2002 KIA Sportage
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sportage › 2002
These records cover every 2002 KIA Sportage. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2002 KIA Sportage. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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 and remedy
Risk
Separation of the fan blade(s) can create a risk of personal injury.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
234 complaints15 involved a crash6 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
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…
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 › Body
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
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…
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 unbelievable that this can be left to go on for so long. IS a recall to fix this going to cost to much for the KIA corp.? Now, I can only refuel by using a transfer pump and filling 5 gallon gas cans to transfer gas from with the transfer pump. this IS not right! fix the issue on behalf of all KIA owners.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Seat belts
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.…
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 · Engine · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted carbon monoxide and caused the contact to fall sleep. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a canal. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic.…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted carbon monoxide and caused the contact to fall sleep. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a canal. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact drove the vehicle again and the failure recurred. As a result, the contact was involved in another crash. A police report was filed both times. The contact sustained fractured ribs and pelvic injuries that required medical attention. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000. The vin was not provided.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Takata recall I purchased this car for my granddaughter on 6-6-2016 it has all the symptoms of kia's recall # cs-048 the car IS a 2002 KIA sportage vin [xxx] with 87K miles and on july 4TH she stopped for a light and the car started to run rough and than stop running, she looked out the window…
Takata recall I purchased this car for my granddaughter on 6-6-2016 it has all the symptoms of kia's recall # cs-048 the car IS a 2002 KIA sportage vin [xxx] with 87K miles and on july 4TH she stopped for a light and the car started to run rough and than stop running, she looked out the window and the road was covered with rough gas from her car thankfully there was a patrol car in back of her and could redirect the traffic and call for back up to hand push the KIA off the road I called the local KIA dealer and was told that this vehicle was not under the gas ( fire safety concern ) sc-o48 I asked what parts needed and could not an answer so if they are dot going to fix I could get the parts and have my mechanic make the repairs I believe that you should have KIA expand this recall so that some one else's grand daughter will not be put in harms way under this recall I thank you for any consideration you can make regarding this matter. thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
"Takata recall" nothing new, same as this and many other complaints ... component(s): fuel system, gasoline fumes,air bags light stays on, hold light stays on, rust underneath the car,windows dont work, only back left door opens, ac dont work, will run hot if on. consumer location: california…
"Takata recall" nothing new, same as this and many other complaints ... component(s): fuel system, gasoline fumes,air bags light stays on, hold light stays on, rust underneath the car,windows dont work, only back left door opens, ac dont work, will run hot if on. consumer location: california all products associated with this complaint expand details close help manufacturer: KIA motors america summary: there IS a very strong raw gas smell that permeates the cabin and outside the vehicle. It IS very noticeable upon starting and when the vehicle IS at rest and running. I have taken this vehicle to numerous mechanics to include the local KIA dealer to resolve the problem - new fuel filter, exhaust, etc. With no positive results. A search of the internet turned up a very common problem with the 99-02 sportage gas tanks leaking due corrosion caused by poor design/material. I am filing this complaint in hopes that the nhtsa will conduct an investigation and recall of this make/model/yr vehicle to correct this very serious problem. This car has not been driven for over a yr.
- Suspension
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.
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system · Suspension
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…
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. KIA should not be allowed to continue to sell cars without fixing these other major issues.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Structure › Body
My car has rusted significantly underneath the vehicle.. To the point where it appears that it rusted the frame and shock absorbers. My car was made in korea... Wonder if these imports have to adhere to the same standards as american made cars with underbody treatment? also the fuel backs-up…
My car has rusted significantly underneath the vehicle.. To the point where it appears that it rusted the frame and shock absorbers. My car was made in korea... Wonder if these imports have to adhere to the same standards as american made cars with underbody treatment? also the fuel backs-up out of the gas tank... When in try to get the replacement part... I have been give numerous parts which do not fit from the dealer. also brakes have been replaced and rooters ground down but they keep having problems.
