2002 Kia Sportage Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 10%of 234 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Kia Sportage, 10% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,500 miles. 2 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.
“Vehicle runs hot and will not pass the smog test. I replaced the thermostat three times and the radiator one time just recently. The diagnostic test shows that the engine cooling coil or system has a problem. I can no longer drive it because it will not pass the smog and I cannot get it registered!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10469377, filed 2012-08, 112,000 miles“In september 04, my 2002 Kia Sportage check engine light illuminated. Replacement parts for coil assembly was installed. Two weeks later same problems. The car would shake violently and stall shortly after acceleration. Still continue to get check engine light, (misfires) I am now having trouble with power of engine, transmission not engaging after shifting. After acceleration car shakes and stalls, won't restart for quite some time.”
NHTSA complaint #10160088, filed 2006-06, 52,000 miles“I have a 2002 Kia Sportage it has 80,000 miles on it and I was driving it came up on a red light and the clutch wouldn't disengage the pedal would go down but the clutch wouldn't release so I drove through a red light with no ability to stop there was alot of cars coming and they barely missed t-boning me there where kids also playing on the side walk I had to shut the engine of and coast to a stop the gear shift wouldn't come out of gear as long as the engine was turning over. It will start and run all day as long as its in neutral. …”
NHTSA complaint #10312419, filed 2010-02, 80,000 miles“I started taking my 2002 Kia Sportage to the dealer and it had a clunking sound in the back. I took it in and the technician said he thought it was the muffler and it was loose so he kicked it with his foot and sent me on my way. I got a new muffler and it still made the noise so I took it to a local shop and it was the differential failure. It ended up costing me over 2500. I had to have a new differential put in and it every once in awhile makes a clunking noise when you put the transmission in gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10205305, filed 2007-10, 102,000 miles“2002 Kia Sportage 4wd has a vacuum-hub system, I have been researching on the internet and have found that this has a history of failure, however there is no way of knowing that the 4wd is not engaged,because the indicator on the dashboard lights whether or not the 4wd is working. This is a common ongoing problem in these vehicles, the solution would be to install manual hubs,however Kia does not offer to pay for this option to its consumers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10299812, filed 2010-01, 56,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 19 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 4 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 18 | 11% |
| 2017 | 41 | 10% |
| 2016 | 8 | 6% |
| 2015 | 6 | 4% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 5% |
| 2012 | 21 | 5% |
| 2011 | 23 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 12% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 23 | 10% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 41 | 13% |
| 1999 | 57 | 20% |
| 1998 | 63 | 21% |
| 1997 | 25 | 14% |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% |
| 1995 | 4 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Sportage
69 complaintsFuel system
67 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsBody and structure
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 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