1998 Kia Sportage review from North America

Each of 4 window motors replaced, 2 within first 3 months, 1 nonfunctional now.

Non-functional seat belts replaced at 10,000 miles, Still messed up.

Muffler and tail pipes replaced at 12,000 miles.

Catalytic converter replaced on recall at 25,000 miles.

Constant issues with check engine light throughout the lifetime of the vehicle, It's on now.

Wire harness replaced at 30,000 miles.

Front Brakes and Rotors shot 6 months after first brake job.

Rear brakes gone 2 months later.

Stitching on rear seat came apart at around 25,000 miles.

Front left wheel hub destroyed at 35,000 uncovered by warranty and costing $400 to repair.

Temperamental chugging when cold, sometimes dangerously un-drivable until it warms up fully.

This vehicle is atrocious and has scared me out of buying new cars at all for awhile. I'm going to go find a nice used car with a stable history and relax for awhile. There is now way it could cost me more to maintain then the Sportage has.

I've never seen a hub destroyed on a car of any age, much less a 3 year old vehicle.

The sportage is slow to accelerate and slow to get into gear.

The sheer volume of issues, including those not mentioned above, point out that this car is an annoyance to own under a full warranty and a constant financial drain outside of warranty. Find another reason for pulling your hair out and stay away from the Kia Sportage.