- Service brakes
I was driving home from work and started braking for a red light,my brakes were completely gone,luckily I was far enough from light & nobody was in front of me light turned green,i went slow 20 mph to the nearest firestone & coasted in.i thought I just needed new brakes,the mechanics put it on lift…
I was driving home from work and started braking for a red light,my brakes were completely gone,luckily I was far enough from light & nobody was in front of me light turned green,i went slow 20 mph to the nearest firestone & coasted in.i thought I just needed new brakes,the mechanics put it on lift & showed me the frame! It was so severely rusted that the brakeline had snapped away from frame.they called 3 different shops & nobody will touch it due to liability issues.i'm besides myself,i could have been killed or killed someone else.i'm original owner & car has been in garage everyday for 12 yrs,how can the frame be beyond repair at 120,000 miles.also I've read the other complaint's about the strong gas odors & I have had same problem for years,alway's in the winter.i love my car & need it repaired,kia should fix the frame & recall the model,someone could be killed if it happens to them.now I have to rent a car to go to work & try to get it fixed,but firestone said whole frame IS rusted,cheap metal used!something needs to be done!asap
- Fuel/propulsion system
An overwhelming smell of gasoline inside the cabin, over the years have tried everything including KIA dealers that could not solve the issue until now. A few weeks ago (april 2015) as I tried to fill the car it would not accept fuel so I determined the venting system was faulty, I dismantled it…
An overwhelming smell of gasoline inside the cabin, over the years have tried everything including KIA dealers that could not solve the issue until now. A few weeks ago (april 2015) as I tried to fill the car it would not accept fuel so I determined the venting system was faulty, I dismantled it and found the carbon filled box at the end of the vent to be plugged. As I could not replace it I forced compressed air into it and cleared the obstruction (replaced it later). The strong smell has ceased and I can fill with fuel again. This comment IS for those that have filled complaints but have not been satisfied by your organization.
- Unknown or other · Wheels
The wheel started screeching and it felt like it was about to fall apart I had to replace the fuel pump as it cut out on me in traffic on a highway almost causing an accident
- Fuel/propulsion system
Noticing strong odor of fuel coming through the vents during times of cold weather. It has become more of an issue since I have been driving this car more. I have taken it to 2 mechanics who tell me that they have not smelled the odor, even after giving one of them the car overnight. However, my…
Noticing strong odor of fuel coming through the vents during times of cold weather. It has become more of an issue since I have been driving this car more. I have taken it to 2 mechanics who tell me that they have not smelled the odor, even after giving one of them the car overnight. However, my husband has noticed it so I am not the only one. It IS beginning to cause me to have nausea as I drive up to 100 miles per day 3 days per week. As the car heats up and as the weather warms throughout the day the fuel smell does go away. However, I have 2 children riding in the back seat and am concerned for their health and safety as well. as I research, I have realized that this IS a common problem with this make and model of vehicle and the issue can be easily fixed. my husband and I will be taking steps to remedy this problem ourselves, but I cannot see how when this IS such a potentially hazardous situation, and multiple complaints have been made, that the manufacturer could not have recalled this vehicle. This IS irresponsible on behalf of the manufacturer and reflects poor business practices. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sportage. The contact stated that the aroma of fuel was present when the vehicle was started. The fuel scent vanished after the vehicle was warmed up. The failure occurred numerous times during the winter. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sportage. the contact stated that fuel fumes were present in and around the vehicle. the dealer stated that there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel tank. the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vin was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 162,180.
- Seat belts
Just getting in vehicle ready to put on my seat belt it would not tighten nor retract back in so I could try again now the seat belt will not tighten at all it IS very unsafe I will get tickted. I bought the vehicle as IS. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
There IS a very strong raw gas smell that fills the cabin and outside the vehicle. It IS very noticeable upon starting and when the vehicle IS at rest and running. fuel tank leaking. Seam areas and fuel pump/sending unit area due to corrosion and vehicle. the vehicle was parked, and I had a…
There IS a very strong raw gas smell that fills the cabin and outside the vehicle. It IS very noticeable upon starting and when the vehicle IS at rest and running. fuel tank leaking. Seam areas and fuel pump/sending unit area due to corrosion and vehicle. the vehicle was parked, and I had a hard time starting it. then when I tried to drive it, all I could do IS smell raw gas.------------------------ I have replaced the fuel tank, fuel pump assembly, any and all parts attached to fuel tank. (very expensive). on researching the problem, I have found that there are many other owners complaining of this problem. I have owned this vehicle since february 2011, I have not been in any accidents since buying this vehicle. in fact, upon learning of mechanical issues I try to have them fixed as soon as possible. (however, I was given an orange title. which at the time, I did not fully understand what it meant.) yet, the vehicle drove with just minor problems, such as: brakes, timing belt, fuel filter, oil changes, etc). this has been the most expensive and most damaging problem with the vehicle. *tr
- Structure › Body
Frame IS rusted through. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel tank leaking. Seam areas and fuel pump/sending unit area do to corrosion and vehicle will not meet emissions standards do to leak. Unsafe do to fumes entering cabin . Kis has a technical service bulletin sc059 for sportage 1996 - 2002 fuel tank inspection for corrosion but dealer said it…
Fuel tank leaking. Seam areas and fuel pump/sending unit area do to corrosion and vehicle will not meet emissions standards do to leak. Unsafe do to fumes entering cabin . Kis has a technical service bulletin sc059 for sportage 1996 - 2002 fuel tank inspection for corrosion but dealer said it was not covered also called KIA USA was told not covered do to production date 10/15/2001 but KIA sc059 bulletin has model year 10/01/2000 through 9/30/2002 as being covered. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sportage. while having the vehicle inspected, the contact was informed that the underbody frame was rusted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sportage. The contact stated that after leaning forward, the front passenger seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 134,000.
