Eight problems related to axle hubs have been reported for the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
4 wheel drive hubs won't engage although the engine strains as if it is in 4 wheel drive, and the display shows it is engaged.
The automatic locking hubs on my '99 kia Sportage have failed again. This is 4 times in 4 years. I have had a vacuum line replaced and the entire front assembly replaced. Last year they would not work during a snow storm , causing me to almost get stuck in a snow drift. Had the vehicle to the dealer a week later---and they were working. Temperatures were warmer when the dealer looked at them. During recent snow storm (12/5/03) hubs once again would not engage. Indicator light is on, but the rear wheels spin in the snow. Don't know what to do. Would like kia to replace with manual locking hubs. Any help would be appreciated.
Front hub will not lock up, causing four wheel drive to become inoperable. Dealer can not correct the problem.
4-wd not working, hubs not locking. Engine is straining as if in 4wd, indicator light is lit, leading you to believe you are safely in 4wd, but the back tires are spinning and the front tires are not turning. The dealer has checked the truck and ordered parts. . . That was 2 weeks ago, and dealer has no idea when the parts will be in. Kia has not responded to the dealer's inquiry. The wire harness that was replaced took a week because kia sent a faulty harness as a replacement and the part had to be reordered.
We bought a 1999 kia in November of 1999. Since then we have had nothing but trouble with it. Every six months there is something gone wrong with it.
Defective front hub assembly will not allow driver to shift into 4 wheel drive "on the fly". Nlm.
Whenever the brakes are applied they would make squealing & squeaking noise. Took to dealership. Mechanic informed owner hubs were loosened & needed to be tightened. Also, brake rotors were bad. The tires were rotated. Contacted the manufacturer.
When driving the 4-wheel drive comes on and off which could cause the vehicle to fly off the road. Dealer says it needs a seal for the hub.