The 1998 Kia Sportage has two recalls, the more serious affecting vehicles without anti-lock brakes: the steering shaft can rub against a hydraulic brake line and wear through it, leaking brake fluid and causing a loss of rear braking.
On the electrical side, wiring near two connectors in the engine bay can be pulled tight by normal engine movement, loosening the connections until the circuit breaks and the engine stalls without warning.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine movement can pull the wires connected to the C123 and C124 connectors, loosening them and breaking the electrical circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will install spring clips to lock the connectors and solder a splice in the wire harness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The steering intermediate shaft coupling can contact the hydraulic brake pipe, causing brake fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the clearance between the brake pipe and steering coupling, and increase it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
