1998 Kia Sportage engine problems

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 Nov 17, 2006 · Engine · 65,000 miles · NJ

Safety recall.

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Engine · NY

Consumer noticed a loud popping noise coming from under engine, and then engine stalled. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed engine malfunctioned.

Filed Aug 28, 2003 · Engine · KS

While driving vehicle idled roughly and then stall out.

Filed May 21, 2003 · Engine · FL

The vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic which stated the engine and the transmission were manufactured in 1997 but the vehicle is 1998.

Filed May 19, 2003 · Engine · NY

The manufacturer sent a recall notice to replace the catalytic converter over a year ago. The repairs were done and the consumer is still experiencing problems.

Filed May 6, 2003 · Engine · FL

The vehicle vibrates when at idle. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer but they were unable to locate the problem. *mr *ak

Filed Feb 21, 2003 · Engine · IN

First of all, my 1998 kia sportage has has several (like 4) recalls. When the recall came about the hubs on the 4x4, I took the vehicle in to have the work done. The next winter however, the 4x4 did not work. Thankfully the car was still under warranty and it was fixed under the warranty. Since that time, I have had to have no bearings put into the brakes, new rotators and brake pads twice. In dec., 2002, I had $500.00 worth of work done to replace the water pump, the timing belt and other belts that were squeaking. Just today (after just one month ago having $500.00 worth of work done to the car), my car is now getting hot when it sits and idles. Mind you, I have had this vehicle for 4-1/2 years and the car only has 60,000 miles on it. This car has been a headache from day one and because the car has lost so much value I cannot even trade it off, because I owe more on the car than what it is worth (like $7,000.00 in the hole).

Filed Feb 19, 2003 · Engine · MD

The vehicle stalled while on an incline.