1998 Kia Sportage suspension problems
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 1998 Kia Sportage — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Aug 14, 2014
“Driving uphill in one inch of snow the axel hubs on the front of vehicle did not engage causing the loss of control of the steering, sliding sideways and backwards to a stop. The parts replaced were as follows: axel hub seals, axel bearings, upper ball joint, vacuum line and realignment of front…”
filed Dec 26, 2004
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Suspension problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 Sportage | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 Sportage | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 Sportage | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 Sportage | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 Sportage | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 Sportage | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 Sportage | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 Sportage | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 Sportage | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 Sportage | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 Sportage | 5 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Kia Sportage
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.