Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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). …
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.
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
Brakes: hydraulic brake pedal has to be pressed to the floor before vehicle stops. The lifters made loud noises & rattling & needed to be changed. Rear door is off line & not shutting properly. Customer states drivers side mirror fell off. The check engine light is on due to oxygen sensor failure. The rear hatch does not close properly. The customer stated that there was a ticking noise at engine when hot or cold, this happens all the time. Dome light screw fell off, dealer found loose ground at light, the ground was resecured and a new screw was installed.
Oxygen sensor has been replaced three times after routine service was performed. Consumer also stated the wipers were not clearing windshield, windows go up slowly, 4-wheel drive was inoperative,vehicle was loosing power steering, dealer replaced the fan belt,air condition was inoperative,wheel bearing were loose,weatherstrip was replaced,the engine boggs down while driving, front brakes were noisy.
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
All four windows get stuck, doors lock and unlock by themselves, vehicle is trying to shift into 4x4 while vehicle is in motion, air conditioner works 1 out of 4 times, latch opens on back of vehicle while in motion. Black tarry dust on front tires.
Vehicle has air leakage through windshield and when on highway speed in rocks. Defrost does not work properly a fan is always running with either hot/cold. The seat belt locks on you at any time. The breaks make a grinding noise.
All three, 2 frontal and 1 rear windshield wipers are rusting with only 31,000 miles on vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachments. *note: this was just reported to dealership on April 16, 2001.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper
Alleged windshield wiper becomes inoperative when the wiper arm and pivot separate
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Kia Sportage, 8% of the model year's 303 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sportage window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
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.