2002 Kia Sportage Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 5% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,700 miles. 1 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.
“I bought a car last week from a private seller, and it has a gas leak coming from the gas tank area. I have not taken it in yet to a mechanic to have it checked out. The seller had replaced the filler hose, and had said the previous owner had replaced the gas tank, so he said there shouldn't have been any issues. I have two grandchildren that need to be able to ride safely in this car, and I refuse to drive it with this leak on there. From the other reports that I am reading, this is a major issue, along with the rusted frame on the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10824814, filed 2016-02, 58,400 miles“Rear section of vehicle frame is rotted beyond a safe condition to continue use. Rear suspension mount points are crumbling and falling off. Vehicle has 38,000 miles. Vehicle always parked on pavement or concrete and used as a primary vehicle for an older female. Vehicle used very little during winter snow conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #10863926, filed 2016-05, 38,500 miles“Vehicle is a 2002 Kia Sportage. Driver noticed slight odd noise coming from car when changing directional gears, or taking off from stops. 2nd from rear crossmember rusted out, but was caught early enough to prevent serious accident. If problem had not been caught early axle could have shifted causing serious accident. Crossmember supports gas tank and keeps rear drive axle in place. Old crossmember will be cut out and new welded back in.”
NHTSA complaint #10289280, filed 2009-10, 137,280 miles“2002 Kia Sportage 4wd has a vacuum-hub system,this has a history of failure,as I have been researching on the internet. However there is no way of knowing that the 4wd is not engaged,the indicator on the dashboard lights whether on not the 4wd is working. This could cause a very serious problem for someone,thinking they are in 4wd 7 driving along at 55mph,only to have the car start spinning allover the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10113974, filed 2005-03, 89,089 miles“When the brake pedal is depressed, they fail to stop the vehicle due to the rotors warping. This results in extended stopping distance. Also, the 5 speed standard transmission would not go into second gear and needed replacement. The rear end also makes a popping/clucking noise and the vehicle will jerk forward hard when the noise occurs. The cause of the failures is undetermined.”
NHTSA complaint #10039840, filed 2003-09, 3,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 7 | 10% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 20 | 9% |
| 2000 | 23 | 8% |
| 1999 | 19 | 7% |
| 1998 | 26 | 9% |
| 1997 | 7 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 6 | 11% |
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 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 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