How many problems does the 2002 KIA Sportage have?

The 2002 KIA Sportage currently has 237 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2002 KIA Sportage?

The most common problems reported for the 2002 KIA Sportage are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2002 KIA Sportage problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2002 KIA Sportage comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2002 KIA Sportage Problems

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

45 complaints

THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE IS ENGINE HEATING, ENGINE OVER HEATING, ENGINE COOLING FAN ( FAN BLADES BRAKE OFF CUT INTO MY RADIATOR, CUT MY FUEL LINES, WATER HOSES, AIR INTAKE LINES. SINCE THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE LIGHT ON I.E. MISFIRE ON CYLINDER NUMBER 3 THE CAR BASICALLY RUNS ON THREE CYLINDERS, WHICH COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH ENGINE HEATING BECAUSE THE FAN IS BELT DRIVEN, THUS LEADING TO OVER HEATING. THIS USUALLY LEAD TO COSTLY ENGINE REPAIRS, VEHICLE BECOMES DISABLED ANYWHERE AND ANYTIME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. SINCE OWNING, MY 2002 KIA( PURCHASED IN JUNE 2005, 32728 MILES) I HAVE REPLACED 5 RADIATORS, 5 ENGINE COOLING FANS, TOWED 8 TIMES. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN HAS BROKEN OFF AND CUT INTO MY RADIATOR IN 2005, 2009, 2010, AND 2011. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2007 AND I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER IN 2007 FOR THE RECALL. IT HAS BROKE OFF THREE TIMES SINCE THE RECALL. THIS IS DANGEROUS!!! *TT

Sep 27, 2011

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE YESTERDAY, I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO INVESTIGATE. I NOTICED ANTIFREEZE COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR FAN HAD EXPLODED AND WAS MISSING ALL IT'S BLADES AND THE SHROUD WAS IN PIECES ALSO. ONE OF THE PIECES PUNCHED A HOLE IN THE RADIATOR. PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OVERHEATING OR HAVING ANY NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS. I DISCOVERED LAST NIGHT THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM BUT KIA MOTORS CLAIMS THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS NOTED IN THE RECALL. MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP AND I AM PAYING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. I THINK MAYBE THE PROBLEM MAY BE PRESENT IN OTHER VEHICLES NOT "LISTED" IN THE RECALL. I FEEL LUCKY THAT I DID NOT HAVE MY HEAD UNDER THE HOOD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

Aug 24, 2010

2002 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER EXPRESSES DISCONTENT REGARDING NOT BEING ABLE TO GET RECALL REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE REPAIR SHOP HAVING MAJOR ENGINE WORK DONE AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL APPOINTMENT. THE CONSUMER ALSO SUGGESTED THAT MAYBE THE WORK SHE WAS HAVING DONE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. *JB

Jul 20, 2010

2002 KIA SPORTAGE. DEALER AND KIA ADMITTED THE CAR HAD THE PART RECALLED. THE PLASTIC FAN BROKE AND PIECES WENT INTO THE RADIATOR AND HOSES. THE DEALER GAVE ME A PRICE OF 660 DOLLARS TO FIX THE REPAIRS. HOWEVER, THEY SAID I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHARGES SINCE THEY SENT OUT A REPAIR NOTICE APPROX 3 YEARS AGO WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED. I HAD TOWED THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT AND PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. I CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID THAT IF THE PART WAS RECALLED AND CAUSED THE DAMAGE THEY WOULD PAY FOR IT. THEY WERE GONNA CONTACT THE DEALER SO WHEN I CALLED AGAIN THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T PAY. *TR

Jun 19, 2010

2002 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE INCURRED AN EXPENSE TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE MAILED THE REPAIR RECEIPT ALONG WITH A COVER LETTER EXPLAINING WHAT HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS DRIVING WHEN THE FAN BROKE AND HAD TO STOP AT THE FIRST REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. *JB

Mar 29, 2010

+ 40 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

36 complaints

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 VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS A GIFT FOR TEENAGE DRIVER. I WILL NOT ALLOW MY CHILDREN TO DRIVE IT DUE MY CONCERNS FOR THEIR SAFETY. *TR

Jan 28, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR OF GASOLINE WAS EMITTED FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE O-RINGS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE O-RINGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 21,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 39,000. UPDATED 03/20/13*LJ UPDATED 03/29/2013 *JS

Dec 31, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK MODULE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,473.

Feb 23, 2012

FUEL SPILL AT WAWA GAS STATION. RECENTLY MY SON FUELED MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE AS I WENT IN WAWA; HE DIDN'T KNOW FUEL PROBLEM TRIED TO FILL THE TANK WITH THAT AUTO FILL CLIP (WHERE DON'T HAVE HOLD) GAS PUMP. GALLONS OF FUEL SPIT, SPILLED IN WIDE AREA PUMP OTHER PATRONS AVOIDED THE AREA. NEIGHBORING GAS PUMPS HAD PEOPLE ON CELL AND SMOKERS CAR WERE START UP MOVING OUT WITH EXHAUST PIPE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SPILL. MY SON AND HIS CLOTHING WAS SATURATED WITH GAS. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE GAS SPILLING AND SPITTING SEVERAL FEET OUT OF THE GAS TANK IS GETTING WORST. THE CONSTANT FUEL VAPORS ARE CAUSING ME HEALTH PROBLEMS. ANYWHERE I PUMP GAS GASOLINE SPILLS, EVERYONE LOOKS AT ME; I TRY TO CAREFULLY TO PUT THE MINIMAL TAKING 10-15MINUTES BUT CANNOT AVOID SPILLS. I'M RETIRED CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER CAR AND PAID OVER $3800.00 IN ENGINE LIGHT, FUEL REPAIRS RECENTLY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB. THIS PROBLEM IS DOCUMENTED I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO MIENEKE AND LOCAL KIA DEALER WHO KEEP WRONG PARTS REPLACING PARTS AT MY EXPENSE. THE LOCAL KIA DEALER TOLD ME IT RECALL IS ONLY THE 2005 KIA I CHECKED INTERNET AND IN FACT IT IS THE KIA 2005 SPORTAGE:05V212000, HTTP://AUTO RECALLS.JUSTIA.COM/KIA/SPORTAGE/2005/05V212000/INDEX.HTML MY 2002 KIA HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND KIA MUST DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX THIS HAZARD FREE UNDER RECALL IMMEDIATELY. *TR

Jan 14, 2012

Fire: 1

MY DAUGHTER JUST PURCHASED 2002 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 105164 MILES ON IT. IT WAS PURCHASED DURING THE DAY AND TEST DROVE DURING THE DAY WHEN WEATHER WAS WARMER APPROX 50 DEGREES OR HIGHER. IT HAS TURNED COLD THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING AND NOW HIGH TEMP IS 24 DEGREES. HAVE NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL COMING FROM INSIDE OF CAR. SHE STARTED IT TO WARM IT UP THIS MORNING BEFORE LEAVING AND NOTICED THE STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN SHE STARTED TO LEAVE. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING THIS. HAD MECHANIC CHECK CAR BEFORE WE BOUGHT AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE. NOW SHE IS ALMOST AFRAID TO DRIVE DUE TO GAS SMELL. *TR

Jan 13, 2012

+ 31 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

18 complaints

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...

Jul 27, 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.

Jul 17, 2017

FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. *TR

Oct 03, 2014

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.

Aug 12, 2014

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.

