2002 Kia Sportage Problems
- Complaints
- 234filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 59,764miles, 152 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Kia Sportage (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2002 Kia Sportage most often describe two things: a strong gasoline smell or fuel spilling back out while refueling, and the engine cooling fan coming apart and damaging the radiator. Both appear across a wide mileage range, from very low miles to well past 100,000. A separate group of reports, mostly from older, higher-mileage vehicles in wet or snowy regions, describes rusted-through rear frame sections found during inspection.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell and fuel leaks around the tank and lines
- 57 complaints (24%)
- median 61,566 mi at 8.0 yrs old (44 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $850 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2002–2017
Owners describe a strong gasoline odor after starting the vehicle or while driving, often noticed through the air vents or inside the cabin. Several report it gets much worse in cold weather, and some had fuel injectors, O-rings, fuel lines or the filler hose replaced without the smell going away. Complaints also describe gasoline leaking or spraying from above the fuel tank near the pump, leaving the vehicle hard to start; dealers and independent shops diagnosed fuel lines, O-rings, or could not locate the source. Reported from roughly 17,000 to 120,000 miles, frequently when outside temperatures drop below about 40 degrees.
What to check: Smell the engine bay and cabin after a cold start, and look for damp or staining above the fuel tank and along the filler neck. Ask whether the injector O-rings, fuel lines and tank seams have been inspected for corrosion.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2002 Kia Sportage especially in cold weather leaks gas vapors thru the vents, enough to give my wife migraines and nausea, it might even be a hazards if you smoke in the car. They should definitely do a recall to fix this problem before someone shows up with a cancer or a car explodes. We are about to buy another car cause we are concern about our newborn and fuel vapors not a good mix.”
NHTSA complaint #10439108, filed 2011-12, 60,000 miles“Like other complaints that I am seeing, we have a 2002 Kia Sportage with 69000 miles and are having severe problems with raw fuel vapors in the passenger compartment upon start up and sitting still. I am a mechanic and have searched for an active fuel leak, but can not find one.. The vapors are extremely strong and I am sure present a fire or explosion hazard (especially if someone is smoking).. I highly encourage the NHTSA to investigate this problem and make Kia issue a safety recall and repair...”
NHTSA complaint #10437921, filed 2011-12, 65,000 miles - Engine cooling
Engine cooling fan blades crack or break apart
- 30 complaints (13%)
- median 66,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (25 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2011
Complaints describe a loud bang followed by loss of coolant, with fan blades separating and striking the radiator; some owners found cracks between the blades during routine checks before anything broke. Repairs typically involved a new fan, radiator and shroud, and some owners reported the dealer declined to cover the work or reimbursement. Several owners whose vehicles were not included in the fan recall said they had the same symptom. Reported from about 8,000 to 120,000 miles, often at highway speed with no warning.
Recall 07V1610001 related service bulletin
What to check: Inspect the cooling fan blades for hairline cracks between the blades and check whether the fan recall work was performed for this vehicle by VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When checking oil level on august 13,2006, I noticed cracks between each blade on the engine cooling fan. Upon further inspection the cracks were found to go from front to back on 6 blades. I removed the fan, took it to the dealership, and asked if there was a bulletin. I was told no. Bought new fan and installed myself.”
NHTSA complaint #10166685, filed 2006-08, 110,500 miles“My radiator fan motor literally blew up. All the fan blades fell off and caused my temperature to rise, after it the temp. Rose then the engine light came on and the vehicle shut down. This has cracked my radiator and possibly the engine as well. I have had nothing but problems since I purchased my Kia Sportage new. …”
NHTSA complaint #10040952, filed 2003-09, 30,500 miles - Body and structure
Rear frame and underbody rust
- 21 complaints (9%)
- median 106,000 mi at 12.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2017
Owners describe rear frame rails and suspension mount areas rusted through, in some cases found during a state inspection or while doing unrelated bodywork. Complaints mention crumbling mount points, a thumping or shaking while driving, and vehicles failing inspection as a result. Owners report being told the vehicle was out of warranty, and several note the rust was not visible from outside. Mostly reported between about 38,000 and 245,000 miles, often on vehicles driven in snowy or wet regions.
What to check: Have the rear frame rails and suspension mounting points checked from underneath on a lift, especially on vehicles from snow-belt states, and look for flaking or perforation rather than surface rust.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The frame at the point of connection with the rear differential is completely rusted through and I am unable to get it repaired. I have contacted Kia and they said that the vehicle is beyond it's warranty. I was driving and heard a thumping sound. The sound got louder and the car began to shake terribly. A mechanic looked at it and told me that the frame was broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10561686, filed 2014-01, 101,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10605068, filed 2014-06, 130,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh or delayed transmission shifts
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe jerking, shaking or delayed shifting, sometimes with the check engine light on, and dealers unable to reproduce the problem across repeated visits. Others report a whining or clunking from the rear differential that led to replacement, with one owner told the differential was not covered because of fluid change intervals. The 4WD system is also described as engaging on its own or locking up, with the dashboard indicator not reflecting actual status. Reported from roughly 48,000 to 117,000 miles, under normal driving and during deceleration.
