2002 Kia Sportage Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 1% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,000 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.
“Both of my headlights stopped working during a heavy rain and at night but the parking lights were still working. We assumed it was because the light bulbs needed changed. When we changed the bulbs, the headlight plug on the driver side was melted from a possible short in the wiring and corroded, the passenger side is dry rotted. We changed the bulbs thinking that was the only problem, but nothing was wrong with the bulbs we took out. The passenger light never fully works, it always has a dim ready to go out look. Then on june 10 the headlights stopped working again during a rainstorm. …”
NHTSA complaint #10521124, filed 2013-06, 150,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to add fuel to her vehicle, the gasoline would spill out. The headlights were also dim, making it impossible to see at night. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified and the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 123,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10381453, filed 2011-02, 123,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 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…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 4% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 15 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 12 | 7% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 7 | 9% |
| 2008 | 7 | 7% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% |
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 Nov 1, 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