Major Problems with 2002 Kia Sportage Derived from Complaints & Recalls

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Worst 3 complaints of 2002 Kia Sportage

2002 Kia Sportage AIR BAGS Victims: 3 Mileage: 41000 miles

2002 Kia Sportage STEERING Victims: 1

2002 Kia Sportage FRONTAL Victims: 1

Browse 2002 Kia Sportage complaints by category

Problems with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, FAN and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Kia Sportage owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 2002 kia sportage gasoline odor/leak been seen by dealers went to private garage and had different dealer look at it...	35 ~ 56795 miles
FAN > COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine light/fan relay ar shook upon being turned on two separate occassions prior to enging light coming on. car taken...	22 ~ 34519 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM vehicle runs hot and will not pass the smog test. i replaced the thermostat three times and the radiator one...	20 ~ 75323 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM consumer states that since buying the vehicle in january of 2003 rotors have been replaced twice in that time. the...	12 ~ 37186 miles
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING i bought a kia sportage in april 2002. since then the car has been brought back to the kia service...	12 ~ 43283 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING rattle/vibratin coming from under car. convertor replaced with no results. told convertors are defective. the rattle /vibration happens every time...	12 ~ 67746 miles
COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING my radiator fan motor literally blew up. all the fan blades fell off and caused my temperature to rise after...	11 ~ 58622 miles
ROTOR > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS brake rotors were warped excessively and had to be replaced at 5000 miles.*ak...	9 ~ 7289 miles
AIR BAGS airbag indicator light is illuminated. vehicle was taken to dealer 3 times before issue was resolved....	9 ~ 15044 miles
POWER TRAIN the gears shifted improperly and there was a rattling noise coming from under the vehicle. consumer was informed the transmission	8 ~ 77771 miles
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN when transmission shifts between 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd gears it makes a loud squealing noise.*ak...	8 ~ 48298 miles
POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS > VISIBILITY back power widows will not go down when botton is pushed.*ak...	8 ~ 4137 miles
FRONTAL > AIR BAGS consumer was traveling about 15mph and coming off the off ramp on the highway another vehicle was coming towards the...	8 ~ 11358 miles
FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE at 245k only right side frame rot inside out. therefore showing no notice of deteriorating with original engine and original	7 ~ 88375 miles
SUSPENSION consumer stated vehicle pulls to the right and the check engine light flashes on and off. dealer has been contacted.*jb	7 ~ 42271 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE my 2002 kia sportage has 112 000 miles on it. after hearing a clanking noise from the rear of the...	6 ~ 63267 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC while driving the consumer applied the brakes but they did not respond. ak nlm...	6 ~ 6778 miles
STEERING steering has excessive play. kia representatives state " all sportages are like that and they will not fix."*ak...	5 ~ 19000 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER while traveling and without any indication engine indicator light flashed.dealer has been contacted. technician stated that when light flashed on	5 ~ 25830 miles
SEAT BELTS on sept. 18 2002 we purchased a 2002 kia sportage. upon completion of paper work i questioned dealer about a...	5 ~ 36800 miles
SERVICE BRAKES have a 2002 kia sportage. brake line was leaking went to mechanic and was informed that the whole frame was...	4 ~ 100775 miles
HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE dt*: the contact stated the check engine light intermittently illuminates. the vehicle was taken to the local dealership several times...	4 ~ 29750 miles
MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING vehicle caught on fire within the engine compartment on three separate occasions while driving 45 mph or more. consumer extinguished...	4 ~ 53033 miles
STRUCTURE consumer states that since buying the vehicle in january of 2003 rotors have been replaced twice in that time. the...	4 ~ 48100 miles
EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING i was wondering if you would know where i can get my vehicle tested for health issues. i purchased a...	4 ~ 4429 miles
CALIPER > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS have had brakes worked on 5 times in past year air conditioner smells musty every time you turn it on	4 ~ 12768 miles
UNDERBODY SHIELDS > FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE the frame at the point of connection with the rear differential is completely rusted through and i am unable to...	3 ~ 116000 miles
WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM the left front rotors were defective. this was discovered during vehicle inspection. the vehicle was serviced at least twenty times...	3 ~ 30970 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING the left front rotors were defective. this was discovered during vehicle inspection. the vehicle was serviced at least twenty times...	3 ~ 102333 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL while driving at normal speed vehicle experience a sudden acceleration. dealer had inspected vehicle four times and problem still occurring.*ak...	3 ~ 26673 miles
EQUIPMENT several months after the purchase of my 2002 kia sportage my brakes started to pulsate i took it to the...	3 ~ 28333 miles
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE driver's side door stays ajar. took vehicle to dealer and was told that door was not off line yet door	3 ~ 2667 miles
GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING consumer stated vehicle pulls to the right and the check engine light flashes on and off. dealer has been contacted.*jb	3
REAR > SUSPENSION when the brake pedal is depressed they fail to stop the vehicle due to the rotors warping. this results in...	3 ~ 46760 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER consumer called complaining about having problems with the gas tank also states that everytime he is filling the tank on...	3 ~ 29196 miles
ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT cigarette lighter does not work at any time. dealer has been contacted. please provide further information.*ak...	3 ~ 47667 miles
ENGINE tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia sportage. the contact stated that the vehicle was "missing" while idle and "back...	2 ~ 150075 miles
DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia sportage. whenever the vehicle was driven it would change to 4-wheel drive without the...	2 ~ 74500 miles
CATALYTIC CONVERTOR > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM rattle/vibration from under vehicle when shifting from high gear to low and visa versa. car has been in shop 4...	2 ~ 21270 miles
