Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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. …
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. …
Engine connectors c144 (throttle position sensor), c129 (mass air flow sensor) and c146 (idle speed actuator) lose circuit continuity with movement of the engine causing engine hesitation, loss of power and false "check engine light " indication on the instrument panel. Wiggling the appropriate connector restores continuity temporarily but it will recur again shortly within a day or two of operating the vehicle.
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.
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.
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. Updated 12/7/2005.
1998 Kia Sportage. Faillure to crank. After being driven for a while it cuts off while driving. Hard to crank. Fuel pump was replaced, but it's doing the same thing. Rear windshield wiper doesn't work all the time. Four wheel drive doesn't work all the time.
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. …
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.
NHTSA investigations
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 complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component…
Fuel System complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 8% of the model year's 303 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sportage fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.