth of work done to replace the water pump, the timing belt and other belts that were squeaking. Just today (after just one month ago having $500.00 worth of work done to the car), my car is now getting hot when it sits and idles. Mind you, I have had this vehicle for 4-1/2 years and the car only has 60,000 miles on it. …
Front windshield has air leaks & at high speeds the wind is annoying. The front passenger seat belt locks into place as soon as the passenger clamps into place. One doesn't have to press brake peddle for it to tighten around person. When driving and particularly engaging the clutch to down shift the gear linkage disengages and the gears can't be located especially in second, third or fourth gears and because of such has almost caused three crashes. We had this checked by the dealer and they said they found nothing wrong with the gear shifting mechanism. I beg to differ because I drive that car every day and I've driven many manual shift transmissions cars and I believe that after driving for sometime (I.e., one to two hours) the transmission heats up and causes problems with gear selection.
Recall 99V325000 concerning stalling. Vehicle was experiencing an electrical problem that interfered with performance. Vehicle was recalled and repairs done, but symptoms returned. Manufacturer claimed no responsibility because consumer was not the original owner. Check engine light was on. The vehicle vibrated, smoked and was overheating. The left front tire blew out. Ignition coils cracked and were replaced. Vehicle had a blown head gasket. Front left turn signal clips broke. Oxygen sensor failed. Right front door lock fell off. Vehicle had several parts on recall before the consumer purchased it and the consumer believed those recalled parts were the source of the problem.
Engine complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 81 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 27% of the model year's 303 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (47 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sportage engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling 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.