4.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
25,286 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Kia Sportage drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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1998 Kia Sportage Owner Comments

problem #7

Jan 212005

Sportage

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 4WD system on the 98 Kia Sportage is unreliable. The vacuum system, which actuates the front hubs does not work. I have had the vehicle in for this problem every winter since I purchased the vehicle in 1998. The dealers repair lasts a week or so and then fails. Unexpected lack of 4WD is a safety issue.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #6

Mar 262003

Sportage 4WD 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles
After getting stuck in snow found that 4 wheel drive wasn't engaging - mechanic said due to someone over packing components with grease and a part put in backwards there was no way the 4 wheel drive was engaging. So essentially we haven't had 4 wheel drive since we purchased our vehicle in 2000. After the part was installed properly 4WD was engaging. May 16th brought in vehicle due to grinding noise in front wheel hub. Mechanic found 4WD hub rust filled and bad, bearings all rusted out, vacuum hoses to the back of the spindle broken both sides. Both front wheels had same problem. In checking your complaints on file there are many for the same problem, same year and vehicle.

- New Ipswich, NH, USA

problem #5

Mar 272003

Sportage 4WD 4-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
The 4 wheel drive did work and rear the brakes were not in line.

- Dorchester, MA, USA

problem #4

Jan 012003

Sportage

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 4-wheel drive did not hold while driving up a hill, which caused the vehicle to spin.

- Mountain City, TN, USA

problem #3

Jan 092003

(reported on)

Sportage

  • miles
The 4 wheel drive does no engage when put in gear. Took to dealer who installed some type of child safety device under the clutch. Problem is still occurring.

- Dorcas, WV, USA

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problem #2

Jan 011999

Sportage 4WD

  • miles
The 4-wheel drive system failed to engage due to a bad seal, the seal causes the vacuum not to engage properly.

- Martins Ferry, OH, USA

problem #1

Nov 011998

Sportage 4WD

  • miles
Four wheel drive locks up wheels causing poor control.

- Palisades, NJ, USA

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