2002 Kia Sportage Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 10%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,100miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 10% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,100 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a 2002 Kia Sportage in february of 2017, after driving it for a couple months it all the sudden started rocking side to side uncontrollably while driving. When looking at the car we noticed the whole frame is rusted and falling apart. This is a huge safety problem, especially when it was being used to transport my children.”
NHTSA complaint #11006032, filed 2017-07, 163,000 miles“The frame at the point of connection with the rear differential is completely rusted through and I am unable to get it repaired. I have contacted Kia and they said that the vehicle is beyond it's warranty. I was driving and heard a thumping sound. The sound got louder and the car began to shake terribly. A mechanic looked at it and told me that the frame was broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10561686, filed 2014-01, 101,000 miles“I bought this car knowing I had to replace a fender and the drivers side door. After completing the body work the shop noticed the rear frame rails were rusted out to a point it would not pass pa state inspection, which had nothing to do with the cosmetic damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10605068, filed 2014-06, 130,000 miles“The frame on my 2002 Kia Sportage has rusted through. I can stick my finger through it literally. This vehicle has been taken care of and not abused. Now the frame is cracked on both sides!!!!!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10399421, filed 2011-05, 111,000 miles“I just repaired my exhaust on my 2002 Kia Sportage 4x4 today as it keeps rusting out on me. Today I noticed the entire frame on the back end is extremely rusted to the point it's literally falling apart brackets have detached for the exhaust as well as holes in it. I was shocked! The metal is literally splitting and falling apart! This is a serious problem and going to be dangerous to even drive the car. I am sure the car won't even pass inspection if they see this! If you even touch it your fingers go through the frame! …”
NHTSA complaint #10407003, filed 2011-06, 40,000 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…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 5 | 9% |
| 2024 | 8 | 11% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 10 | 6% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 24 | 6% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 5% |
| 2008 | 13 | 13% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 8 | 12% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 24 | 11% |
| 2000 | 31 | 10% |
| 1999 | 29 | 10% |
| 1998 | 26 | 9% |
| 1997 | 10 | 6% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 5 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Sportage
69 complaintsFuel system
67 complaintsBrakes
25 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 29, 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