1999 Kia Sportage engine and engine cooling problems
79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1999 Kia Sportage — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Keyway on crankshaft where timing gear attaches wears out prematurely and can result in having to replace engine! I have replace throttle position sensor, fuel filter, and knock sensor also the mass airflow sensor and timing belt were replaced as there appeared to be a timing issue could not find…”
filed Mar 4, 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 kia sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle is gradually leaking brake fluid and he is constantly having to add more fluid. Also, the vehicle stalls intermittently while driving between 30-50 mph and merging into traffic. His vin was not included in nhtsa campaign…”
filed Sep 8, 2008
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
PS539 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 2, 2018Subject on recall campaign to replace the manifold catalytic converter. *et
191001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 19, 2001Information regarding manifold catalytic converter replacement. Questions and answers for recall. *et
1018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 2001Subject regarding recall campaign to replace the manifold catalytic converter due to existing mcc developing cracks at weld. *et
121001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 12, 2001
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 Sportage | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Sportage | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 Sportage | 5 | 10% |
| 2020 Sportage | 9 | 6% |
| 2019 Sportage | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 Sportage | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 Sportage | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 Sportage | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 Sportage | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 Sportage | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 Sportage | 14 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1999 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.