1998 Kia Sportage steering 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 Aug 20, 2004 · Electrical, Steering · NY

Problems with horn, steering wheel and air conditioner on 1998 kia sportage.*mr the vehicle dash lights also failed intermittently.

Filed Jun 24, 2004 · Steering · 59,000 miles · MA

After turning a corner and attempting to park, the consumer felt that the wheel was slipping. After going into a store and coming back out, the consumer noticed the passenger side front wheel became disconnected. Dealer examined the problem and found that the tie rods needed to be repaired. *ak the left front rod was replaced. *sc

Filed Mar 20, 2001 · Brakes, Steering · CT

I am a kia tech in ct . The 1998 and 1999 sportage was recalled to have the steering knucles replaced.the four wheeldrive vacum hubs would suck water and dirt into the wheelbearings causing them to fail.in some cases I have seen the bearings were so loose the vehicles would lose there brakes. The recall kits we have installed are now failing in great numbers and are not just 98 and 99 vehicls but 2000 and 2001 vehicles.all of these model year vehicles should be recalled before people get hurt.

Filed Oct 22, 2000 · Airbags, Brakes · NY

Brake failure.

Filed Jun 16, 2000 · Steering · IL

While driving at any speed steering wheel locked up, and consumer could not turn or drive. Dealer/manufacturer contacted. *ak

Filed Apr 28, 2000 · Steering · AR

Steering wheel locked up while making a 60 - 90 degree turn. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that nothing could be found.

Filed Apr 3, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

I purchased my kia sportage on 7/14/98. On 11/20/98, my battery was dead. I took my sportage to the dealer for the recall for the steering intermediate shaft coupling as soon as I received the recall notice. My brakes made a "squealing" sound since purchase, but I was informed by the dealership that this is normal for disc brakes. The brake light began flickering, then staying lit so I made an appointment with the dealership service dept. But was unable to keep it due to illness. The brakes now have a "grinding" sound and I am concerned about their safety factor. In august of 1998 I was stuck in traffic for over 2 hours due to a bad highway accident and the radiator overheated so I had to turn off, and keep off, the A/C. Recently, the engine is overheating and fluid drains when the car is parked. I feel that this is a lot of problems for a new car less than 9 months "old". Could these problems be defects? Could the brake problem be associated with the recall problem? Thank you for this opportunity to report my problems and concerns.

Filed Mar 12, 1999 · Brakes, Steering · TX

I feel that the kia sportage is a poorly made vehcle and should be bought back from all owners.