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 1999 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted strong fuel fumes on the exterior and the interior. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact also stated that the timing belt failed three times and was replaced by a mechanic. The drive train failed once and was replaced by a mechanic. The crank shaft was also replaced once. The contact also was experiencing a transmission failure in which the gears slipped randomly and were slow to change over. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than three times and they were not able to remedy the failure. The contact replaced the seals due to the transmission failure. The fuel leak continued and was not repaired. The VIN was not available. …
I have a 1999 Kia Sportage with less than 35,000 miles on it as of July 5, 2006. In November of 2005 I started noticing a really strong fuel smell. Shortly thereafter I noticed fluid leaking from the rear of my vehicle. I took it in around thanksgiving to find out that the gas tank had to be replaced. I had to pay almost $1,000 for this repair. Also, in May of 2006 power steering fluid leaked all over my garage while the car was in summer storage. Upon further investigation it is due to the power steering pressure hose damping pipe rusting out. This car has also already have to get new front brake rotors (rusted/warped) as well as a new exhaust pipe since the previously one rusted off the muffler. Within the first couple years one of the bearings went bad and they ended up replacing the whole front axle unit. …
This Kia was purchased new and is a one owner car. It has had 2 master cylinders, and 4 sets of brake pads. The car currently has 50,000 miles on it. The car slides to the right on wet roads and does not stop until it hits something or slows to a stop. I have slid 2 times, rear ended someone the 3rd, and my son hit a light pole. The other times the brakes May or May not work. The problem is worse during rainy weather. The brakes go to the floor and the car does not stop. At times the brakes vibrate. This car has had a new cloth top, new air conditioning 2x, 5 catalytic converters, new carpet from the air leaking and molding, new seat covers as they ripped, new brakes, rotors, pads several items I have lost count, the check engine light comes on, the car has been re-wired, at times the car won't accelerate if the air conditioner is on. …
1999 Kia Sportage has had timing belt replaced three times since I bought car new in 1999. While traveling on nj turnpike, what we believed was the timing belt yet again was the crank shaft at the harmonic balance (which holds the timing belt in place) completely snapped into two pieces inside the engine. I spoke to several different Kia service departments who advised me that this was not a normal thing and was in no way due to something we could have done. I was told by my Kia dealer that the manufacturers warranty had expired last year and that I was responsible for the defect in the Kia. The first three times that the timing belt was replaced the warranty covered. Now I am told I must pay for a new engine. Be advised that every time this happened the car was going 55 m.p.h. Or over. It is my belief that was caused by a manufacturing defect and that Kia should be held accountable. …
I am the owner of a 99 Kia Sportage with only 19000 miles on it bought new with only 10 miles on it back in 99. This SUV has been nothing but problems from day one, with everything from the ac to the 4 wheel drive needing repaired twice in one day, to the most serious problem happening on 8-19-02 when my right rear anti sway bar bracket breaks away from where it was welded on the frame in the factory ( the org. Welds just broke ) as my daughter and I are driving this SUV home one evening causing this SUV to be all over the road and uncontrollable. Luckily no one was hurt or killed because of this. Kia accepts no responsibilty for this. But it was there welds done in there factory when they made this SUV. This is the kind of safe products that Kia makes and the public needs to be aware of this fact and how much this co. Values a human life.
99 Kia Sportage surges when starting and idles so rough when stopped that you think the car will die, has died a few times. Dealer has not been able to determine the cause to repair. All recall work was done, including the wiring harness fix sc014, but there was no symptom of problem then. Extended warranty has expired, and continually finding problem with car. Also tail pipe recently broke off had to be replaced. I now have a spreadsheet of the problems and repairs. Would like to fix this problem if I knew what it was. Had mass air flow sensor, throttle position sensor, numerous other parts replaced as well as a tune up. Also the exhaust smells bad. Engine doesn't have much pick up on small hills either.
I am the owner of a 99 Kia Sportage with only 60043 miles. I bought the vehicle brand new. The vehicle stalled at 40 MPH, luckily, it did not stalled at 75 MPH while I was taking one of my daily trips to OK city because it would have been disastrous. The crankshaft sheared off flush with the engine housing leaving the main and timing belt pulleys disconnected from the engine. As consequent, the engine stalled leaving the vehicle without power in the middle of traffic. No one was hurt or killed because of this. Contacted the Kia dealer and they will not take any resposibility for this defective part. This is the kind of safe product that makes Kia customers not to be repeat customers.
Keyway on crankshaft where timing gear attaches wears out prematurely and can result in having to replace engine! I have replace throttle position sensor, fuel filter, and knock sensor also the mass airflow sensor and timing belt were replaced as there appeared to be a timing issue could not find problem so took to Kia dealer to find the keyway on crankshaft to be so worn you could almost turn gear all the way around! In all the years I have been working on vehicles this is the first time I have ever seen this and is very obviously a manufacturer defect!
Catalytic converter was recalled and replaced by the dealer in 2001, rattling and not working correctly since (engine light on - diagnostic says converter), return to dealer approximately. 2 months later, they verified everything was OK, would not pass smog the next year, returned to dealer they say it is the converter again, will not pay to replace again. Car runs with no power and is a danger on the road.
No recall notice #99V325000 was received on vehicle. Had taken to dealership, and informed by service manager no recalls on vehicle. Later, found there was recall. Took vehicle back. Mechanic informed owner repairs for engine stalling will not be done due vehicle not purchased at that dealer. ABS locked up and caused consumer to hit a deer, consumer was injured.
Engine complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 81 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Kia Sportage, 29% of the model year's 284 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (42 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Kia Sportage engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 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 1999 Kia Sportage engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.