Jul 10, 2014

+ 13 more complaints for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

14 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.

Apr 23, 2017

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.

Aug 25, 2016

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

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

Jul 06, 2016

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.

Jun 14, 2015

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

Mar 11, 2015

+ 9 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

11 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE LINING FRACTURED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME WHERE THE OWNER REPLACED THE BRAKE SHOES AND CYLINDERS ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,290.

Oct 24, 2011

BRAKES NEED REPLACING TWICE IN UNDER 18000 MILES. WIVES CAR NEED WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM FROM MASTER CYLINDER ON DOWN UNDER40,00 MILES. *NM

Feb 24, 2006

2002 KIA SPORTAGE PISTON SEIZED DAMAGING BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. *TS *JB

Jan 19, 2006

BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED FOUR TIMES DUE TO WARPING. CONSUMER HAS TO HAVE THEM REPLACED EVERY THREE MONTHS. *AK

Sep 30, 2004

VEHICLE DEVELOPED A SQUEAK IN FRONT BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY PUSHED BACK THE CALIPER PISTON. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. LATER, DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE FOUND.*AK ROTORS HAVE HOT SPOTS AND LIGHT GROOVES CAUSING HEAVY BRAKING *TS

Aug 10, 2004

+ 6 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

10 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE ALSO INDEPENDENTLY DOWNSHIFTED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TR

Sep 16, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE KEY STILL IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLED 20 FEET AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A NEARBY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.

Jun 13, 2013

Crash: 1

NOTICED A SMALL HIGH PITCHED WHINE TOWARD THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. MY MECHANIC CHECKED AND SAID THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A PINION BEARING IN THE DIFFERENTIAL GOING BAD AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR A DETERMINATION AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED REPLACED AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY SINCE THE FLUID HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED EVERY 20000 MILES ALONG WITH A BILL FOR $126.00. WAS NOT ABOUT TO PAY THEM THE $1000 THEY WANTED TO REPLACE A DIFFERENTIAL THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. STILL DRIVING THE CAR WHICH NOW MAKES A LOUD GRINDING SOUND AND DRAWS ALOT OF ATTENTION WHICH ALLOWS ME TO DISCOURAGE ANY KIA PURCHASES FROM PROSPECTIVE BUYERS. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAS QUIT WORKING ALSO LEAVING ONLY SINGLE WHEEL DRIVE MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY UNSTABLE ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS. *TR

Nov 11, 2011

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ON 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. IT LOCKS UP AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO UNHOOK HOSES WHEN NOT IN USE AND TO HOOK THE HOSES UP WHEN NEEDED. *TR

Sep 09, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, IT WOULD CHANGE TO 4-WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT THE DRIVER MOVING THE LEVER. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD, EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,445 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

Jul 16, 2009

+ 5 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

10 complaints

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 VEHICLE WA SINVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND SIT HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NOT LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD TO INDICATE THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY. DEALER DID NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE AIR BAGS TO HER. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. POLICE CAME AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK

Oct 07, 2005

Crash: 1

MARCH 30TH I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, A LADY PULLED ACCROSS TRAFFIC AND I HAD NO TIME TO STOP, NEEDLESS TO SAY I SLAMMED INTO HER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AT ABOUT 30MPH. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY KIA SPRORTAGE WAS DAMAGED WITH ABOUT $6700 IN DAMAGES AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS WERE IN OUR SEAT BELTS BUT BADLY BRUISED AND THROWN ABOUT. I WAS INFORMED BY KIA THAT I DIDN'T HIT THE SENSORS ... OK THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS GONE WHERE EXACTLY ARE THE SENSORS? I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR AND MY CHILDREN ARE IN IT , PLEASE CAN SOME ONE TELL ME WHAT TO DO? I FEEL THAT I'M STUCK WITH A VEHICHLE THAT ISN'T SAFE AND I DON'T SEEM TO HAVE ANY RECOURSE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

Jul 20, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Jan 28, 2004

Crash: 1

UPON IMPACT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE UNDER FRAME OF THE DASHBOARD DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, IT BROKE AN OCCUPANT'S ANKLE AND FOOT. DEALER INDICATED IT WAS NOT HIS PROBLEM, AND URGED CONSUMER TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

Jan 06, 2004

Injuries: 1

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH, AND NEITHER FRONT DRIVER'S/ PASSENGER'S OR "KNEE" AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

Jun 17, 2003

Crash: 1

+ 5 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

8 complaints

WHILE ROLLING UP THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW, THE WINDOW FELL BACK DOWN WITH GREAT FORCE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB *SC

Oct 12, 2004

THE WIPERS BOLTS CAME LOOSE WHEN ICE AND SNOW WERE PACKED AROUND THEM. *JB

Mar 06, 2003

NO SUMMARY. DT

Nov 29, 2002

CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY'RE UNABLE TO ADJUST THE SIDE MIRROR CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER VIEW. DEALER NOTIFIED TS

Nov 05, 2002

DRIVER'S REAR POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED.*AK

Sep 20, 2002

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SEAT BELTS

6 complaints

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

Oct 20, 2014

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.

Jul 24, 2014

BOTH DRIVER & PASSENGER-SIDE REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES ARE DEFECTIVE. PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELT HAS BEEN INOPERABLE SINCE SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT IN 2005. DRIVER-SIDE SEAT BELT HAS HAD SPORADIC PROBLEMS IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS & WITHIN THE LAST WEEK HAS BEEN INOPERABLE. *JB

Jan 02, 2007

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE SEAT BELT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELTS. *AK

Jun 25, 2004

CONSUMERS STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35-40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DISENGAGED FROM BUCKLE ASSEMBLY RELEASING THE CONSUMER. *AK

Jan 28, 2004

Crash: 1

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SUSPENSION

5 complaints

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.

May 09, 2016

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. *TR

Oct 21, 2009

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR END OF HER VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AT TIMES. THIS HAPPENED FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE HIT A PATCH OF ICE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. *AK

Oct 31, 2005

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. WE LIVE IN RURAL UPSTATE NY AND WHILE RETURNING HOME LAST NIGHT,THIS HAPPENED,WE WOULD UP FACING THE WRONG WAY ON A STEEP DARK HILL,MY HUSBAND IS UNABLE TO WALK LONG DISTANCES DUE TO BACK & KNEE PROBLEMS & WE HAD TO WAIT OVER 2 HOURS FOR A TOWTRUCK. THIS OCCURED 2 YEARS AGO & THEY REPAIRED IT HOWEVR I JUST LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ONGOING PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES, THE SOLUTION WOULD BE TO INSTALL MANUAL HUBS,HOWEVER KIA DOES NOT OFFER THIS TO ITS CONSUMERS. *AK

Mar 12, 2005

WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH OR LESS VEHICLE SWAYED LEFT TO RIGHT EVEN WITH DIFFERENT WIND CURRENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Sep 18, 2002

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

5 complaints

2002 KIA SPORTAGE SHOOTS GAS BACK OUT OF TANK WHILE FUELING. AFTER FUELING (TANK IS EMPTY)FOR A FEW SECONDS PUMP SHUTS OFF AND FUEL SHOOTS BACK OUT OF TANK. GAS SHOOTS OUT AT A RATE THAT CAUSES IT TO SPILL OVER TO THE GROUND. CAN NOT FILL ORE THAN $5.00 DOLLARS WORTH OF GAS WITHOUT AN OVERFLOW. *TR

