One problem related to steering knuckle spindle has been reported for the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I am a kia tech in CT . The 1998 and 1999 Sportage was recalled to have the steering knucles replaced. The four wheeldrive vacum hubs would suck water and dirt into the wheelbearings causing them to fail. In some cases I have seen the bearings were so loose the vehicles would lose there brakes. The recall kits we have installed are now failing in great numbers and are not just 98 and 99 vehicls but 2000 and 2001 vehicles. All of these model year vehicles should be recalled before people get hurt.