Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased a 2002 Kia Sportage in February of 2017, after driving it for a couple months it all the sudden started rocking side to side uncontrollably while driving. When looking at the car we noticed the whole frame is rusted and falling apart. This is a huge safety problem, especially when it was being used to transport my children.
I bought this car knowing I had to replace a fender and the drivers side door. After completing the body work the shop noticed the rear frame rails were rusted out to a point it would not pass pa state inspection, which had nothing to do with the cosmetic damage.
My 2002 Kia Sportage has 112,000 miles on it. After hearing a clanking noise from the rear of the vehicle I brought it to my local Kia dealership. The rear frame has rusted out and needs to be replaced. Upon calling Kia headquarters @[phone] and speaking with richard I was told that "there is nothing Kia can do to help. The vehicle's warranty on the frame is 5 years or 60,000 miles." I was told by the service manager at the dealership that I could have it repaired at a body shop but the cost would be very high and would not be worth it. They would not consider buying it back from me either. They could call a salvage yard and get "a couple of hundred dollars" for me. I paid $17,000.00 for this vehicle new in January 2003. Who expects the frame to be shot after 9 years?? I have looked on-line and see that this is a common problem with Kia sportages. Why was there never a recall? …
The left front rotors were defective. This was discovered during vehicle inspection. The vehicle was serviced at least twenty times for other defects. No service for the brakes. There was a short in the wiring in the shock arms, a problem with the catalytic converter, rattling in the exhaust system, license plate lights were inoperative due to rotted sockets, wheel bearings were extremely loose, pulling to the right, the right rear power window was inoperative, check engine light had come on possibly due to a small leak or a loose gas cap, transmission hang up when cold, bad front brakes, crack in dash, cup holder was broken, tailpipe rusted and fell off, when the heater and defrost was on the A/C would come on, the consumer would get shock when exiting the vehicle, intermittently both rear window would not go up or down, and the left rear window was totally inoperative. …
I just repaired my exhaust on my 2002 Kia Sportage 4x4 today as it keeps rusting out on me. Today I noticed the entire frame on the back end is extremely rusted to the point it's literally falling apart brackets have detached for the exhaust as well as holes in it. I was shocked! The metal is literally splitting and falling apart! This is a serious problem and going to be dangerous to even drive the car. I am sure the car won't even pass inspection if they see this! If you even touch it your fingers go through the frame! Something needs to be done about this I feel Kia should be responsible to pay for the damages! There is only 40K miles on the car. I have never experienced this with any of my other vehicles either that are older as well as have many more miles on them! Something must be done!!!!!
Car was at dealer for service. We were told the frame was rusted and the car was not safe to drive. We purchased the car new in dec 2002. We have had it serviced through the years at the local dealer. They tell us there is nothing they can do about fixing the car. We have had many new cars from 1962 to 2011 and never had a car or truck rust out in 11 years of use. I notice their are many complaints on the internet about this problem, and it appears nothing is being done. Can you explain to us why this major safety issue is not being looked into and a recall of these Kia has not been issued. Does someone have to get killed first.
I am the original owner of a well taken care of, 59,000 miles, 2002 Kia Sportage. I took the car for inspection and was informed the right frame rail at the mount is completely rusted so bad that you can put your fist through the hole. This is my only car and have to drive it to work. I have taken to avoiding any bumps or pot-holes in the road and have been keeping my speed under 40 MPH. I am a little scared to drive the vehicle but have no choice. I am dealing with Kia motors America consumer assistance center currently, hoping they will resolve the problem.
Consumer states that since buying the vehicle in January of 2003 rotors have been replaced twice in that time. The faulty rotors caused vibration while braking. The rotors were replaced once at 5699 miles and again at 8694 miles. When the engine was started all the doors locked, but when it was damp outside the locks worked intermittently. The driver's side wiper washer was not working as well as the passenger side. The dealer readjusted it. There was a rattling in the dash on the drivers side below the air vent.
My car has rusted significantly underneath the vehicle.. To the point where it appears that it rusted the frame and shock absorbers. My car was made in Korea... Wonder if these imports have to adhere to the same standards as American made cars with underbody treatment? Also the fuel backs-up out of the gas tank... When in try to get the replacement part... I have been give numerous parts which do not fit from the dealer. Also brakes have been replaced and rooters ground down but they keep having problems.
We have religiously cleaned our 2002 Sportage with under washing to keep under carriage as clean as possible...yet we are told the frame is too rusted, with holes and cannot be inspected or driven safely...we have less than 90,000 miles on it. Why hasn't there been a safety recall on this frame issue...the dealer just said "now is the time to buy another vehicle!" their warranty for 10 years or 100K miles is not helpful for those of us that put on few mile per year! Never buy a Kia...ever...
Body complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 10% of the model year's 234 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Kia Sportage body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2002 Kia Sportage, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Kia Sportage body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.