Three problems related to axle shaft have been reported for the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Wheel bearings had completely rusted out. Was informed by mechanic water got into seals & were not sealing. This also affected 4-whel drive locking hubs.
The dealer knew the bearings was bad at 19500 miles and they told my wife if they started grinding to bring back the vehicle but there was no warning all at once it pulled to the left and started grinding now they are telling me that kiais working on new bearings and hubs they can`t get parts they have to get the parts the kia rep. Now I have to wait for him and they would not give us a loaner they said it was not the dealers responsiblity so I had to rent a car I could say more but that is enough for now.
The hubs were cracked and wheel bearing was gone, causing a total loss of brakes which resulted in an accident. Kia has done nothing to help.