2002 Kia Sportage Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 69about this part
- Share
- 29%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,450miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 69 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 29% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,450 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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“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“I was driving my 2002 Kia Sportage. I heard a loud boom as it shifted into second gear. I pulled over and looked under the hood. The fan blade was in 5 pieces. The pieces had gone into the radiator and broke the fan shroud. Steam was coming out of the holes in the radiator.”
NHTSA complaint #10192116, filed 2007-05, 78,495 miles“2002 Kia Sportage engine cooling fan busted into pieces and one of the blades shot through my radiator. I contacted Kia and they ran my VIN number through their systems and it is not part of the NHTSA campaign 07v161000, even though it appears to be exactly the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10192258, filed 2007-06, 105,000 milesRelated recalls
- 07V161000Apr 16, 2007On certain vehicles, the heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan including its retaining ring, which…Covers: Kia Sportage 2002
Related service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 13% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 14 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 4 | 6% |
| 2002 | 69 | 29% |
| 2001 | 45 | 20% |
| 2000 | 45 | 15% |
| 1999 | 79 | 28% |
| 1998 | 79 | 26% |
| 1997 | 56 | 31% |
| 1996 | 10 | 18% |
| 1995 | 14 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Sportage
67 complaintsBrakes
25 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 28, 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