1999 Kia Sportage: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Kia Sportage: 3 recalls, 284 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #98V222000 · 1998 · 39,656 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering intermediate shaft coupling can contact a hydraulic brake pipe causing fluid leakage.
Why it matters: This condition can cause a loss of rear brake increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, increase the clearance between the brake pipe and steering intermediate shaft coupling.
Electrical Vehicle recall #99V325000 · 1999 · 76,986 vehicles
What's wrong: The wires connected to the c123 and c124 connectors can be put under tension by movement of the engine, thus pulling the wires and connectors, loosening them and resulting in a loss of circuit continuity.
Why it matters: This condition can cause engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install spring clips to lock the connectors together. In addition, the dealers will be instructed to solder a splice in the wire harness.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #04V305000 · 2004 · 251,594 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the front safety belt buckles May emit a "click" sound during the buckling process that is similar to the sound emitted when a buckle is being latched, when it is not.
Why it matters: The latch can then pull out of the buckle when tension is applied.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles. The recall began August 16, 2004. Owners should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (79): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (33), leaks (10), electrical failure (10).
- Transmission & drivetrain (57): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (14), noise or vibration (8), stalls / loses power (6).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (44): the most common themes are noise or vibration (11), leaks (7), warning light on (5).
- Electrical (41): the most common themes are electrical failure (21), stalls / loses power (17), warning light on (7).
The 1999 Kia Sportage has 284 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 31 Sportage model years for complaints (1.9× the average Sportage year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (72 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (303 complaints, 3 recalls), 2000 (304 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Kia Sportage.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Kia Sportage, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Kia Sportage problems?
Owners have filed 284 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (79), transmission & drivetrain (57), brakes (hydraulic) (44).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Kia Sportage repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.