1998 Kia Sportage: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Aug 16, 2005 · Electrical · 62,225 miles · IL

I drove our SUV about 2 miles parked it in the garage and noticed a burning smell. I noticed the clock,radio, door locks, and passenger window were not working. I drove the car the next day for a short distance to work. Than called kia talked to a janson cook who checked my vehicle for recall on this wiring. He said my sportage was not on file for the VIN# and would not be fixed under the recall. I checked the internet and the 1998 sportages had a recall for a c123 and c124 cable which became loose and could cause a crash or us of my SUV. I than called the federal safety agency and talked to kim she said file a complaint. I am afraid to drive for long distances more the 5 miles without something happening to cause me or someone else injury. The recall notice is 99v325000 this to fix the loose wiring that can cause SUV to stop completely causing injury or loss of vehicle control.

Filed Feb 20, 2003 · Locks · NJ

The door locks, unlocked and locked on their own.

Filed Sep 16, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Recall 99v325000 concerning stalling. Vehicle was experiencing an electrical problem that interfered with performance. Vehicle was recalled and repairs done, but symptoms returned. Manufacturer claimed no responsibility because consumer was not the original owner. *ak check engine light was on. The vehicle vibrated, smoked and was overheating. The left front tire blew out. Ignition coils cracked and were replaced. Vehicle had a blown head gasket. Front left turn signal clips broke. Oxygen sensor failed. Right front door lock fell off. Vehicle had several parts on recall before the consumer purchased it and the consumer believed those recalled parts were the source of the problem.

Filed Mar 28, 2001 · Body, Fuel system · WI

Fuel tank sensor went out in vehicle 7 different times. Door handle on passenger's side had came off twice. 4-wheel drive did not work when using it. Taken vehicle to dealership for repairs. Was informed that fuel tank should not be filled completely. Will be looking at the other problems for repairs.

Filed Dec 22, 1999 · Body, Brakes · CO · crash

I've had continuous problems with my car since purchasing it, it has been taken into the shop for the engine check light coming on 2 times, the first time they said it was a sensor, but the problem reoccurred 2 days later , they then said it was a harness, that was replaced then I've taken it in for two recalls on the brakes and a hub problem, I'm currently having problems with the door handles sticking so it makes it impossible to open the doors with the key from the outside, dealer states that they can't get it to happen when I take it to the shop but it occures continually when the vehicle is in my possession, back hatch door does not close completely unless you slam it several times, dealer says nothing wrong, engine always smells like it is burning and now the car will only start when it wants to, dealer said it was the battery but the car is only 1 year old, I've talked to several other sportage owners who all have the same problems, I feel the manufacterer needs to buy all these cars back, I've tried to trade this car and none of the dealers want it they tell me that it is not worth what I've paid for it so I'm stuck with is piece of junk, I'm at my witts end...I'm afraid to drive the car because I'm afraid to get stuck somewhere. The car is litteraly falling apart in my hands and theres nothing I can do about it, I've talked to a lawyer in regard to the lemon law but they say that it has to be a reoccuring problem of the same origin but theres apparently help for the comsumers that are stuck with awful products like these SUV's. There were 166 complaints on this site and almost every person had the same problems I'm having with my vehicle. I am personally telling as many people as I can about these junkie kia's. The manufacterer should be held responsible for this. If I or anybody in my car should be hurt in an accident due to these problems, kia will see a law suit that will make their head spin.

Filed Feb 8, 1999 · Locks · IN

If door latches are not activated with key, consumer cannot lock or unlock the latches manually. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Jan 12, 1999 · Body · OH

Door locks lock and unlock without being touched. Dealer says it's bad wiring.