Most common 2002 Kia Sportage problems
Share of the 234 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Sportage complaints by model year
Best Sportage years: 2019, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2025, 2017, 2024, 2012. Compare all years →
2002 Kia Sportage recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
On certain vehicles, the heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan including its retaining ring, which stresses the polypropylene thereby initiating cracking of the blades.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan with a fan made of improved material. The recall began on June 11, 2007. Owners May contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2002 Kia Sportage:
Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 Kia sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02v-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type a97.
Fan blade cracking/separation
The investigation of engine cooling fans in the subject vehicles was opened on September 21, 2006 as pe06-042.the basis for opening was 10 consumer reports alleging fan blade cracking and blade separation.six of the reports indicated the separated fan blades caused damage to other engine compartment components.Kia has provided additional consumer reports and information in its response to pe06-042.the investigation…
Fan blade cracking/separation
Kia motors America, inc. (Kia) has identified a defect in the plastic engine cooling fan in the subject vehicles and will conduct a safety recall.Kia's defect report states, ...heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan...initiating cracks in the fan.the centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blades can cause the cracks to propagate until complete…
Fuel tank leakage
A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from June 1999 to October 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component…
What 2002 Kia Sportage owners say
Engine & cooling all 71 →
Tl contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the fan blade blew into pieces. He replaced the power steering reservoir, antifreeze reserve tank, all three serpentine belts, air intake, and the intake hose himself, to correct the failure. He then received a recall notice (NHTSA campaign id number: 07V161000, engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan) and petitioned for reimbursement with the manufacturer. The dealer advised he would not be considered for reimbursement until he took his vehicle to an authorized dealer to have the recall repair performed. He soon noticed the smell of burning antifreeze circulating throughout the cabin of the vehicle and the engine became unusually warm. The dealer replaced the fan belt under the recall campaign and was denied reimbursement. After repairs, he continued to smell burning antifreeze. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. The vehicle was under recall regarding the engine fan. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire began when the engine overheated, which caused the fan to crack and strike the radiator. The heat also caused the head of the valves to warp. The fan was previously replaced. This failure has occurred twice. The recall number that was referenced was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 66,000.
Fuel & propulsion system all 67 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted carbon monoxide and caused the contact to fall sleep. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a canal. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact drove the vehicle again and the failure recurred. As a result, the contact was involved in another crash. A police report was filed both times. The contact sustained fractured ribs and pelvic injuries that required medical attention. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000. The VIN was not provided.
Noticing strong odor of fuel coming through the vents during times of cold weather. It has become more of an issue since I have been driving this car more. I have taken it to 2 mechanics who tell me that they have not smelled the odor, even after giving one of them the car overnight. However, my husband has noticed it so I am not the only one. It is beginning to cause me to have nausea as I drive up to 100 miles per day 3 days per week. As the car heats up and as the weather warms throughout the day the fuel smell does go away. However, I have 2 children riding in the back seat and am concerned for their health and safety as well. As I research, I have realized that this is a common problem with this make and model of vehicle and the issue can be easily fixed. …
Brakes all 25 →
I was driving home from work and started braking for a red light,my brakes were completely gone,luckily I was far enough from light & nobody was in front of me light turned green,I went slow 20 MPH to the nearest Firestone & coasted in.I thought I just needed new brakes,the mechanics put it on lift & showed me the frame! It was so severely rusted that the brakeline had snapped away from frame.they called 3 different shops & nobody will touch it due to liability issues.I'm besides myself,I could have been killed or killed someone else.I'm original owner & car has been in garage everyday for 12 yrs,how can the frame be beyond repair at 120,000 miles.also I've read the other complaint's about the strong gas odors & I have had same problem for years,alway's in the winter.I love my car & need it repaired,Kia should fix the frame & recall the model,someone could be killed if it happens to …
Have a 2002 Kia Sportage. Brake line was leaking, went to mechanic and was informed that the whole frame was rotted away and was not repairable and was unsafe to drive as the brake lines were also rotted and whole car could buckle if in an accident or hit anything. Called Kia and was told nothing they can do. Have a 2000 Chrysler with more miles and not a spot rust. Now I need to find a new vehicle asap, an expense I can't afford but need to get to work. Kia will not help at all, guess they have our money so we're on our own. This is unacceptable, Kia knows about the problem and will do nothing. Have done research online and there are thousands of people who have the same problem. These cars are death traps, if your unaware your brakes can go or if in an accident seriously injured or even death. …
2002 Kia Sportage engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 21 / 19 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 20 / 19 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 20 / 18 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 20 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Kia Sportage a good car?
Based on 234 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Sportage rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Sportage at the same age. It is one of the Sportage years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Kia Sportage?
The engine & cooling — 71 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system › fan. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (67) and brakes (25).
How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Sportage have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Kia Sportage, the most recent from April 16, 2007 (fan). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Sportage?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2025, 2017, 2024 and 2012. See the full Kia Sportage years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Kia Sportage problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.