1998 Kia Sportage Body & Structure Problems
19 owner-reported body & structure complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (19)
Your car's frame has severe rust and corrosion at the rear where the axle connects, and it's at risk of collapsing. This could lead to frame failure if not repaired immediately. The affected area will need to be cleaned, treated, and reinforced or replaced to restore structural integrity.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
PAINT CHIPPING OFF TRIM OF SPORTAGE. *AK
THE REAR LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALSO THERE IS EXTREME WIND NOISE IN COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR.*JB
THE REAR LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, ALSO THERE IS EXTREME WIND NOISE IN COMING FROM THE FRONT DOOR.*JB
CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS, DEALER REPLACED THE WEATHER STRIP.*JB
CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS, DEALER REPLACED THE WEATHER STRIP.*JB
CENTER CONSOL LID BROKE UNABLE TO OPEN- REPLACED WITH NEW ONE. *AK
ACORDING TO DEALERSHIP , THE PREDRILLED HOLES AND THE CHILD SAFTY SEAT ANCHORING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 1998 KIA SPORTAGE AND ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. ITS IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE ITEMS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW. IM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I BECAME AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN I PURCHASED A NEW CARSEAT FOR MY TWO YEAR OLD SON. THE MANUAL FOR THE CARSEAT STRICTLY SAYS THAT WITH OUT THE PROPER ANCHOR HARDWARE THE CARSEAT CAN NOT BE INSTALLED PROPERLY.*AK
HATCH/TRUNCK UNABLE TO BE OPENED BECAUSE WHEEL RELEASE WILL NOT RELEASE. NLM
FAILED WEATHER STRIP CAUSING LEAKAGE INTO FRONT DOOR. MJS
INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED. MJS
BACK HATCH LOOSE CAUSING INTERIOR LIGHTS TO MALFUNCTION AND THEFT ALARM SYSTEM TO FAIL, SINCE PURCHASE.
DASH CONTINUES TO RATTLE AFTER REPAIR ATTEMPTS.
AIR LEAKS INTO VEHICLE AT DRIVER'S SIDE, UNABLE TO RECTIFY.
WATER RUNS OFF MY WINDSHILD INTO THE DOOR AND FORMS ICE IN THE HINGES WHICH RESULTS IN HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING IN OR OUT OF MY VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATES THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE FOR THIS, AND I HAVE TO ACCEPT IT AND LIVE WITH IT ALL FOR $17,000.00. *AK
CONSOLE REPLACED.
HATCH STRUT FAILED.
DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. DEALER SAYS IT'S BAD WIRING. *AK
BUG DEFLECTOR CAME LOOSE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO HOOD.