1998 Kia Sportage problems

Filed Apr 24, 2017 · IN

Right rear frame rusted through completely stablizer rusted off frame

Filed Oct 10, 2015 · 170,000 miles · SC

My steering column doesn't lock when I turn off the engine. It has also started failing to start but when we jumpstart it it responds immediately. I have learned; that sometimes if I rock it or push it a few feet it will start right up too. It acts almost like a vapor lock because the engine is warm and just doesn't start after having set for an hour. Almost like a short or disconnect. Additionally the blower motor seems to have died too. Heat/AC works, just doesn't distribute. I'm wondering if there's a recall on either of these since they seem to be electrical or wiring harness issues.

Filed Aug 14, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 175,000 miles · OH

Rear frame rust/rot is incredibly excessive. Noticed today while checking tire pressure. Entire underside of frame is completely rusted through. Rear cross member in terrible shape. Visible deterioration happened quickly. Purchasing the car in 2012 there was no sign of rot on the frame. Now I feel uncomfortable driving the car, or selling it to someone else for that matter. As a mechanical engineer, the integrity of the square tube frame is compromised to the point that safety in a rear end collision is in question, any kind of trailer load would be impossible and unsafe. Really a danger to the general public because it could fail at any time.

Filed Jun 28, 2013 · Seat belts · 157,000 miles · ND

I cannot fasten my seatbelt because it will not extend. I went to power kia in salem, or and they will not repair it unless I pay for repairs. Seeing how this is a product defect causing a safety issue, I feel the manufacture should be responsible for this, especially because it is the law to fasten the seat belts. Please let me know what to do.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · NJ · 2 injuries

This is a repeat of confirmation no. 10514519, but with "was there an injury or fatality? Marked "yes" above. Driver and passenger scalded with boiling radiator fluid with foot on pedal, had to keep foot on petal to get off road. On may 30, 2013, at approx. 4:30pm edt, I was driving my 1998 kia sportage on the garden state parkway north, just after entering the highway at exit 98 in wall, nj. The air conditioner had not been working well. The local temperature was in the high 90s, near 100 degrees. I had a passenger in the front passenger seat. Suddenly, anti-freeze smoke came out of the dashboard vents, then, hot scalding anti-freeze began falling on my right foot as it was on the accelerator pedal. At the same time, the front-seat passenger was also getting scalded. In my case, I sustained a 1st to 2nd degree burn on my right small (pinky) toe, which was blistered. It was fortunate that I was able to get off at the monmouth service area at milepost 100 of the garden state parkway in wall, nj. My view is that this is a serious safety issue caused by design oversight, not merely a maintenance issue on a old car. For example, if a heater core breaks and does not heat, that is a maintenance problem. However, if it breaks and an unexpected driver gets hurt, and compounded, loses control of the vehicle, and moreover, has to put his foot back onto the accelerator pedal to control the car in a hot-liquid stream, this is an unacceptable safety condition due to failure to safely contain hot liquids.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · NJ · 2 injuries

Driver and passenger scalded with boiling radiator fluid with foot on pedal, had to keep foot on petal to get off road on may 30, 2013, at approx. 4:30 pm edt, I was driving my 1998 kia sportage on the garden state parkway north, just after entering the highway at exit 98 in wall, nj. The air conditioner had not been working well. The local temperature was in the high 90s, near 100 degrees. I had a passenger in the front passenger seat. Suddenly, anti-freeze smoke came out of the dashboard vents, then, hot scalding anti-freeze began falling on my right foot as it was on the accelerator pedal. At the same time, the front-seat passenger was also getting scalded. In my case, I sustained a 1st to 2nd degree burn on my right small (pinky) toe, which was blistered. It was fortunate that I was able to get off at the monmouth service area at milepost 100 in wall, nj. My view is that this is a serious safety issue caused by design oversight, not merely a maintenance issue on a old car. For example, if a heater core breaks and does not heat, that is a maintenance problem. However, if it breaks and an unexpected driver gets hurt, and compounded, loses control of the vehicle, and moreover, has to put his foot back onto the accelerator pedal to control the car in a hot-liquid stream, this is an unacceptable safety condition due to failure to safely contain hot liquids.

Filed May 13, 2013 · Body · 70,000 miles · CT

Extreme corrosion at rear of frame where axle is supported ready to collapse and will require remediation to prevent frame failure.

Filed Oct 13, 2011 · Fuel system · PA

Fuel tank is leaking, widespread problem, kia will only replace tank if the leak is on the very bottom of tank. They are saying mine is leaking at the seam. I very dangerous problem no matter where the tank is leaking. I only hope noone has a fire because of it. I have to pay the extremely expensive bill. I was told not only do I need the tank I will need the fuel pump assembly also and possibly more parts. The total approximately $1000.00 to have installed. This is bs an outrage. Had I known the problem with the kia's I would never have purchased it.

Filed May 23, 2011 · Electrical · 138,000 miles · TN · fire

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).

Filed Jul 14, 2010 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · UT

Tl* 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 the federal safety agency 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.