Oct 31, 2009

I READ A FORUM ABOUT DEFECTIVE 2002 KIA SPORTAGE FUEL TANKS,,, AND I WANTED TO ADD MY NAME TO THE LIST OF DEFECTIVE TANKS..... *TR

Mar 27, 2009

AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE OR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AT VARIOUS SPEED OF 40 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL ODOR. VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS A FUEL LINE. CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHERE THE FUEL LINE WENT OR WHAT KIND OF FUEL LINE IT MAYBE.*AK

Nov 08, 2004

I HAVE A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE 4X4. PURCHASED IN APRIL 2004 WITH 3 YEARS & 50K MILES REMAINING ON WARRANTY. I TRAILERED MY BOAT TO THE LAKE AND AFTER LEAVING THE LAKE THE CAR DIED. TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED KIA DEALER,DICK HANNAH KIA, VANCOUVER,WA.98665 $161 TOW BILL! DIAGNOSIS WAS WATER IN THE GAS TANK!! TURNS OUT THERE IS A EVAPORATOR CHARCOAL CANISTER MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE NEAR THE REAR BUMPER WHICH ALLOWED WATER INTO THE GAS SYSTEM. I AM NOW FACED WITH OVER $600 REPAIR FOR DRAINING THE TANK. MY CONTENTION IS THAT THIS IS A BAD DESIGN. NOWHERE IN THE OPERATORS MANUAL DOES IT STATE TO AVOID TRAILERING A BOAT BECAUSE IT MAY SUCK UP THE LAKE WATER! THIS SUV CAME WITH A TRAILER HITCH WHEN PURCHASED AND KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND COVER THIS DESIGN DEFECT UNDER WARRANTY.*AK

Sep 08, 2004

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS TANK ALSO STATES THAT EVERYTIME HE IS FILLING THE TANK ON THE VEHICLE GAS SPILLS RIGHT OVER IT WITH OUT THE GAS TANK BEING FULL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT A NEW GAS TANK WAS SUPPOSE TO BE PUT IN BUT CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. TS

Nov 07, 2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

2002 KIA SPORTAGE, IN FEBRUARY '07 WHILE DRIVING THE RADIO WENT OUT, & WITH THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS FAILING. PULLED OVER, TURNED CAR OFF. ATTEMPTED V TO RESTART, THE CAR DID NOT START. HAD CAR TOWED & MANUALLY CHECKED BATTERY THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. NEXT DAY CAR STARTED UP IMMEDIATELY, AND TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER CHECK-UP. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME $248 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST & THEN PLACEMENT OF A NEW BATTERY, WHICH WAS SAID TO BE THE CAUSE. WEEKS LATER ON MARCH 31 CAR DID THE SAME WITH THE RADIO AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. THE CAR JERKED ABOUT 30 MILES. WHEN I WOULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IT SEEMED TO REGAIN ITS STRENGTH, BUT ONCE I CONTINUED TO DRIVE ,IT STARTED TO JERK AGAIN, WITH THE OIL ODOMETER WENT UP/DOWN! TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP, IT JERKED IN THERE. WHEN THE SERVICE WORKERS WENT TO THE CAR, I WAS TOLD, NO PROBLEMS DRIVING THE CAR, & THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWED NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE CAR STAYED AT THE DEALERSHIP SATURDAY-THURSDAY, WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE SERVICE MANAGER ASKED IF SHE COULD DRIVE IT HOME. SHE SAID THE CAR DROVE FINE AND PUT 40 MILES ON CAR. IT WAS FINE ON THURSDAY WHEN I PICKED IT UP. DROVE SATURDAY AND CAR HAD SAME PROBLEMS. HEADLIGHTS & DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. AT 5 AM THIS WAS SCARY & UNSAFE, SOME CARS DIDN'T SEE ME, EVEN WITH THE HAZARDS ON. WITH RADIO OUT & CAR JERKING ALL THE WAY HOME. ON MONDAY, WENT TO LEAVE AND CAR DID NOT START. TOWED TO KIA FOR THE 3RD TIME IN A MONTH. CAR STARTED, BUT SOME 2001 & 2002 SPORTAGE MODELS HAD A MAIN ENGINE WIRING TEAR AND "THE WHOLE HARNESSED HAD TO BE ORDERED . IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 6 HOURS TO INSTALL . IT WOULD BE IN ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 11, 2007. THIS WAS THE 3RD TIME IN A MONTH THE CAR HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP, I PAID FOR A BATTERY & THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I IT WAS A COP-OUT FOR THE ACTUAL PROBLEM. WAS INCONVENIENCED WITHOUT A CAR & A HARD TIME GETTING A LOANER. DID NOT HAVE A CAR FOR OVER 7 DAYS. I WANT FAIR TREATMENT ON A CAR THAT I' WAS PAYING AMPLE AMOUNT OF MONEY. *AK

Apr 10, 2007

DT: PROBLEM OCCURED WHEN SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH. FLAMES SHOT OUT FROM UNDER DASH. NO WARNING PRIOR. A BURNING SMELL WAS COMING FROM VEHICLE PRIOR TO FLAMES. IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE DEALER REPORTS IT MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CAR WAS PULLED, A PERSON HELPED BY TRYING TO PUT OUT FIRE WITH A SMALL FIRE EXTINGUISHER, THEN OWNER WENT INSIDE A BUILDING AND GOT ANTOHER FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE WAS OUT BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED. THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE FROM AN UNKOWN SOURCE. DRIVER EXPERIENCED SMOKE INHALATION BUT WOULDNT GO TO HOSPITAL. AND WAS BURNED ON FINGERS TRYING TO PUT IT OUT.

Jun 10, 2005

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

ST: 8TH OF 2004 THE BATTERY STARTED TO DIE,\. DEALER TOLD CALLER TO SHUT THE ALARM SYSTEM OFF WHEN NOT DRIVING. VEHICLE BATTERY WAS CHECKED BY KIA, AND REPORTED NO PROBLEMS WITH BATTERY. HOWEVER, BATTERY HAD TO BE CHARGED NUMEROUS TIMES IN DRIVEWAY. ON MAY 2005 THE LOCKS BEGAN TO GO ON AND OFF, AND ALL LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER, WHO CHECKED THE BATTERY, BUT DEALER REPORTED THE CAR NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. 05/05/05 AS CONTACT WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD AND ALL SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON, AND LOCKS CAME ON AND OFF, AND CAR SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AGAIN FOR REPAIR.*AK

May 06, 2005

VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY FOUND THAT THE HARNESS WHICH HELD THE ALTERNATOR WAS MELTED. *AK

Nov 10, 2003

INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS 3 TIMES.*AK

Aug 13, 2002

STEERING

3 complaints

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SPENT OUT OF CONTROL, SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING REALLY BAD. TS

Jan 07, 2003

THE STEERING BOX IN MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE SUDDENLY BECOME INOPERABLE AND WOULD NOT PERMIT THE CAR TO BE STEERED TO THE RIGHT. IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT BEFORE I COULD GET IT STOPPED.