- Structure
Car was at dealer for service. We were told the frame was rusted and the car was not safe to drive. We purchased the car new in dec 2002. We have had it serviced through the years at the local dealer. They tell us there IS nothing they can do about fixing the car. We have had many new cars from…
Car was at dealer for service. We were told the frame was rusted and the car was not safe to drive. We purchased the car new in dec 2002. We have had it serviced through the years at the local dealer. They tell us there IS nothing they can do about fixing the car. We have had many new cars from 1962 to 2011 and never had a car or truck rust out in 11 years of use. I notice their are many complaints on the internet about this problem, and it appears nothing IS being done. Can you explain to us why this major safety issue IS not being looked into and a recall of these KIA has not been issued. Does someone have to get killed first.
- Air bags · Steering · Suspension
Traveling posted speed limit , car began to skid. Made a slight turn of steering wheel car began to rollover two or three times. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fan blade cracking/separation
KIA motors america, inc. (KIA) has identified a defect in the plastic engine cooling fan in the subject vehicles and will conduct a safety recall.kia's defect report states, ...heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan...initiating cracks in the fan.the…
KIA motors america, inc. (KIA) has identified a defect in the plastic engine cooling fan in the subject vehicles and will conduct a safety recall.kia's defect report states, ...heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan...initiating cracks in the fan.the centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blades can cause the cracks to propagate until complete separation occurs...kia estimates approximately 35,090 vehicles will be subject to the recall, as some of the 46,887 vehicles produced have already had the fan replaced under warranty.kia dealers will replace the original version of the fan with a fan made of improved material.this investigation was opened on september 21, 2006 as pe06-042 and upgraded to engineering analysis ea07-001 on january 22, 2007.please see nhtsa recall 07v161 for more detailed information
- Fan blade cracking/separation
The investigation of engine cooling fans in the subject vehicles was opened on september 21, 2006 as pe06-042.the basis for opening was 10 consumer reports alleging fan blade cracking and blade separation.six of the reports indicated the separated fan blades caused damage to other engine compartment components.kia has…
The investigation of engine cooling fans in the subject vehicles was opened on september 21, 2006 as pe06-042.the basis for opening was 10 consumer reports alleging fan blade cracking and blade separation.six of the reports indicated the separated fan blades caused damage to other engine compartment components.kia has provided additional consumer reports and information in its response to pe06-042.the investigation has been upgraded to engineering analysis (ea07-001) to continue to assess the consequence of fan blade separation in the subject vehicles.
- Fuel tank leakage
A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from june 1999 to october 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of…
A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from june 1999 to october 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component was replaced.odi's analysis focused on leaks occurring on the underside of the tank due to corrosive failure caused by disruption of the protective pvc coating.the analysisindicates that such leaks are rare and do not show evidence of an increasing trend. Accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See document file for additional information regarding this resume.
- Seat belt buckle false latch/malfunction
Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 KIA sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02V-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type A97. Odi analyses indicate a continuing…
Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 KIA sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02V-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type A97. Odi analyses indicate a continuing trend of consumer complaints following a series of design modifications made by KIA to improve the A97 latch assembly.my 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles were equipped with different design latch assemblies (type DB-6 or autoliv) and exhibit a much lower complaint count.this rq has been upgraded to an ea in order to further investigate this matter for the subject vehicles equipped with type A97 latch assemblies.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10015753Fuel pump relays & emissions failures. KIA technician times.
- 10005300Cooling fan replacement.
- 629973Subject regarding reports of diagnostic trouble codes p013a or P013 being stored.
Every KIA Sportage model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.