6.5

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,593 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.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1999 Kia Sportage:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #6

May 052006

Sportage 4WD 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,559 miles
: 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.

- Shippensburg, PA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #5

Feb 012003

Sportage

  • miles
When attempting to engage 4-wheel drive, the light illuminates, but 4-wheel drive is not engage.

- Mountain City, TN, USA

Add Complaint
problem #4

Dec 012000

Sportage

  • miles
4 wheel drive became inoperable, dealer replaced knuckle package, both hub assemblies, both axle assemblies, damages seals, vacuum seal, and vacuum hosed was repaired. (attorney for client)

- Salamanca, NY, USA

Add Complaint
problem #3

Oct 152000

Sportage 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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. Now same problem with 4 wheel drive, same grinding sound back.

- Meredeth, NH, USA

Add Complaint
problem #2

Feb 202001

(reported on)

Sportage 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The 4 wheel drive differential did not work, and the consumer had to be pushed out of snowy condition. Nlm

- Plattsburg, NY, USA

Add Complaint
problem #1

Feb 022001

(reported on)

Sportage 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
After repair and while driving in the snow the 4WD went out causing the vehicle to slid down a hill, upon inspection it was determined that the 4WD was not working. Nlm

- Oak Ridge, MO, USA

Add Complaint