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 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. …
Dt*: the contact stated the fuel tank assembly developed a hole causing a fuel leak. The dealer replaced the fuel tank and determined the storage assembly also had a leak which could no longer be seen. Gas totally covered that area where the hole was located. The contact also stated when the front passenger side door was locked, the door could not be opened from the outside with the key. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer regarding the lock. Updated 10/4/2006 - the dealer failed to fix the door while it was there for service. The four wheel drive was not activated although the four wheel drive light was illuminated on the dash. The dealer replaced the vacuum lines.
The automatic locking hubs on my '99 Kia Sportage have failed again. This is 4 times in 4 years. I have had a vacuum line replaced and the entire front assembly replaced. Last year they would not work during a snow storm , causing me to almost get stuck in a snow drift. Had the vehicle to the dealer a week later---and they were working. Temperatures were warmer when the dealer looked at them. During recent snow storm (12/5/03) hubs once again would not engage. Indicator light is on, but the rear wheels spin in the snow. Don't know what to do. Would like Kia to replace with manual locking hubs. Any help would be appreciated.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the transmission slipped gears without warning. The failure recurred sporadically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, who stated that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
While driving front passenger's wheel bearing broke off, causing wheel to bent inwards/ sparks flying, and fire started. Driver stopped vehicle and found that wheel almost fell off from the axle. Please provide further information.
Vehicle had driveshaft replaced every 20,000 miles due to wear. Consumer believed that when the vehicle is driven on wet road condition, water is getting into the seal. Dealer was notified. Please provide any further information.
Many safety problems please help. Vehicle has stalled 4 times at highway speeds and the dealer says they cannot duplicate the problem somebody is going to be killed or seriously injured. 4 wheel drive inoperable during severe snowstorm. Blower motor for the heater has been replace twice now both times subzero weather. The starter was rewired once and then replace twice, every time vehicle was inoperable and had to be towed.catalytic convertor replaced once so far. Driver side wiper arm broke off at 55 MPH during rainstormspare tire release replaced two times now first time couldn't open it, second time it wouldn't shut. Water coming in from somewhere running along the bottom of the glove box dealer doesn't have time to look at it. Muffler assembly replaced as well as the battery after all the starter problems. …
While driving 65mph in rain driver's side windshield wiper stopped. Then, passenger's side windshield wiper stopped as well. Dealer found driver's side windshield wiper had broken. Replaced both windshield wipers. On January 10, 2001 while snowing, very same thing happened again. Had windshield wipers replaced again. While driving to dealer's lot driver's windshield wiper arm flew off. The complete 4 wheel drive kit was replaced by the dealer but the 4 wheel drive did not engage resulting in bumping, grinding noise and no traction. The consumer stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. 4 wheel drive was never in working order in vehicle, consumer put vehicle in 4 wheel drive and got stuck. There was a loud grinding sound. Light indicating this option was working had been on. Dealer found 4 wheel drive had not been working in vehicle since purchase. Dealer replaced 4 wheel drive. …
No lights on dashboard came on .this is one time engine check light did not come on. Oil all over motor. Around area of dip stick.pressure from motor blew out dip stick has anyone else had to replace motor on these cars? Also have had brakes replaced 5 times. Wiper assembly replaced. Fourwheel drive hose replaced. Windsheild replaced. Emissons replaced. Rotors 5 times. Seats front and back 1 time each. Soft top replaced 3 times need replaced again.smells like sulfur all the time. Will never buy one again . First I have to pay 3000.00 for a new motor and pay this one off.asked for help from Kia they said no.they will not replace motor. I bought extended warrenty . Don't buy it doesn't cover brakes or rotors or hubs.had headlight switch by motor replaced no headlights they would go off when I put them from high beam to low beam or low to high. …
Transmission complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Kia Sportage, 20% of the model year's 284 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Kia Sportage transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire 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.