2002 Kia Sportage Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 11%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,372miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 11% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,372 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #10641790, filed 2014-10, 117,500 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10039840, filed 2003-09, 3,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #10087624, filed 2004-08, 11,744 miles“2002 Kia Sportage. (nar) first oil change, filter replacement, lube, rattling noise under steering wheel, sluggish transmission shifting and excessive brake residue on right front wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10054145, filed 2004-01, 2,380 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 21% |
| 2025 | 6 | 11% |
| 2024 | 7 | 9% |
| 2023 | 34 | 18% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 13 | 8% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 11 | 7% |
| 2017 | 26 | 6% |
| 2016 | 38 | 28% |
| 2015 | 31 | 21% |
| 2014 | 24 | 19% |
| 2013 | 25 | 7% |
| 2012 | 11 | 3% |
| 2011 | 25 | 14% |
| 2010 | 6 | 30% |
| 2009 | 15 | 19% |
| 2008 | 23 | 23% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 10 | 9% |
| 2005 | 6 | 9% |
| 2002 | 25 | 11% |
| 2001 | 27 | 12% |
| 2000 | 54 | 18% |
| 1999 | 44 | 15% |
| 1998 | 71 | 23% |
| 1997 | 19 | 11% |
| 1996 | 15 | 26% |
| 1995 | 6 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Sportage
69 complaintsFuel system
67 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology