1998 Kia Sportage structure problems
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure 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
“Extreme corrosion at rear of frame where axle is supported ready to collapse and will require remediation to prevent frame failure. *tr”
filed May 13, 2013
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in…
TSB_BOD055_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 13, 2021
Structure problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sportage | 4 | 16% |
| 2025 Sportage | 3 | 6% |
| 2024 Sportage | 6 | 9% |
| 2023 Sportage | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 Sportage | 10 | 6% |
| 2019 Sportage | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 Sportage | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 Sportage | 24 | 6% |
| 2016 Sportage | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 Sportage | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 Sportage | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 Sportage | 6 | 2% |
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.