Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
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). …
Sunday, 11-02-2003, while driving on main st in mesa, arizona, our 1998 Kia Sportage's gearshift lever snapped off in my hand. I was shifting from second to third gear at the time. The break was about 1 1/2 inches from floor level, down inside the consol. I was lucky to be able to coast onto the median without crashing. My pregnant wife and three-year-old son were with me in the vehicle.I contacted Kia and the short of it is that the vehicle is out of warranty and they claim that they don't have to do anything about this. I feel that this is a life-threatening defect. Kia should be very interested in finding out how or why a vehicle with no history of accidents could have this critical part break off unexpectedly! Not giving the brush-off! I have digital photos that I am willing to email.
After getting stuck in snow found that 4 wheel drive wasn't engaging - mechanic said due to someone over packing components with grease and a part put in backwards there was no way the 4 wheel drive was engaging. So essentially we haven't had 4 wheel drive since we purchased our vehicle in 2000. After the part was installed properly 4wd was engaging. May 16th brought in vehicle due to grinding noise in front wheel hub. Mechanic found 4wd hub rust filled and bad, bearings all rusted out, vacuum hoses to the back of the spindle broken both sides. Both front wheels had same problem. In checking your complaints on file there are many for the same problem, same year and vehicle.
The vehicles 4-wheel drive engaged sometimes then popped out causing a loud noise. The consumer found out about a hub seal recall and inquired about it at the dealer . The dealer indicated that the recall was performed by the manufacturer. The consumer looked under the hood for a red mark on the vacuum canister bracket but didn't see one. The consumer therefore believes that the recall has not been completed.
The trnamission fail twice once after the car was checked before we left on vacation, the deeler will not help my and we have ended up having a restraining order draw up because of the threats from his staff. Kia it's self has been notified and hav offered a rediculus traid in of $7000. The car was over $18000. The hubs have nearly cost me my life I went off the interstate hitting ice I was not in 4 wheel drive at the time but I went in to a ditch,when I tried to put it in to 4 wheel I would not go I had to travel in a ditch on a busy interstate for 5 mile till I could reach the exit. The washer motor failed on the interstate in smowing conditions, I had to empty water on the window as I was driving to see. This the worst car ever and the dealer and Kia will not help with any of these matters. …
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.
4-wheel drive failed twice within a 1 year time span during snowstorms! It was "repaired"the first time but failed again less than 1 year later.both failures occurred during deep snow conditions,thusly making driving impossible and creating a potential for hazardous and possible fatal conditions.I am bringing the vehicle in today(01/15/2002) to Kia of westchester to be diagnosed and repairs.please,contact said dealership to insure that the vehicle gets repaired properly and in a expeditious manner.also,I lost 2 days of salary because I was unable to make it home(I was in pa visiting my ill father) because of 1-foot of snow and unable to engage 4-wheel drive!
The dealer knew the bearings was bad at 19500 miles and they told my wife if they started grinding to bring back the vehicle but there was no warning all at once it pulled to the left and started grinding now they are telling me that kiais working on new bearings and hubs they can`t get parts they have to get the parts the Kia rep. Now I have to wait for him and they would not give us a loaner they said it was not the dealers responsiblity so I had to rent a car I could say more but that is enough for now.
Vehicle had four recalls and airbag light kept flashing. Recalls were on brake hoses, front buckle assembly, electrical wiring and missing label. While driving the vehicle air bag light began to flash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician indicated that the air bag module had failed. While driving the vehicle's check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer who indicated that the coils were cracked. Transmission line was leaking.
Transmission complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 21% of the model year's 303 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › lever and linkage › column shift (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sportage transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.