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY the wipers bolts came loose when ice and snow were packed around them. *jb...	2 ~ 6850 miles
WHEELS 2002 kia sportage.*mr (nar) first oil change filter replacement lube rattling noise under steering wheel sluggish transmission shifting and excessive	2 ~ 1190 miles
DIFFERENTIAL UNIT > DRIVELINE > POWER TRAIN differential failed resulting in vehicle stalling while driving.*ak...	2 ~ 51000 miles
POWER ASSIST > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC i was wondering if you would know where i can get my vehicle tested for health issues. i purchased a...	2 ~ 27500 miles
WINDSHIELD > VISIBILITY windows lock and shake driver's side door swings open passenger door does not shut properly back seat belts-only 1 works	2
REAR/OTHER > SEAT BELTS windows lock and shake driver's side door swings open passenger door does not shut properly back seat belts-only 1 works	2
MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN when the brake pedal is depressed they fail to stop the vehicle due to the rotors warping. this results in...	2 ~ 41500 miles
STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE fuel spill at wawa gas station. recently my son fueled my 2002 kia sportage as i went in wawa he...	1
AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT coolant gauge not reading or registering thermostat temperature therefore rendering it unfit for clearing an inspection. it causes the check...	1 ~ 85000 miles
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM 2002 kia sportage 4wd has a vacuum-hub system i have been researching on the internet and have found that this...	1 ~ 56000 miles
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES i bought a 2002 kia sportage in june 2008 from the kia dealer in redding. since that time the automatic...	1
TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia sportage. the contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline emanating from her vehicle. she...	1 ~ 74000 miles
MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT our 2002 kia sportage was due for a new timing belt so we had it replaced subsequently a couple of...	1 ~ 135000 miles
RADIATOR ASSEMBLY > COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING dt*: the contact stated while driving 60mph a scrapping noise came from under the hood. the contact discovered the radiator...	1 ~ 63400 miles
HUB > FRONT > SUSPENSION 2002 kia sportage 4wd has a vacuum-hub system this has a history of failure as i have been researching on...	1 ~ 89089 miles
WHEEL BEARING > FRONT > SUSPENSION dt*: the contact stated while traveling 35 mph uphill on icy road conditions with the 4wd engaged the vehicle began...	1 ~ 55000 miles
TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) > POWER TRAIN dt*: the contact stated while traveling 35 mph uphill on icy road conditions with the 4wd engaged the vehicle began...	1 ~ 55000 miles
AXLE HUBS > POWER TRAIN i own a 2002 kia sportage. #1) the auto started to have a gas order for several weeks then gas...	1
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER i own a 2002 kia sportage. #1) the auto started to have a gas order for several weeks then gas...	1
VISIBILITY the left front rotors were defective. this was discovered during vehicle inspection. the vehicle was serviced at least twenty times...	1 ~ 34000 miles
HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER after starting the vehicle or while driving the vehicle at various speed of 40 mph consumer smelled fuel odor. vehicle...	1 ~ 30000 miles
TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER i have a 2002 kia sportage 4x4. purchased in april 2004 with 3 years & 50k miles remaining on warranty....	1 ~ 24500 miles
TREAD/BELT > TIRES tire failed at 20 000 miles following a nail in the tread. radial 798 tread separation tire had a huge	1
ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM vehicle stalled intermittently while driving. vehicle was taken to the dealer and they found that the harness which held the	1 ~ 13000 miles
HUB > WHEELS while traveling on the highway and without prior warning. a bad odor was coming inside of the vehicle. driver's side	1
GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) > STEERING the gears shifted improperly and there was a rattling noise coming from under the vehicle. consumer was informed the transmission	1 ~ 98000 miles
STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR > STEERING 2002 kia sportage.*mr (nar) first oil change filter replacement lube rattling noise under steering wheel sluggish transmission shifting and excessive	1 ~ 2380 miles
RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT problems with brakes sticking windows locked up calipers cracked.*mr two months after purchase mechanic was informed that the brakes felt...	1
EXTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY consumer stated that they're unable to adjust the side mirror causing a distraction to the consumer view. dealer notified	1
FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER have had brakes worked on 5 times in past year air conditioner smells musty every time you turn it on	1
INTERIOR/UNDER DASH > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM instrument panel lights go out intermittently while driving. vehicle has been taken to dealer for repairs 3 times.*ak...	1
ANTI-THEFT DEVICE > COLUMN LOCKING > STEERING door stays ajar. mechanic told consumer that door is not off line yet door does not close properly.*ak now horn...	1
HOOD > BODY > STRUCTURE door stays ajar. mechanic told consumer that door is not off line yet door does not close properly.*ak now horn...	1
HORN > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM door stays ajar. mechanic told consumer that door is not off line yet door does not close properly.*ak now horn...	1
MID/REAR ASSEMBLY > SEATS while driving rear seats move backwards and forwards when braking or accelerating.*ak...	1
FRONT > SEAT BELTS 2002 kia sportage airbags failed to deploy in an accident. consumer states that the airbags did not deploy and her...	1
TIE ROD ASSEMBLY > LINKAGES > STEERING consumer stated while driving the vehicle spent out of control she also stated that the steering wheel was shaking really	1
BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS > GASOLINE > ENGINE the engine belts made a squeaking noise. kia was not aware of the problem. nlm ph jb...	1
PADS > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS brakes warped since consumer owned vehicle. after repair the brakes would warp again. this pattern continued until the dealership decided	1 ~ 900 miles
GLASS, SIDE/REAR > VISIBILITY rear window does not go down. dealer has repaired rear window twice. dealer noticed rubber needed to be replaced due	1
BUCKLE ASSEMBLY > FRONT > SEAT BELTS consumers stated while traveling 35-40 mph vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. driver's side seat belt disengaged from buckle	1
INTERIOR LIGHTING after having vehicle for three months courtesy light stopped working. dealer has been contacted. please provide furthr information.*ak...	1

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