Dec 28, 2002

STEERING HAS EXCESSIVE PLAY. KIA REPRESENTATIVES STATE " ALL SPORTAGES ARE LIKE THAT AND THEY WILL NOT FIX."*AK

Aug 20, 2002

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

WELL MAINTAINED, DAILY DRIVEN, VEHICLE WITH 145,000 MILES HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT PASSENGER SIDE RAIL OF FRAME. SUB STANDARD QUALITY OF STEEL MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ( WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE, HAS ANYONE PERFORMED A CHEMICAL ANALYSIS TO VERIFY THE MATERIAL PROPERTIES IN THESE SIDE RAILS MATCH THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS PER THE BLUE PRINT)? NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE WITH LACK OF ATTENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR SUCH A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED WITH THERE BEING SO MANY REPEAT COMPLAINTS OUT THERE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED AS A RESULT OF DEGRADATION TO THE FRAME STRUCTURE. AMERICAN AUTO-MAKERS ARE HELD TO A MUCH HIGHER STANDARD AND ARE FORCED INTO RESOLVING THESE ISSUES WITH THE CONSUMER. HOWEVER, THE FOREIGN CARMAKERS APPEAR TO BE GETTING AWAY WITH "MURDER" BY PLACING THE AMERICAN WORKERS AT HIGH RISK FOR THEIR SAFETY AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF EVERY OTHER DRIVER ON THE ROAD. I CAN PICTURES OF SUPPORT OR BETTER YET, LACK OF AS THERE IS VERY LITTLE STEEL LEFT AND BY NO MEANS, ANY STRUCTURAL SUPPORT TO THE FRAME ON THIS SIDE.

Apr 25, 2011

JAN. 10TH- BRAKED TO AVOID ACCIDENT ON I-59 AT 70 MPH AND CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNCONTROLLABLE-RAN OFF I-59 AND COLLIDED WITH TREE FEB. 14- BRAKED AGAIN AT HIGH SPEED TO AVOID ACCIDENT AND CAR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. HIT TREE AND ALMOST LOST LIFE. WOULD HAVE LOST LIFE HAD NOT SOMEONE PULLED ME FROM VEHICLE, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED DOWN COMPLETELY. *NLM

Apr 22, 2003

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE WOULD ATTEMPT TO FILL THE FUEL TANK, GASOLINE WOULD BEGIN TO SPEW OUT OF THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN USING THE AIR CONDITIONER THE ENGINE WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD ROARING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Sep 20, 2010

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE THE CHECK ENGINE MODULE RESET. THIS REMEDY WORKED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BUT THE LIGHT EVENTUALLY ILLUMINATES AGAIN. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS NOT DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHT. ALSO, THE GAS TANK HAD A LEAK IN THE GAS LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE GAS LINE, HOWEVER A GAS ODOR STILL EXIST INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 2/28/2006 - *NM

Jan 23, 2006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

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. IF THE TECH WOULD HAVE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY WARRANTY.I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS IN MY LIFE AND NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ANY OF THEM. I FEEL LIKE THE KIA PEOPLE SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR MY TIME AND MONEY!!! *TR

Oct 10, 2007

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. *JB

Jun 17, 2006

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH UPHILL ON ICY ROAD CONDITIONS WITH THE 4WD ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER CABLE, VACUUM HOSE, WHEEL BEARINGS HAD FAILED. EACH COMPONENT WAS REPLACED ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE 4WD WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE SERVICE DEALER EXPRESSED TO THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE MANY VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH 4WD PROBLEMS.*AK

Nov 17, 2006

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. *PH

Sep 12, 2003

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

ON DEC. 15, 2005, I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE A MONTH AGO FOR WARRANTEE SERVICE (EMPIRE TOYOTA, ONEONTA NY). I WAS TOLD THAT THEY NO LONGER SELL OR SERVICE UNDER THE KIA WARRANTEE. AT THAT TIME IT HAD 58,000 MILES. NEW DEALER: COUNTRY CLUB KIA, ONEONTA, NY. ON JANUARY 12, 2006 I CALLED THEM TO HAVE THE WARRANTEE SERVICE DONE ON MY CAR. THEY ARE STILL SETTING UP THE SERVICE DEPT. AND ARE WAITING FOR "EMPIRE TOYOTA" TO TRANSFER THE RECORDS OF CUSTOMERS FOR WARRANTEE REPAIRS. NOW THE MILEAGE IS AT 61,000 MILES, AND IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED UNDER THE WARRANTEE. THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING: MY LOCKS KEEP GOING UP AND DOWN ALL DAY AND NIGHT WITHOUT ANY KEYS IN THE IGNITION. TODAY MY CHILDREN AND I GOT LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR AND COULD NOT GET OUT AS THE LOCKS WOULD NOT STOP LOCKING, AND THE HORN BEGAN GOING OFF. THIS HAS CONTINUED EVERYDAY...ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT. WE HAVE BEEN LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR EARLY IN THE MORNING WHILE MY CAR IS WARMING UP TO LEAVE FOR WORK. I REALLY NEED TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED, AND FEEL AS IF I KEEP GETTING THE RUN AROUND. I CALLED THE KIA OFFICE ON MONDAY JANUARY 16, 2006 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTEE HAS EXPIRED BY 800 MILES. THIS ISSUE COULD HAVE BEEN TAKE CARE OF BEFORE THE WARRANTEE EXPIRED. WHEN KIA CHANGED DEALERSHIPS CUSTOMERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED, SO THAT THEY CAN FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE NEW DEALER IF ANY PROBLEMS SHOULD ARISE. I HAD LOCKS REPARED IN MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, AND THUS THIS SHOULD STILL BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTEE. I CONTACTED KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER VIA E-MAIL ON 1/19/06, AND WAS GIVEN CASE ID IS: K1063733. NO RETURN E-MAIL OR CALL FROM KIA. I CONTACTED KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER VIA E-MAIL ON 1/30/06, AND WAS GIVEN CASE ID IS: K1067545. NO FOLLOW UP CALLS FROM KIA YET. NO RETURN E-MAIL OR CALL FROM KIA.I FEEL THIS PROBLEM CAN BE A POTENTIAL DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY MY FAMILY AND I NEED TO BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE.

Jan 30, 2006

I OWN A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE, TOO NUMEROUS TO LIST. YOU ARE WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT WILLIAMSBURG CRYSLER JEEP KIA FOR ALL OF THE VEHICLES INFORMATION. THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE STARTED WITHIN A WEEK OF PURCHASE AND CONTINUE TO TODAY. AT THIS WRITING THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP HAVING TO HAVE BEEN TOWED IN ON FRIDAY 05/06/ 05. I JUST GOT THE VEHICLE BACK ON TUEDAY 05/02/05. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 10 PAGES ON THE DATES AND THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT WITH KIA AND I WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO HELP ME BUT TO CONTINUE TO SEND IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED. MY WARRANTY EXPIRES ON THIS VEHICLE IN APPROXIMATELY 6000 MORE MILES. WITH THE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS THAT I AM CURRENTLY HAVING AND THE PROBLEMS IN THE PAST I AM WORRIED WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP AND/OR ME.

