The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Kia
SPORTAGEProblems & recalls

234 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 71 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 234 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine71 reports
Fuel system67 reports
Other components32 reports
Brakes25 reports
Body & structure23 reports
Transmission & drivetrain23 reports
Air bags17 reports
Electrical system16 reports
Visibility15 reports
Suspension12 reports
Steering9 reports
See original component labels
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE35
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM20
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM11
AIR BAGS9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR9
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL8
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS8
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION8
POWER TRAIN8
SUSPENSION7
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
STRUCTURE:BODY6
STEERING5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
SEAT BELTS5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM4
STRUCTURE4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS4
SERVICE BRAKES4
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE3
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
SUSPENSION:REAR3
EQUIPMENT3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD2
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER2
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR2
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION2
WHEELS2
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE2
ENGINE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY1
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS1
WHEELS:HUB1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING1
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jul 27, 2017
Mileage, where supplied

59,764 miles is the median among 152 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 31,000–97,766 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Apr 7, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000

Reported concern

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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E012000 at NHTSA
Apr 16, 2007 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FANCampaign 07V161000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: SC070

Read campaign 07V161000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

9 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 9. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Sep 13, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_BOD055_R1TECHNICAL 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…NHTSA ID 10201529

TECHNICAL 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.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10201529 at NHTSA
Mar 2, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS539PITSTOP - 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.NHTSA ID 10133170

PITSTOP - 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.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10133170 at NHTSA
Jan 18, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085R1TSB: 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.?…NHTSA ID 10109812

TSB: 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.

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109812 at NHTSA
Nov 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085TSB: 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 …NHTSA ID 10109777

TSB: 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.?

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109777 at NHTSA
Apr 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS443TSB - 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 …NHTSA ID 10183431

TSB - 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

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10183431 at NHTSA
Aug 28, 2008 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsKT-2008082201KIA: 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. *PENHTSA ID 10026726

KIA: 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. *PE

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS · PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10026726 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions76FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TTNHTSA ID 10015753

FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT

Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10015753 at NHTSA
Nov 1, 2003 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions014COOLING FAN REPLACEMENT. *TTNHTSA ID 10005300

COOLING FAN REPLACEMENT. *TT

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10005300 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2002 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions51SUBJECT REGARDING REPORTS OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P013A OR P013 BEING STORED. *TTNHTSA ID 629973

SUBJECT REGARDING REPORTS OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P013A OR P013 BEING STORED. *TT

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 629973 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jan 22, 2007 ClosedFAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATIONEA07001

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

Recorded closure: Apr 16, 2007

Campaign reference in the source: 07V161000

Find investigation EA07001
Opened Sep 21, 2006 ClosedFAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATIONPE06042

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.

Recorded closure: Jan 22, 2007

Find investigation PE06042
Opened May 9, 2006 ClosedFUEL TANK LEAKAGEEA06007

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.

Recorded closure: Nov 30, 2007

Find investigation EA06007
Opened Oct 14, 2003 ClosedSEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTIONRQ03007

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.

Recorded closure: Feb 27, 2004

Campaign reference in the source: 04V305000

Find investigation RQ03007

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