Four problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
99 kia Sportage surges when starting and idles so rough when stopped that you think the car will die, has died a few times. Dealer has not been able to determine the cause to repair. All recall work was done, including the wiring harness fix sc014, but there was no symptom of problem then. Extended warranty has expired, and continually finding problem with car. Also tail pipe recently broke off had to be replaced. I now have a spreadsheet of the problems and repairs. Would like to fix this problem if I knew what it was. Had mass air flow sensor, throttle position sensor, numerous other parts replaced as well as a tune up. Also the exhaust smells bad. Engine doesn't have much pick up on small hills either.
\t\t\t\t 11/16/02\tgeneral diagnostics after purchase\t no stored codes \t $75. 50 \t\ttiming check - disconnect battery\t\t 11/29/02\tengine bucks on acceleration\t no stored codes\t $87. 26 \t broken center console replaced\t\t 01/02/03\tengine stalled - died after one week's time, no diagnosis\t $70. 88 * towed *\t\t 01/05/03\temail sent kia consumer affairs advised of poor running condition and \t inferior kia service received response as to four \t \t\t manufacturer recalls not performed to\t \t\t date on vehicle\t 01/13/03\t*sc014 recall - engine wiring harness\t recall performed\t $102. 44 *sc022 recall - manifold catalytic converter\t recall performed\t \t\t*front wheel bearing seals leaking/loose replaced front hub assemblies\t \t\t*coolant leaking at bypass hose\t r&r hose and replaced seals\t \t\t*determined front bumper replaced \t 01/17/03\t*exhaust manifold stud broken\t removed manifold/drilled out broken stud\t and replaced $77. 77 \t\t*stuck thermostat\t replaced thermostat\t 05/22/03\t52,500 mile service\t\t$123. 27 \t\t*wiper blade check - not operating properly\t adjusted wiper arms/replaced blades\t \t\t\t operating worse!\t \t\t*front end shaking @ high speeds\t rotated tires - no change!\t \t\t*replace front turn signal assembly\t completed satisfactorily\t 05/23/03\tcar died while driving - stalled out at idle\t wiring harness to tcm shorting out\t $260. 13 \t *towed* removed tcm/cleaned/repaired\t total out of pocket repairs (not including warranty items) $797. 25.
The muffler and catalytic converter failed. (attorney for client).
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.