2002 Kia Sportage
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 234
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 234 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 123 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 132 |
| 2017 | 401 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 161 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 192 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
31% · 72 reportsMost commonly citing fan and engine.
Fuel system, gasoline
18% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and tank assembly.
Service brakes
11% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
10% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked on a slight incline without the emergency brake engaged and the key still in the ignition when the vehicle rolled 20 feet away and crashed into a nearby house.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-13
Structure
10% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and body.
Show complaint excerpts
I bought this car knowing I had to replace a fender and the drivers side door.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-22
Driver's side door stays ajar. Took vehicle to dealer, and was told that door was not off line, yet door will not close properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-13
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002Complaint volume 234 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2003-10-14Recall queryClosed 2004-02-27 Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
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I
2006-05-09Engineering analysisClosed 2007-11-30 Fuel tank leakage
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I
2006-09-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-01-22 Fan blade cracking/separation
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I
2007-01-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-04-16 Fan blade cracking/separation
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R
2007-06-11Engine and engine cooling07V161000 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…
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.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 72 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 41 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 26 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07V161000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Kia Sportage is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Sportage have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.