One problem related to water pump has been reported for the 1998 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
First of all, my 1998 kia Sportage has has several (like 4) recalls. When the recall came about the hubs on the 4x4, I took the vehicle in to have the work done. The next winter however, the 4x4 did not work. Thankfully the car was still under warranty and it was fixed under the warranty. Since that time, I have had to have no bearings put into the brakes, new rotators and brake pads twice. In Dec. , 2002, I had $500. 00 worth of work done to replace the water pump, the timing belt and other belts that were squeaking. Just today (after just one month ago having $500. 00 worth of work done to the car), my car is now getting hot when it sits and idles. Mind you, I have had this vehicle for 4-1/2 years and the car only has 60,000 miles on it. This car has been a headache from day one and because the car has lost so much value I cannot even trade it off, because I owe more on the car than what it is worth (like $7,000. 00 in the hole).