The 1998 Kia Sportage has 383 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and service brakes. Owners most often flag dealership service and warranty claim disputes: poor communication, lengthy repair times, denials of coverage for known issues (e.g., engine oil consumption, failed components). frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Kia Sportage vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 15 Sportage model years we track, complaint volume runs from 20 (2010) to 383 (1998). With 383 complaints, the 1998 Sportage sits abovethe model's median of 122.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
seat belts:front:buckle assembly
Campaign 02V216000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 99V325000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN …
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 98V222000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING CAN CONTACT A HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPE CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE.
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 09E025000DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMEN…
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a polarized ownership experience. Positive feedback centers on the vehicle's strong value proposition, modern interior styling, generous feature content, and practical packaging, with specific praise…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sportage. See the full Sportage owner picture and every model year.
Used Sportage listings typically run $26,173–$31,897 across 2016 to 2026 model years.
Compare every Sportage year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.