VehicleVerdict

2002 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 321 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Sportage year — the 2002 model ranks #8 of 31 Sportage years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (74), fuel system (68), and brakes (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

321

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted558 complaints1995: 88 complaints1996: 98 complaints1997: 299 complaints1998: 558 complaints1999: 493 complaints2000: 462 complaints2001: 354 complaints2002: 321 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 93 complaints2006: 169 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 138 complaints2009: 120 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 264 complaints2012: 454 complaints2013: 449 complaints2014: 154 complaints2015: 193 complaints2016: 182 complaints2017: 551 complaints2018: 221 complaints2019: 99 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 60 complaints2023: 303 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 86 complaints2026: 26 complaints
Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7423%
Fuel System6821%
Brakes268%
Transmission247%
Body & Structure247%
Electrical System217%
Airbags175%
Visibility & Wipers155%
Suspension124%
Steering93%
Seat Belts93%
Other82%
Lighting41%
Tires & Wheels41%
Speed Control31%
Seats10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2002 Kia Sportage have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

07V161000EngineApril 16, 2007 · 35,090 units

Defect

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. THE CENTRIFUGAL FORCES GENERATED BY THE ROTATION OF THE BLADES CAN CAUSE THE CRACKS TO PROPAGATE UNTIL COMPLETE SEPARATION OCCURS.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE FAN BLADE(S) CAN CREATE A RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR MORE. CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRES. AFTER THE LAST INCIDENT VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO OIL DRIPPING ONTO THE MANIFOLD. MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 3, 2004 · fire

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 4, 2016 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“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. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 25, 2013 · crash

“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. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 5, 2013 · crash

2002 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 2002 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 321 complaints put the 2002 model at #8 of 31 Sportage years. It is one of the Sportage years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (74 complaints), fuel system (68 complaints), brakes (26 complaints).

Does the 2002 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Kia Sportage under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sportage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage years to avoid are 1998, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2001, 2002, 2023, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2020, 2015, 2016, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Sportage years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.