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!

- Omaha, NE, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle is gradually leaking brake fluid and he is constantly having to add more fluid. Also, the vehicle stalls intermittently while driving between 30-50 mph and merging into traffic. His VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id numbers 98V222000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping and fittings) and 99V325000 (electrical system:wiring); however, the dealer will repair the vehicle according to NHTSA campaign id number 04V305000 (seat belts:front:buckle assembly). The current mileage was 107,812 and the failure mileage was unavailable.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

: the contact stated the vehicle stalls at various speeds and intermittently will not start. After sitting for a while the vehicle will restart. The dealership has been informed. There are no lights illuminated on the dash prior to the vehicle stalling. The temperature gauge was acting erratic. The power steering belt was replaced. Updated 09/13/06.

- Garland, TX, USA

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. There has never been any collision or any other event that has taken place for this to occur. We are just lucky that we have never been hurt or killed in this car!

- Dumont, NJ, USA

Consumer had the same problems as mentioned in NHTSA recall 99V325000. The wires connected to the C123 and C124 connectors can be put under tension by movement of the engine, thus pulling the wires and connectors, and loosening them. This results in a loss of circuit continuity. Dealership indicated to the consumer this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN.

- Brookfield, CT, USA

\T\T\T\T 11/16/02\tgeneral diagnostics after purchase\T no stored codes \T $75.50 \T\ttiming check - disconnect battery\T\T 11/29/02\tengine bucks on acceleration\T no stored codes\T $87.26 \T broken center console replaced\T\T 01/02/03\tengine stalled - died after one week's time, no diagnosis\T $70.88 * towed *\T\T 01/05/03\temail sent to: Kia Consumer Affairs advised of poor running condition and \T inferior Kia service received response as to four \T \T\T manufacturer recalls not performed to\T \T\T date on vehicle\T 01/13/03\T*SC014 recall - engine wiring harness\T recall performed\T $102.44 *SC022 recall - manifold catalytic converter\T recall performed\T \T\T*front wheel bearing seals leaking/loose replaced front hub assemblies\T \T\T*coolant leaking at bypass hose\T R&R hose and replaced seals\T \T\T*determined front bumper replaced \T 01/17/03\T*exhaust manifold stud broken\T removed manifold/drilled out broken stud\T and replaced $77.77 \T\T*stuck thermostat\T replaced thermostat\T 05/22/03\T52,500 mile service\T\T$123.27 \T\T*wiper blade check - not operating properly\T adjusted wiper arms/replaced blades\T \T\T\T operating worse!\T \T\T*front end shaking @ high speeds\T rotated tires - no change!\T \T\T*replace front turn signal assembly\T completed satisfactorily\T 05/23/03\tcar died while driving - stalled out at idle\T wiring harness to tcm shorting out\T $260.13 \T *towed* removed tcm/cleaned/repaired\T total out of pocket repairs (not including warranty items) $797.25

- Belcamp, MD, USA

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.

- Owingsmills, MD, USA

While driving at 30 mph vehicle stalled without warning. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, and technician determined that wiring and connectors failed.

- Girard, PA, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle will intermittently stall. After a few minutes sitting vehicle can be restarted. Manufacturer and dealer have been notified of the problem.

- Newcastle, CA, USA

Consumer states radiator blew up, also having problems with the engine, as well as the engine check light coming on, smoke was entering into vehicle through front vents possibly due to radiator being inoperative.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Not only has the proportional braking valve failed, but also engine temp sensor, causing transmission failure, engine light came on, and hold light for the trasmission come on, and now the power window gets stuck open. We smell a faint smell of wire insulation burning, but service dept. Said they couldnt do any thing until the brake light came on and stayed on. He said there was a short in the wiring harness.this makes twice.

- Linville, NC, USA