May 09, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE MY BRAKES STARTED TO PULSATE, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID MY BRAKES WERE WARPED AND NEEDED REPLACING. ROTORS AND PADS IN FRONT HAVE BEEN REPLACED NOW 4 TIMES IN 16 MONTHS!*AK

May 20, 2004

PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES STICKING, WINDOWS LOCKED UP, CALIPERS CRACKED.*MR TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, MECHANIC WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES FELT LIKE THEY WERE STICKING OR PULLING WHEN AT A STOP OR LIGHT. THE CD PLAYER WAS INOPERABLE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD A NEW AGENT THAT WAS BEING USED ON HER VEHICLE MADE THE NOISE AND IT WOULD GO AWAY IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS. JUNE 3, 2003, WINDOWS LOCKED UP, COULDN'T ROLL UP, MOTOR BURNED OUT. JUNE 7,2003, VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED. THERE WAS A NOISE FOLLOWED BY SPARKS ND CLANKING METAL SOUNDS. CONSUMER REALIZED SHE HAD NO BRAKES AND HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE CALIPER HAD CRACKED AND BROKEN CAUSING THE PADS TO SHATTER ALONG WITH THE ROTORS TO FALL OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THEY CLAIMED THIS FAILURE WAS DUE TO HER NEGLIGENCE. CONSUMER QUESTIONED THAT IF ON A REPAIR BILL IT STATED "30% BRAKES REMAINING," WHY WOULD THEY NOT REPLACE THEM. CONSUMER WAS BILLED $175. FOR THE RENTAL CAR, $700. FOR SERVICE AND TOW, $875. TOTAL. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IF THE MATTER WAS TAKEN TO COURT THE DISCOUNT OF 30% WOULD BE DROPPED AND THE TOTAL TO BE PAID WOULD BE $1200. CONSUMER ASKED FOR COMPENSATION FOR TIME AND TROUBLE, LOAN CAUGHT UP, VEHICLE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO HER AND RENTAL CHARGES DROPPED. *PH

Oct 24, 2003

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

I BOUGHT A KIA SPORTAGE IN APRIL 2002. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO THE KIA SERVICE CENTER ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ENGINE WILL SPUTTER, THE CAR SHAKES, THE RPMS GO TO 0 AND THE HEADER PIPE GLOWS RED HOT (LITERALLY), AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WILL LOSE 75% OF ITS POWER. THIS IS DANGEROUS. THIS CAR HAS MAYBE 10,000 MILES ON IT AND IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND NOT ACCEPTABLE. THE SERVICE CENTER HAS REPLACED THE ROTORS (KEEP IN MIND THIS IS ON 10,000 MILES), THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HEAD PIPE, MUFFLER AND THE REST OF THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND SPARK PLUGS. UP TO THIS DATE, THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE PROBLEM AND EVEN AS I TYPE THIS, THE CAR IS SITTING IN THE SERVICE CENTER THE FOURTH TIME. I WAS GIVEN A RENTAL VEHICLE THE THIRD TIME. BUT THIS TIME, THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN ME A RENTAL OR REPLACEMENT VEHICLE BECAUSE TWO ARE OUT OF COMMISSION DUE TO ACCIDENTS AND ONE IS CURRENTLY BEING USED. THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE TO HOOK THE CAR UP TO A COMPUTER AND DRIVE IT NUMEROUS MILE TO RECORD DATA. I JUST WANT A CAR THAT WORKS. *JB

Mar 18, 2003

I WAS WONDERING IF YOU WOULD KNOW WHERE I CAN GET MY VEHICLE TESTED FOR HEALTH ISSUES. I PURCHASED A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE AT THE END OF JANUARY 2002. I HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY VEHICLE THAT THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ABLE TO FIX. IT HAS A VERY STRONG ODOR THAT IS COMING INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUT IT HAS NOT HELPED AT ALL. THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I FINALLY GOT THEM TO GO FOR A TEST DRIVE WITH ME AND HAD THEM SMELL THE ODOR JUST LAST WEEK. I HAD BEEN TRYING TO GET THEM TO GO FOR A TEST DRIVE WITH ME SINCE MAY 2002. MY VEHICLE HAS 15000 MILES ON IT SO IT IS TO LATE FOR ME TO GET THE MANUFACTURER TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE BACK UNDER THE OREGON LEMON LAW. I TRIED TO GO THROUGH THE ARBITRATION PROCESS BEFORE I HIT 12,000 MILES BUT THE PERSON I SPOKE TO SAID I DID NOT HAVE A CASE BECAUSE I ONLY HAD SERVICE ORDERS FOR 2 OF THE 4 TIMES I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE ODOR. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT WRITE UP A SERVICE ORDER FOR THE SMELL UNTIL THE 3RD TIME I TOOK THE CAR TO THEM. I AM HOPING THAT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT THINK THAT THE SMELL IS VERY SAFE FOR MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF TO BE SMELLING. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE. THE BRAKES BUILD UP A BLACK DUST THAT IS VERY EXCESSIVE AROUND THE RIM OF MY FRONT TIRES WITHIN 6 MONTHS THEY WERE 30 PERCENT WARN. DT

Oct 24, 2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Mar 08, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Feb 08, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

"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.

Jun 26, 2016

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Feb 08, 2016

STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Sep 30, 2015

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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

Jul 17, 2015

WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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

May 26, 2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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

Oct 06, 2014

STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

TRAVELING POSTED SPEED LIMIT , CAR BEGAN TO SKID. MADE A SLIGHT TURN OF STEERING WHEEL CAR BEGAN TO ROLLOVER TWO OR THREE TIMES. *TR

Jun 29, 2014

Crash: 1

ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS "MISSING" WHILE IDLE AND "BACK FIRING". THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE MULTIPLE ISSUES WERE DIAGNOSED (POWER TRAIN, BASE ENGINE PROBLEM, EXHAUST MANIFOLD). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 187,000.

Apr 03, 2014

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING DURING A HEAVY RAIN AND AT NIGHT BUT THE PARKING LIGHTS WERE STILL WORKING. WE ASSUMED IT WAS BECAUSE THE LIGHT BULBS NEEDED CHANGED. WHEN WE CHANGED THE BULBS, THE HEADLIGHT PLUG ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS MELTED FROM A POSSIBLE SHORT IN THE WIRING AND CORRODED, THE PASSENGER SIDE IS DRY ROTTED. WE CHANGED THE BULBS THINKING THAT WAS THE ONLY PROBLEM, BUT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BULBS WE TOOK OUT. THE PASSENGER LIGHT NEVER FULLY WORKS, IT ALWAYS HAS A DIM READY TO GO OUT LOOK. THEN ON JUNE 10 THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN DURING A RAINSTORM. TODAY IS JUNE 24 AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE STILL NOT WORKING AND THE HEADLIGHT BULB IS STILL GOOD. IT MUST BE THE WIRING. WE TOOK THE BULB OUT AGAIN TODAY THE BULB IS STILL GOOD, WE PLUGGED THEM BACK INTO THE SOCKET. THEY ARE TEMPORARILY WORKING. HOWEVER THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE. *TR

Jun 21, 2013

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

HAVE A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING, WENT TO MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTED AWAY AND WAS NOT REPAIRABLE AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THE BRAKE LINES WERE ALSO ROTTED AND WHOLE CAR COULD BUCKLE IF IN AN ACCIDENT OR HIT ANYTHING. CALLED KIA AND WAS TOLD NOTHING THEY CAN DO. HAVE A 2000 CHRYSLER WITH MORE MILES AND NOT A SPOT RUST. NOW I NEED TO FIND A NEW VEHICLE ASAP, AN EXPENSE I CAN'T AFFORD BUT NEED TO GET TO WORK. KIA WILL NOT HELP AT ALL, GUESS THEY HAVE OUR MONEY SO WE'RE ON OUR OWN. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, KIA KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WILL DO NOTHING. HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THESE CARS ARE DEATH TRAPS, IF YOUR UNAWARE YOUR BRAKES CAN GO OR IF IN AN ACCIDENT SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN DEATH. THE NHTSA SHOULD FORCE KIA TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR KILLS SOMEONE ELSE. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH THE NHTSA AND DOMT KNOW WHY THEY ALLOW KIA TO IGNORE THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. THEIR ARE RECALLS ISSUED FOR LESS SERIOUS PROBLEMS, THIS ONE PEOPLES LIVES ARE AT STAKE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE ITS TOO LATE. *TR

Mar 18, 2013

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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!!!! *TR

Aug 06, 2012

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ADD FUEL TO HER VEHICLE, THE GASOLINE WOULD SPILL OUT. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ALSO DIM, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Feb 10, 2011

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE DROVE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ALSO, WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAN BELT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.

