Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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 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. …
There is a very strong raw gas smell that fills the cabin and outside the vehicle. It is very noticeable upon starting and when the vehicle is at rest and running. Fuel tank leaking. Seam areas and fuel pump/sending unit area due to corrosion and vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and I had a hard time starting it. Then when I tried to drive it, all I could do is smell raw gas.------------------------ I have replaced the fuel tank, fuel pump assembly, any and all parts attached to fuel tank. (very expensive). On researching the problem, I have found that there are many other owners complaining of this problem. I have owned this vehicle since February 2011, I have not been in any accidents since buying this vehicle. In fact, upon learning of mechanical issues I try to have them fixed as soon as possible. (however, I was given an orange title. …
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. …
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.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 35 MPH uphill on icy road conditions with the 4wd engaged, the vehicle began to slide. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the brake booster cable, vacuum hose, wheel bearings had failed. Each component was replaced on separate occasions. The 4wd was replaced 3 times, but the problem persisted. The service dealer expressed to the contact that there were many vehicles of the same make and model with 4wd problems.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds and depressing the brakes, the lining fractured on the rear passenger side. The vehicle was towed home where the owner replaced the brake shoes and cylinders on the rear driver and passenger sides. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,290.
When the brake pedal is depressed, they fail to stop the vehicle due to the rotors warping. This results in extended stopping distance. Also, the 5 speed standard transmission would not go into second gear and needed replacement. The rear end also makes a popping/clucking noise and the vehicle will jerk forward hard when the noise occurs. The cause of the failures is undetermined.
Vehicle developed a squeak in front brakes. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they pushed back the caliper piston. However, problem recurred. Later, dealer stated that there was nothing else found. Rotors have hot spots and light grooves causing heavy braking
Brake complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 11% of the model year's 234 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Kia Sportage brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles, and 63% before 25,000 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.