10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,935 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #12

May 162011

Sportage

  • 138,000 miles
1998 Kia Sportage a recall about the wiring has been reported I [xxx] has been suffering for transportation due to this malfunction just need justification a.S.a.P my mailing address is [xxx] my ph. Is [xxx] also [xxx]. thank you and have a blessed day. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #11

Jun 282010

Sportage

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while traveling at 25 mph, the vehicle began to lose power. The hold button illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent where an unknown repair was made to the vehicle. The failure persisted. The mechanic advised that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign id number: 99V325000 (electrical system: Wiring) but the contact did not confirm if his VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 89,835.

- Saratoga, UT, USA

problem #10

Apr 102008

Sportage

  • 130,000 miles
I purchased this car used, it stalled on me in the middle of the road. I have basically had the entire motor replaced.I went to test drive and it done the same thing. It stalled in the middle of traffic. I searched for recalls and came up with one in the C123 and C124 wire harness. I believe this was the problem from the very beginning.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #9

Aug 142005

Sportage 4WD 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,225 miles
I drove our SUV about 2 miles parked it in the garage and noticed a burning smell. I noticed the clock, radio, door locks, and passenger window were not working. I drove the car the next day for a short distance to work. Than called Kia talked to a janson cook who checked my vehicle for recall on this wiring. He said my Sportage was not on file for the VIN# and would not be fixed under the recall. I checked the internet and the 1998 Sportages had a recall for a C123 and C124 cable which became loose and could cause a crash or us of my SUV. I than called the NHTSA and talked to kim she said file a complaint. I am afraid to drive for long distances more the 5 miles without something happening to cause me or someone else injury. The recall notice is 99V325000 this to fix the loose wiring that can cause SUV to stop completely causing injury or loss of vehicle control.

- Palos Hills, IL, USA

problem #8

Apr 182003

Sportage 4-cyl

  • miles
Problems with horn, steering wheel and air conditioner on 1998 Kia Sportage. The vehicle dash lights also failed intermittently.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #7

Jan 282002

Sportage

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Recall 99V325000 concerning stalling. Vehicle was experiencing an electrical problem that interfered with performance. Vehicle was recalled and repairs done, but symptoms returned. Manufacturer claimed no responsibility because consumer was not the original owner. Check engine light was on. The vehicle vibrated, smoked and was overheating. The left front tire blew out. Ignition coils cracked and were replaced. Vehicle had a blown head gasket. Front left turn signal clips broke. Oxygen sensor failed. Right front door lock fell off. Vehicle had several parts on recall before the consumer purchased it and the consumer believed those recalled parts were the source of the problem.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #6

Nov 112001

(reported on)

Sportage 4WD

  • miles
Consumer states she is experiencing several electrical problems, such as the doors unlocking 4 times per second and the heater fan not operating.

- Grand Forks, ND, USA

problem #5

Nov 112001

(reported on)

Sportage 4WD

  • miles
Consumer states she is experiencing several electrical problems, such as the doors unlocking 4 times per second and the heater fan not operating.

- Grand Forks, ND, USA

problem #4

Jan 012000

Sportage

  • miles
Vehicle has a shock problem when getting inside of vehicle. When turning vehicle on consumer gets a shock. Also, driver's side window doesn't go all the way down.

- Altedena, CA, USA

problem #3

Jan 172000

Sportage

  • miles
Vehicle has had continual electrical failures causing engine shut down while driving.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #2

Jul 101998

Sportage

  • miles
Continuous electrical failures causing blown fuses and component failure. Mjs

- Knightsen, CA, USA

problem #1

Feb 121998

Sportage

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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. Rear hatch would not pop after being unlocked, there was an internal leak from the seal. On two separate occasions, the A/C leaked on the passenger floorboard, dealer replaced the evaporator.

- Delrey Beach, FL, USA