Sep 28, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

COOLANT GAUGE NOT READING OR REGISTERING THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE THEREFORE RENDERING IT UNFIT FOR CLEARING AN INSPECTION. IT CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO STAY ON EVEN IF COOLANT AND/OR THERMOSTAT, SENSORS,HARNESS WIRING WIRES AND OTHER THINGS/PARTS CONNECT TO IT HAS BEEN REPLACED OR CHECKED FOR PROBLEMS IT STILL GIVES A FALSE READING THAT THE SAME PROBLEM IS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. COOLANT THERMOSTAT NOT REACHING TEMPERATURE. *TR

Sep 19, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

OUR 2002 KIA SPORTAGE WAS DUE FOR A NEW TIMING BELT SO WE HAD IT REPLACED, SUBSEQUENTLY A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER WE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FAN BLADE AND HAD IT REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 5 WEEKS LATER THE FAN BLADE CAME OFF AND WENT THROUGH THE RADIATOR AND THE ENGINE SEIZED UP, SO WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEIR ASSESSMENT WAS THAT IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT BUT THAT THE FAN CLUTCH LET GO, WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE FAN BLADE, AND THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY HADN'T TOUCHED THE FAN CLUTCH WHEN THEY REPLACED THE BLADE. AFTER TALKING TO THE SERVICE PERSONNEL AND ASKING ABOUT THE PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE BLADE I WAS FINALLY TOLD, "IT WAS DONE BY MAGIC". CONTACTED THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE WHO SAID HE'D LOOK INTO IT, BUT TO DATE HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM HIM, ONLY THE DEALERSHIP WHO WANTED ME TO GET THE CAR OFF THEIR LOT. THEY WERE WILLING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR $3000, BUT FORTUNATELY I HAD ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND GOT IT DONE FOR HALF THE PRICE. WOULDN'T DO BUSINESS WITH THIS DEALER AGAIN AFTER BEING TREATED THIS WAY, AND TO THINK WE'D PURCHASED 4 VEHICLES FROM THEM. *TR

Jul 13, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND IT HAS SAT FOR TWO YEARS NOW ( I DEPLOYED FOR 15 MONTHS THAT'S WHY ITS SAT SO LONG) I REPLACED THE SLAVE AND MASTER CYLINDER AND IT HASN'T CHANGED ANYTHING I WAS IN A PARTS STORE AND HEARD ANOTHER GUY TALKING ABOUT HIS 2002 SPORTAGE IT DONE THE SAME THING AND HE REAR ENDED SOMEONE TOTALING IT. ITS IN A JUNKYARD NOW AND I HAVE TALKED TO COUNTLESS OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ONE GUY PAID THE DEALERSHIP 1700$ TO FIX HIS THEN THE PROBLEM CAME BAD A WEEK LATER. I JUST WANT MY CAR TO BE FIXED. THE LAST PROBLEM I HAD WITH IT WAS THE FAN EXPLODED WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND CUT MY RADIATOR THE DEALER REPLACED THE FAN BUT JUST CRIMPED MY RADIATOR I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH KIA I CALLED AND THE GUY HUNG UP ON ME WHEN I EXPLAINED MY PROBLEM SO IM NOT THE ONLY ONE IM SURE. *TR

Feb 20, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

PRIOR,AT 97K THE REAR WAS MAKING NOISE. BROUGHT TO DEALER,THEY SAID REAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. BECAUSE I HAD NO RECEIPTS FROM A GARAGE STATING THE OIL WAS REPLACED,IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE $900. TO REPLACE REAR AND AXLE. PART CHANGERS.HAD REAR REBUILT $400. RADIATOR WAS REPLACED AT 100K. AFTER OVER YEARS,COOLING FAN WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL. VACUUM HUB WAS REPLACED TO MANUAL. FUEL SMELL, WAS RUBBER RETURN LINE FROM FUEL PSI REGULATOR TO METAL RETURN LINE LEAKING. KEPT UP ON ALL MAINTENANCE SINCE NEW,A RELIABLE CAR WITH ORIGINAL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, AT 222K. *TR

Feb 10, 2010

POWER TRAIN,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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. I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND DEPEND UPON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE TO GET ME THROUGH THE WISCONSIN WINTERS, NOW THAT THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS NOT WORKING I GET STUCK IN THE SMALLEST AMOUNT OF SNOW, AND FEEL LIKE A IDIOT CALLING AAA TO TOW ME OUT ALL THE TIME. I THINK THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE MADE INTO A RECALL ESPECIALLY SINCE I ONLY HAVE 56,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *TR

Jan 14, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

MY 2002 KIA SPORTAGE SURGES FORWARD WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2002. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STALLS ON A REGULAR BASIS, WHILE AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH. *TR

Oct 06, 2009

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

I BOUGHT A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE IN JUNE 2008 FROM THE KIA DEALER IN REDDING. SINCE THAT TIME THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS HAVE STARTED LOCKING ON THEIR OWN AT VARIOUS TIMES. THEY LOCK AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE I AM DRIVING AND AFTER I HAVE TURNED THE CAR OFF. IT HAS GOTTEN SO BAD NOW THAT I HAVE TO KEEP THE KEYS WITH ME OR LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN WHEN I GET OUT OF THE CAR AND AM GOING TO GET RIGHT BACK IN. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR NOW. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN A COUPLE OF TIME THE LOCKS HAVE STUCK AND I COULD NOT GET THEM UNLOCKED WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR. I HAD TO PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE AUTOMATIC KEY LOCK TO GET THE DOOR UNLOCKED. I LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE IT CAN GET OVER 120 DEGREES IN THE CAR IN THE SUMMER AND IF THIS HAPPENS AND I CAN'T GET OUT OF THE CAR OR IF THE DOORS LOCK WHEN ONE OF MY GRANDCHILDREN IS IN THE CAR OR ONE OF MY PETS IT COULD BE DISASTROUS. I AM HAVING IT LOOKED AT NEXT WEEK AT THE DEALERSHIP. MY MOTHER ALSO OWNS A KIA BUT HERS IS A 1995 KIA SEPHIA WHICH SHE BOUGHT NEW. SHE HAS HAD THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS WITH HER DOOR LOCKS AND EVENTUALLY TOOK THE DOOR PANEL OFF SO SHE COULD GET OUT OF THE CAR AS SHE WAS LOCKED IN. SHE HAS MADE THE DOOR SO THAT IT WILL NOT LOCK AT ALL BECAUSE SHE WAS AFRAID SHE WOULD GET STUCK IN OR OUT OF THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND THERE WAS NO DEALERSHIP NEAR WHERE SHE LIVED TO TAKE IT TOO. SHE STILL HAS THE CAR. SHE HAS ALSO MET ANOTHER LADY IN REDDING WHO OWNS A KIA SEPHIA (I BELIEVE A 1990'S MODEL) WHO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. SHE HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF HER WINDOW TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AT ONE TIME. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE LOCK SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED AS IT POSES A SAFETY FACTOR IF A CHILD GETS LOCKED IN OR EVEN AN ADULT WHO CAN'T GET OUT THE WINDOW. *TR

