One problem related to front suspension upper ball joint has been reported for the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driving uphill in one inch of snow the axel hubs on the front of vehicle did not engage causing the loss of control of the steering, sliding sideways and backwards to a stop. The parts replaced were as follows: axel hub seals, axel bearings, upper ball joint, vacuum line and realignment of front end.