2002 Kia Sportage Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 4% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The steering box in my 2002 Kia Sportage suddenly become inoperable and would not permit the car to be steered to the right. It happened while I was driving and I nearly had an accident before I could get it stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #10000627, filed 2002-12, 27,000 miles“The gears shifted improperly and there was a rattling noise coming from under the vehicle. Consumer was informed the transmission needed to be replaced, also the dealer noticed the steering gear box was leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10014706, filed 2003-03, 98,000 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 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that whenever he drove, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the thermostat was replaced. The failure continued. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the radiator was replaced. However, the failure continued. Also, while traveling approximately 35 MPH, the contact noticed that the power steering malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fan belt was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10358020, filed 2010-09, 68,000 miles“Door stays ajar. Mechanic told consumer that door is not off line, yet door does not close properly. Now horn has failed, security alarm system acts erraticly, the right side hood if offline and is bent causing the hood to intrude outward towards the front fender, and the driver side back window will not move up or down.”
NHTSA complaint #8005631, filed 2002-03Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 4 | 7% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 9 | 5% |
| 2017 | 9 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 14 | 18% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 10 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 7% |
| 2002 | 9 | 4% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 13 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 5 | 9% |
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 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 30, 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