Jun 07, 2008

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

2002 KIA SPORTAGE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND HER SEAT BELT DID NO LOCK CAUSING INJURY TO HER CHEST. MANUFACTURER STATED AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE FORCE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT. *KB

Nov 29, 2007

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I BOUGHT MY KIA SPORTAGE IN 09/19/2006 BY 9/25/2006 I STARTED TO HEAR SQUEALING NOISES IN FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND WHEN I FIRST STARTED IT I WOULD PRESS THE GAS BUT THE CAR WOULD DIE. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT 5 TIMES WHEN THEY FINALLY FIXED IT. THEN I FOUND OUT 3 WEEKS LATER IN THE RAIN THAT WATER WAS COMING IN THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD. IN 1/04/07 I WAD HEADED TO WORK AND THE CAR JUST SUDDENLY DIE AGAIN SO THE DEALERSHIP TOWED IT BACK. *JB

Jan 09, 2007

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING FROM 5 TO 65 MPH ON A NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, ALL DASH LIGHTS DIMED COMPLETELY. THE HORN WAS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE ENGINE STARTED TO SHAKE UP AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT UNTIL THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. THERE WAS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS APPREHENSIVE TO ACCEPT THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS. BASED ON THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, THE VEHICLE WAS ACCEPTED FOR INSPECTION.

Jun 22, 2006

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

I HAVE A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE 2 DOOR. WE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FOR OUR SON THINKING IT WOULD BE A FUN LITTLE CAR FOR HIM. 36,000 MILES LATER IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 15 TIMES FOR VARIOUS THINGS SUCH AS AIR BAG NEEDING REPAIRED TO ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM EXPLODING ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESSERT AND ME ALONE FOR 6 HOURS BEFORE I COULD GET HELP. THIS SUV IF YOU CAN CALL IT THAT IS NOTHING BUT A HEADACHE AND I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SONS OR IN FACT ANYONE THAT IS IN IT WHEN IT IS ON THE ROADS SAFETY. *NM

Sep 18, 2005

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

I OWN A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE. #1) THE AUTO STARTED TO HAVE A GAS ORDER FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, THEN GAS STARTED TO LEAK FROM THE CAR ONTO THE GROUND. THE CAR IS JUST 3 YEARS OLD WITH A REASONABLE 72,000 MILES. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD IF THIS CONTINUED, THE CAR WOULD CATCH FIRE. I WAS TOLD THE INTERNAL SEALS WERE LEAKING AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THIS WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. #2) THE HUBS ON THIS CAR ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE WAY THE CAR WAS DESIGEND - I WAS TOLD. WATER OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS HAVE GOTTEN IN THE CAR WHEELS AND HAVE DAMAGED THE HUBS AND THE 4WD WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. THIS WOULD BE A DESIGN FLAW AND NOT WEAR AND TEAR ON THE CAR.*AK

Dec 26, 2004

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

THE LEFT FRONT ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT LEAST TWENTY TIMES FOR OTHER DEFECTS. NO SERVICE FOR THE BRAKES. *AK THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING IN THE SHOCK ARMS, A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, RATTLING IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE DUE TO ROTTED SOCKETS, WHEEL BEARINGS WERE EXTREMELY LOOSE, PULLING TO THE RIGHT, THE RIGHT REAR POWER WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON POSSIBLY DUE TO A SMALL LEAK OR A LOOSE GAS CAP, TRANSMISSION HANG UP WHEN COLD, BAD FRONT BRAKES, CRACK IN DASH, CUP HOLDER WAS BROKEN, TAILPIPE RUSTED AND FELL OFF, WHEN THE HEATER AND DEFROST WAS ON THE A/C WOULD COME ON, THE CONSUMER WOULD GET SHOCK WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, INTERMITTENTLY BOTH REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP OR DOWN, AND THE LEFT REAR WINDOW WAS TOTALLY INOPERATIVE. (THERE WAS NO POWER WHEN GOING UP HILL) *SC *JB

Nov 30, 2004

TIRES

1 complaint

TIRE FAILED AT 20, 000 MILES FOLLOWING A NAIL IN THE TREAD. RADIAL 798 TREAD SEPARATION, TIRE HAD A HUGE BULGE IN MIDDLE.*AK

Aug 31, 2004

STEERING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY MY DAUGHTER FELT HER CAR JERK TO THE RIGHT. SHE ATTEMPTED TO TURN INTO THE JERK AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL ANYTHING ON THE CAR. IT BEGAN TO ROCK DESPITE HER EFFORTS AND THEN IMMEDIATELY ROLLED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE FRONT END OF HER KIA SPORTAGE SUSTAINED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SHE SUFFERED ALMOST COMPLETE LOSS OF USE OF HER LEFT ARM. SHE IS STILL UNDERGOING TREATMENT AND THERAPY FOR THE INJURY AND ALSO WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO HAVE FURTHER SURGERY. THERE WERE WITNESSES BEHIND HER THAT REPORTED THAT THE CAR WAS GOING STRAIGHT, DID NOT RUN OFF THE ROAD JUST BEGAN TO FLIP. SHE DID NOT LOSE CONSCIENCE, DID NOT LOOK AWAY FROM THE ROAD. ALSO THE DRIVING CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL AND SHE WAS GOING 5 MILES UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT. WE REQUESTED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTIGATE BUT THEY STATED THEY DO NOT DO INVESTIGATIONS. WE REALLY BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS A STEERING MALFUNCTION AS WELL AS FAILURE ON THE AIRBAGS. *JB

Aug 22, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

RATTLE/VIBRATIN COMING FROM UNDER CAR. CONVERTOR REPLACED WITH NO RESULTS. TOLD CONVERTORS ARE DEFECTIVE. THE RATTLE /VIBRATION HAPPENS EVERY TIME I SHIFT FROM LOW GEAR TO HIGH GEAR OR VISA-VERSA. THEY WILL NOT DO TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTICS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE RESONANCE(SP?) IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, THIS NOISE IS NORMAL.

