One problem related to tailgate has been reported for the 1999 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.