One problem related to abs brake fail has been reported for the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The abs on my vehicle fails intermittently. I have taken it to the dealer. The dealer has run diagnostics and told me that there is no problem, despite the fact that the abs light is illuminated. The dealer called kia USA, who could offer no help. Because the abs is not always reliable, the braking characteristics of this vehicle are very unreliable. On 2 December the abs system suddenly became operational, causing the "feel" of the pedal to change, startling the driver, who was in the process of braking. The vehicle struck a curb and narrowly missed a tree.