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2002 Kia Sportage recalls and problems

The 2002 Kia Sportage has 1 safety recall and 234 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
234
Crashes / fires
15 / 6
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Kia Sportage vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Kia Sportage recalls

Recall 07V-161: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 16, 2007 · 35,090 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain vehicles, the heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan including its retaining ring, which stresses the polypropylene thereby initiating cracking of the blades. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blades can cause the cracks to propagate until complete separation occurs.

Risk: Separation of the fan blade(S) can create a risk of personal injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan with a fan made of improved material. The recall began on june 11, 2007. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

2002 Kia Sportage problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling72
Fuel System, Gasoline41
Structure24
Power Train24
Service Brakes, Hydraulic22
Fuel/Propulsion System20
Electrical System18
Air Bags17
Visibility15
Suspension12
Steering9
Seat Belts9

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan — 22
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 12
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 11
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 9
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 8
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 8
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 7

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Kia Sportage complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Jul 27, 2017
We have religiously cleaned our 2002 sportage with under washing to keep under carriage as clean as possible...yet we are told the frame is too rusted, with holes and cannot be inspected or driven safely...we have less than 90,000 miles on it. Why hasn't there been a safety recall on this frame issue...the dealer just said "now is the time to buy another vehicle!" their warranty for 10 years or 100k miles is not helpful for those of us that put on few mile per year! Never buy a kia...ever...
Structure · at 163,000 miles · reported Jul 17, 2017
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 178,000 miles · reported Apr 23, 2017
For the past 3 years when going to the gas station to refuel the gas tank, with the car stopped and the engine off, gas suddenly spurts out the gas tank and splashes onto me and my clothing. I have called my kia dealer, but they say there is no recall for this. There are numerous complaints posted on this very same issue. Why would you let your consumers go through this?? Would they purchase another kia? Of course not! Please do the right thing and take action to rectify this for all kia owners who are getting splashed with gas when going to the gas station to refuel their tank. This is…
Electrical System · reported Mar 8, 2017
Driver side and front passenger shoulder belts are frayed which makes them unable to stay secure. It won't stop upper body movement when brakes are applied quickly. Driver side rear passenger window won't go down and motor in door still makes the noise like its wants to work but does not. Unable to pump more than a couple dollars of gas before it spits gas back out. While driving I smell electrical burning and wires under hood are burnt by the fan. Making the car hot due to fan not working properly.
Electrical System · at 113,150 miles · reported Feb 8, 2017
When the vehicle was hit while parked the bumper was destroyed the airbags did not deploy. The tune signals do not work, the fuses blow eveytime they are replaced, the hazzard signal blows all the fuses, there is a recall on before this year and some after, but not this one. Gas fumes inside the vehicle, no dealer in our community can find the problem. Shifter is stuck in park, the by pass key works but it will not shift without it.

Other Kia Sportage years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Kia Sportage have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Kia Sportage: 07V-161 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Kia Sportage?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (72 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.