What to check: Test drive at low and highway speeds listening for whine or clunk from the rear, confirm the 4WD engages and disengages as indicated, and ask for differential and transmission fluid service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I started taking my 2002 Kia Sportage to the dealer and it had a clunking sound in the back. I took it in and the technician said he thought it was the muffler and it was loose so he kicked it with his foot and sent me on my way. I got a new muffler and it still made the noise so I took it to a local shop and it was the differential failure. It ended up costing me over 2500. I had to have a new differential put in and it every once in awhile makes a clunking noise when you put the transmission in gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10205305, filed 2007-10, 102,000 miles“2002 Kia Sportage 4wd has a vacuum-hub system, I have been researching on the internet and have found that this has a history of failure, however there is no way of knowing that the 4wd is not engaged,because the indicator on the dashboard lights whether or not the 4wd is working. This is a common ongoing problem in these vehicles, the solution would be to install manual hubs,however Kia does not offer to pay for this option to its consumers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10299812, filed 2010-01, 56,000 miles - Fuel system
Gasoline spits back out during refueling
- 18 complaints (8%)
- median 106,000 mi at 8.3 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2017
Owners report that fuel shoots back out of the filler while refueling, forcing them to pump very slowly and sometimes splashing gasoline on their hands and clothing. Some say it happens every time in cold weather and that the pump shuts off as if the tank were full. Complaints describe dealers saying no recall applies or quoting a repair cost for the filler neck and related parts. Reported from roughly 37,000 to 178,000 miles, most consistently when temperatures fall below about 40 degrees.
What to check: Refuel the vehicle yourself before buying, starting at a slow rate, and ask whether the filler neck, vent line or tank has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2002 Kia Sportage 4wd 2d cv gas - 119,000 miles on it. When pumping gas- the gasoline pours and shoots right back out. Not a very good experience at all. I had two of my children in the car and it seemed like gasoline was all over me. This needs to be recalled right away. This is not safe at all!”
NHTSA complaint #10535726, filed 2013-08, 119,000 miles“I have been having a problem with the fuel marker. When I pump gas it will gush out even with just $2.00 in the tank I would have to pump it very slow in order to fill my tank up. I have a 2002 Kia Sportage and from what I hear this is going on with other Kia's. I would like to know if this is a manufacture error or is it time. It is very scary when the gas comes out and gets all over my clothes I think it's hazardous.”
NHTSA complaint #10289785, filed 2009-10, 109,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection on a lift is worth it for this model year, focused on rear frame rust and the fuel filler and tank area. Also confirm the cooling fan recall status by VIN and check the fan blades for cracks before driving it far.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 234 consumer complaints for the 2002 Kia Sportage. 152 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,764 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling69 29%
- Fuel system67 29%
- Brakes25 11%
- Body and structure23 9.8%
- Transmission and drivetrain23 9.8%
- Air bags17 7.3%
- Electrical system16 6.8%
- Suspension12 5.1%
- Seat belts9 3.9%
Also reported: Steering (9), Other or unknown (6), Equipment (5), Exterior lighting (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Wheels (3), Engine (2), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Vehicle runs hot and will not pass the smog test. I replaced the thermostat three times and the radiator one time just recently. The diagnostic test shows that the engine cooling coil or system has a problem. I can no longer drive it because it will not pass the smog and I cannot get it registered!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10469377, filed 2012-08, 112,000 milesFuel system: “We also experienced the gas problem. First we had a problem with the tank leaking (was told by Kia that 2002 Sportage model was not part of the recall/check, which it was and they should have paid for the $500 problem). Second, the gas shoots out when you try to fill, and check engine light comes on, this (we were told) is a bad oxygen sensor, another $350 and still not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #10292314, filed 2009-11, 53,000 milesBrakes: “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! …”
NHTSA complaint #10734754, filed 2015-07, 120,600 milesBody and structure: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11006032, filed 2017-07, 163,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
38% of the 152 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 31,600 and 97,766 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Kia Sportage version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sportage 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 20 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 07V161000Apr 16, 2007Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › FanCovers: Kia Sportage 2002
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…
Recall details for the 2002 Kia Sportage → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA07001Fan blade cracking/separationClosed · Jan 22, 2007
- PE06042Fan blade cracking/separationClosed · Sep 21, 2006
- EA06007Fuel tank leakageClosed · May 9, 2006
- RQ03007Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunctionClosed · Oct 14, 2003
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Body and structure, Exterior lighting. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to…
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following…
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones.
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Brakes, Exterior lighting. Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia models.
- 10015753Jan 1, 2004Fuel system. Fuel pump relays & emissions failures. Kia technician times.
Other model years of the Kia Sportage
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 1,060 | 1 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 55 | 17,500 | 1 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 75 | 22,500 | 3 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 193 | 26,887 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 46 | 33,000 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 54 | 53,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 166 | 13,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 71 | 32,000 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 165 | 18,400 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 404 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 134 | 60,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 146 | 75,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 125 | 79,500 | 3 | 4–5 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 381 | 98,000 | 3 | 4–5 | 24 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 392 | 97,750 | 5 | 4–5 | 24 | 80 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 181 | 78,000 | 6 | — | 24 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 20 | 76,297 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2009 | 80 | 64,500 | 3 | — | 22 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 98 | 80,500 | 3 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 77 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 111 | 72,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 68 | 78,600 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 234 | 59,764 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 228 | 65,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 304 | 70,838 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 284 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 303 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 181 | 82,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 57 | 79,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 56 | 111,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Kia Sportage model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia Sportage?
Owners of the 2002 Kia Sportage most often describe two things: a strong gasoline smell or fuel spilling back out while refueling, and the engine cooling fan coming apart and damaging the radiator. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell and fuel leaks around the tank and lines; Engine cooling fan blades crack or break apart; Rear frame and underbody rust.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA recorded 234 consumer complaints for the 2002 Kia Sportage as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Kia Sportage is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 69 complaints (29% of the total), followed by fuel system with 67.
Has the 2002 Kia Sportage been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Kia Sportage get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Kia Sportage (Sportage 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Kia Sportage reported?
Among the 152 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,764 miles and the middle half falls between 31,600 and 97,766 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.