2002 Kia Sportage Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the equipment of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 2% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Coolant gauge not reading or registering thermostat temperature therefore rendering it unfit for clearing an inspection. It causes the check engine light to stay on even if coolant and/or thermostat, sensors,harness wiring wires and other things/parts connect to it has been replaced or checked for problems it still gives a false reading that the same problem is wrong with vehicle. Coolant thermostat not reaching temperature.”
NHTSA complaint #10356328, filed 2010-09, 85,000 miles“Several months after the purchase of my 2002 Kia Sportage my brakes started to pulsate, I took it to the dealer they said my brakes were warped and needed replacing. Rotors and pads in front have been replaced now 4 times in 16 months!”
NHTSA complaint #10072912, filed 2004-05“I own a 2002 Kia Sportage. This vehicle was purchased new. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle, too numerous to list. You are welcomed and encouraged to contact williamsburg crysler jeep Kia for all of the vehicles information. The problems with this vehicle started within a week of purchase and continue to today. At this writing this vehicle is currently in the shop having to have been towed in on friday 05/06/ 05. I just got the vehicle back on tueday 05/02/05. I have approximately 10 pages on the dates and the work that has been done since the vehicle was purchased. …”
NHTSA complaint #10120256, filed 2005-05“Problems with brakes sticking, windows locked up, calipers cracked. Two months after purchase, mechanic was informed that the brakes felt like they were sticking or pulling when at a stop or light. The cd player was inoperable. Consumer was told a new agent that was being used on her vehicle made the noise and it would go away in a couple of months. June 3, 2003, windows locked up, couldn't roll up, motor burned out. June 7,2003, vehicle suddenly jerked. There was a noise followed by sparks nd clanking metal sounds. …”
NHTSA complaint #10044489, filed 2003-10Related service bulletins
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017TSB: 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…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: 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…
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - 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…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 11 | 4% |
| 1998 | 19 | 6% |
| 1997 | 5 | 3% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Sportage
69 complaintsFuel system
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 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