Photo: order_242 from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2002 Kia Sportage: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Sportage years.
237 owner complaints, most about engine and engine cooling. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 Sportage?The 2002 Kia Sportage has 237 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and fuel system.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Kia Sportage vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sportage years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Sportage?
Across the 29 Sportage model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2003) to 399 (2017). With 237 complaints, the 2002 Sportage sits above the model's median of 131.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Sportage
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Campaign 07V161000ON 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.
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 09E025000DOPE, 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a polarized ownership experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sportage. See the full Sportage owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sportage listings typically run $17,749–$24,718.
Other Sportage model years
Compare every Sportage year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sportage against its rivals
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