Automatic Transmission problems of the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage

Ten problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Automatic Transmission problem

Failure Date: 06/12/2001

Was driving up a small hill when the car suddenly loss power. . . And speed dropped.

2 Automatic Transmission problem

Failure Date: 08/20/2000

The heat shield on my catalytic converter rusted off,the manifold cracked,the muffler rusted through within a year,the widshield wiper transmission broke and was replaced,while the kia Sportage is engaged in 4wd it pops out into two wheel drive and causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This has happened to me numerous times this winter and the recalled parts have now failed again causing kia to put in manual hubs from 1997 into my 1999 SUV. I feel this is a danger to all who own a kia Sportage and I have contacted a lawyer to look into possible litigation against kia. I have found a recall on a previouse modle from 1998 but the components seals are failing in the replacment parts hubs . Thank in advance for your time and letting me inform you of this dangerouse situation. . . Ed geisler.

3 Automatic Transmission problem

Failure Date: 12/20/1999

On two occasions while driving transmission has downshifted at highway speed of 65 mph, causing vehicle to go out of control. Dealer notified and informed consumer that nothing could be found.

4 Automatic Transmission problem

Failure Date: 12/12/1999

While driving vehicle will stall. , and gear will go into overdrive, and then vehicle will begin to accelerate.

5 Automatic Transmission problem

Failure Date: 08/24/1999

Transmission won't kick into gear. When driving of speeds of 70 it stays in first gear . Rpm's go up to 6 and won't kick into gear.

6 Automatic Transmission problem

Engine check light keeps coming on which is a reoccurring problem. Also, due to defect vehicle has stalled twice; once in reverse gear, and in drive gear. Dealer had vehicle on numerous occasions, and claimed that a sensor was the cause.

7 Automatic Transmission problem

Throttle: car intermittently jerks in first and second gears. Service person at dealership has been present and experienced this and said throttle has problems, but problem continues to be unresolved. Technician says he can't duplicate it. This jerking occurs several times a week and after the car has warmed up. This is dangerous on the roads in the winter and can cause loss of control of the vehicle. Tailgate assembly has been repaired at least two times - it fails to shut properly - which allows exhaust fumes to enter vehicle. The tailgate has to be shut three or more times before finally closing. Problem has not been fixed. Same problem - not shutting properly - with passenger side rear doors. During the winter, inside of windows stayed "fogged up" preventing a clear view of traffic. Defrost failed to clear moisture inside vehicle. Dealership said this was normal.

8 Automatic Transmission problem

Since purchasing vehicle in August 1999, it has intermittently "popped" out of first gear and into neutral. The shifter, without being touched, suddenly pops into neutral upon acceleration, causing the vehicle to stall. Dealership has refused to do anything other than test drive and run a diagnostic test, which they have been unable to verify. I was told they could not provide a copy of the diagnostic report because they don't have a printer.

9 Automatic Transmission problem

Transmission was hard to shift.

10 Automatic Transmission problem

Headlights are going off then come back on. Engine check light and hold light for transmission coming on then going off.



Safety Ratings of Sportage Cars
Fuel Economy of Sportage Vehicles
Sportage Defect Investigations