18 problems related to automatic transmission column shift have been reported for the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving, 4 wheel drive will kick in intermittently on its own. Vehicle has been taken to dealer numerous times, cannot find cause. Consumer adds the catalyst had to be replaced. There is an oil leak and front end was serviced 3 times.
Oxygen sensor has been replaced three times after routine service was performed. Consumer also stated the wipers were not clearing windshield, windows go up slowly, 4-wheel drive was inoperative,vehicle was loosing power steering, dealer replaced the fan belt,air condition was inoperative,wheel bearing were loose,weatherstrip was replaced,the engine boggs down while driving, front brakes were noisy.
All four windows get stuck, doors lock and unlock by themselves, vehicle is trying to shift into 4x4 while vehicle is in motion, air conditioner works 1 out of 4 times, latch opens on back of vehicle while in motion. Black tarry dust on front tires.
Over all 4 wheel drive dosen't seem to work when indicator light shows that it is on.
4-wheel drive failed twice within a 1 year time span during snowstorms! it was "repaired"the first time but failed again less than 1 year later. Both failures occurred during deep snow conditions,thusly making driving impossible and creating a potential for hazardous and possible fatal conditions. I am bringing the vehicle in today(01/15/2002) to kia of westchester to be diagnosed and repairs. Please,contact said dealership to insure that the vehicle gets repaired properly and in a expeditious manner. Also,I lost 2 days of salary because I was unable to make it home(I was in PA visiting my ill father) because of 1-foot of snow and unable to engage 4-wheel drive!.
At 20-25 mph in snow consumer had vehicle in 4-wheel drive, light indicated that it was. Consumer hit guardrail, only 2-wheels were turning, 4 wheel drive not working.
4 wheel drive not working for sometime during winter storm- replaced both front knuckle assembly.
Four wheel drive failed, while waiting for replacement parts vehicle experienced violent vibration and breakage of the axle while driving 60-65 mph.
Main concern is 4 wheel drive, could cause an accident if indicator lamp is on and 4 wheel drive is not engaging. Causing a false sense of security on hazardous roadways, causing loss of vehicle control.
4-wheel drive not engaging. Dealer has made three attempts to repair. Recalled September 1999. Replaced vaccum seal December 27, 2000 still not working.
4- whell drive unit pops out or won't go into 4- wheel drive. Dealer has had vehicle 4 times.
After being stuck in a snow storm consumer discovered that vehicle did not have 4-wheel drive, eventhough the system was engaged in 4-wheel drive. The dealer/manufacturer are aware of the problem. The problem has not been corrected.
The 4- wheel drive fails to work properly. Vehicle also makes hideous noises & the steering wheel shakes very badly. Took the vehicle back to the dealer numerous times to solve the problem. Noises and vibrations are getting worse.
Eventhough the 4- wheel drive light indicates that the system is engaged, it is not engaging in 4-wheel drive. The cold weather causes the seals in the vacumm to shrink. The manufacture/dealer acknowledge that this is a prolbem.
Four wheel drive mode will not engage when it is activated. Consumer has not spoken with kia about this.
Fuel tank sensor went out in vehicle 7 different times. Door handle on passenger's side had came off twice. 4-wheel drive did not work when using it. Taken vehicle to dealership for repairs. Was informed that fuel tank should not be filled completely. Will be looking at the other problems for repairs.
The 4-wheel drive malfunctions, it appears to be engaged when it really is not.
Vehicle never had 4-wheel drive even though 4- wheel green light indicator came on . Failure was due to front seal that shrank. Consumer has taken vehicle back to dealer several times to fix defect, but defect still occurs, placing consumer in dangerous situation. Consumer is now on waiting list for a new part that manufacturer claims will fix defect.