Jan 15, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

BEEN HAVING AIR CONDITION ISSUES SINCE 12/02 THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT CORRECTED. THE AC PROBLEM HAS BEEN LONG AND ON GOING. THERE IS LIKE A FOG COMING OUT OF IT ONCE IT HAS BEEN ON AND THEN YOU HIT THE AC BUTTON OFF AND SOME WHITE FLAKES COME OUT OF IT. THE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED IN IT. IT WAS MAKING MOISTURE UNDER MY DASHBROAD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. STILL WAITING FOR THAT TO BE DONE. APPARENTLY THEY PUT THE CAR UP ON RACKS UPED THE RPMS AND SAY THAT WHERE THE PRESSURE SHOULD BE AT IS NOT. IT EXCEEDS WHERE IT SHOULD BE. WAITING FOR THOSE PARTS TO COME IN. HAD ISSUES WITH EXHAUST HAD ENTIRE NEW EXHAUST PUT ON THE CAR THROUGH OUT THE MONTH OF AUGUST 03. WAS DONE IN PIECES BECAUSE INSTEAD OF CHECKING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM THEY SAW ONE PROBLEM FIXED THAT AND TOLD ME IT WAS COMPLETE. WELL THE NOISE CONTINUED TOOK IT BACK AND UNDER THE HEAT MANAFOLD THERE WAS ANOTHER PROBELM. NEEDLESS TO SAY ONCE A WEEK FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST EXPECT FOR THE WEEK I WAS ON VACATION. HAVE HAD POWER WINDOW ISSUES WITH TWO WINDOWS NOT ROLLING DOWN, WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FIRST TIME SO SENT ME ON MY WAY AND HAD TO BRING IT BACK WHEN THEY COULD WITNESS THE PROBLEM. CUP HOLDER HAS BROKEN, DOME LIGHT, LATCH ON BACK SEAT REPLACED. FAN CRACKED IN 3 SPOTS. BELTS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER A 30000 MILE CHECKUP AND POWER FLUSH TURN ON THE CAR AND LOUD NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. WAS TOLD THAT BELTS WERE LOOSE. THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED TWICE ONE WIHT EACH SERVICE THAT WAS DONE. $600 SERVICE. THEY TOOK IT BACK AND TIGHTENED THEM SO THEY SAID. NEXT DAY NOISE AGAIN FROM THEM. TOOK IT BACK INTO THE DEALER THEY HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED.

Jan 15, 2004

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS

1 complaint

2002 KIA SPORTAGE.*MR (NAR) FIRST OIL CHANGE, FILTER REPLACEMENT, LUBE, RATTLING NOISE UNDER STEERING WHEEL, SLUGGISH TRANSMISSION SHIFTING AND EXCESSIVE BRAKE RESIDUE ON RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. *CB

Jan 15, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

ENGINE LIGHT/FAN RELAY AR SHOOK UPON BEING TURNED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASSIONS PRIOR TO ENGING LIGHT COMING ON. CAR TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS SCAN SHOWED RANDOM CYLINDER MISFIRE #301 & #1. FOUND WATER AND CORROSION ON PLUGS AND WIRE ARCING. INGINITION WIRES AND SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. CAR RETURNED A DAY AND HALF AFTER TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE ALTHOUGH I HAD BEEN TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE TO ME FOR ANOTHER 2 DAYS WHEREAS I COMPLAINED AND AFTER A MOMENT OF BEING PUT ON HOLD WAS TOLD CAR WAS REPAIRED AND I COULD COME PICK IT UP. AFTER I PICKED UP CAR NOTICED HEAT IN CAR WAS NOT OPERATING ALTHOUGH OPERATIONAL WHEN CAR TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. RETURNED CAR TO DEALER TO REPAIR HEATING SYSTEM. DEALER FOUND FAN RELAY BURNT. LEFT CAR AT DEALER ENTIRE DAY, PROBLEM NOT REPAIRED. PICKED UP VEHICLE W/O REPAIR BEING DONE. THEN NOTED ALL POWER WINDOWS NOT OPERATIONAL. CALLED DEALER AND CORPORATE HEADQUATERS TO COMPLAIN OF ISSUES AND NEED FOR PROPER WORKING VEHICLE. SINCE THEN REPEATED CALLS TO DEALER HAVE NOT PROVIDED POSITIVE RESULTS. DEALER HAS REPEATEDLY STATED THAT PART WAS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE WHEN IN FACT WRONG PART WAS REPEATEDLY BEING ORDERED INCORRECTLY AS STATED BY CORPORATE HOUSE. CORPORATE HOUSE IMPLORED UPON DEALER TO LOCATE LOANER VEHICLE UNTIL ISSUE RESOLVED. NO LOANER VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY ME AS OF YET. CAR STILL HAS NO HEAT OR OPERATIONAL WINDOWS. PURCHASING A PORTABLE CAR HEATER DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS WINTER AND THE TEMPERTURE HAS FALLEN DRAMATICALLYAND IS GOING TO DROP EVEN FURTHER. NOT HAVING OPERATIONAL WINDOW INCONVENIECE SINCE I MUST PAY A TOLL EVERYDAY AND MUST OPEN MY DOOR IN ORDER TO PAY TOLL OPERATOR.*AK

Jan 07, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

CONSUMER STATES THAT SINCE BUYING THE VEHICLE IN JANUARY OF 2003 ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THAT TIME. THE FAULTY ROTORS CAUSED VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED ONCE AT 5699 MILES AND AGAIN AT 8694 MILES. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED ALL THE DOORS LOCKED, BUT WHEN IT WAS DAMP OUTSIDE THE LOCKS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER WASHER WAS NOT WORKING AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DEALER READJUSTED IT. THERE WAS A RATTLING IN THE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BELOW THE AIR VENT. *AK *PH *NLM

Sep 02, 2003

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED VEHICLE EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN ACCELERATION. DEALER HAD INSPECTED VEHICLE FOUR TIMES, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING.*AK

Aug 27, 2003

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

HAVE HAD BRAKES WORKED ON 5 TIMES IN PAST YEAR, AIR CONDITIONER SMELLS MUSTY EVERY TIME YOU TURN IT ON, GAS WARNING LIGHT DOESN'T WORK, RIGHT REAR WINDOW DIDN'T WORK FOR OVER A YEAR. *AK

Aug 14, 2003

WHEELS

1 complaint

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. A BAD ODOR WAS COMING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL COVER WAS ON FIRE. *AK

Jul 28, 2003

Fire: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAG LIGHT, AND WINDOWS ON KIA SPORTAGE. *MR ALSO PROBLEM WITH A CRACKED MOTOR HEAD. *TT *JB

Jun 24, 2003

STEERING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

THE GEARS SHIFTED IMPROPERLY AND THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALSO THE DEALER NOTICED THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS LEAKING. *JB

Mar 28, 2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED.DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WHEN LIGHT FLASHED ON IT INDICATED EMISSION PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Sep 18, 2002

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

AFTER HAVING VEHICLE FOR THREE MONTHS COURTESY LIGHT STOPPED WORKING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHR INFORMATION.*AK

Sep 18, 2002

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOES NOT WORK AT ANY TIME. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Sep 18, 2002

SEATS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING REAR SEATS MOVE BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING.*AK

Jul 29, 2002

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*JB *TT

May 30, 2002

VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

WINDOWS LOCK AND SHAKE, DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SWINGS OPEN, PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY, BACK SEAT BELTS-ONLY 1 WORKS, DRIVER'S DOESN'T LOCK PROPERLY. *AK

Apr 23, 2002

STEERING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

DOOR STAYS AJAR. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT DOOR IS NOT OFF LINE, YET DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY.*AK NOW HORN HAS FAILED, SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM ACTS ERRATICLY, THE RIGHT SIDE HOOD IF OFFLINE AND IS BENT CAUSING THE HOOD TO INTRUDE OUTWARD TOWARDS THE FRONT FENDER, AND THE DRIVER SIDE BACK WINDOW WILL NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN. *TT

Mar 13, 2002

2002 KIA Sportage Problems & Complaints

Complaints by Component

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2002 KIA Sportage have?

What are the most common problems with 2002 KIA Sportage?

Where does this 2002 KIA Sportage problem data come from?

Other Years - KIA Sportage

Other KIA Models

Similar Brands