Three problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving at any speed steering wheel locked up, and consumer could not turn or drive. Dealer/manufacturer contacted.
Steering wheel locked up while making a 60 - 90 degree turn. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that nothing could be found.
I purchased my kia Sportage on 7/14/98. On 11/20/98, my battery was dead. I took my Sportage to the dealer for the recall for the steering intermediate shaft coupling as soon as I received the recall notice. My brakes made a "squealing" sound since purchase, but I was informed by the dealership that this is normal for disc brakes. The brake light began flickering, then staying lit so I made an appointment with the dealership service dept. But was unable to keep it due to illness. The brakes now have a "grinding" sound and I am concerned about their safety factor. In August of 1998 I was stuck in traffic for over 2 hours due to a bad highway accident and the radiator overheated so I had to turn off, and keep off, the a/c. Recently, the engine is overheating and fluid drains when the car is parked. I feel that this is a lot of problems for a new car less than 9 months "old". Could these problems be defects? could the brake problem be associated with the recall problem? thank you for this opportunity to report my problems and concerns.