2002 Kia Sportage

Summary:

Worthless!!!

Faults:

I have only had the car for a little over two years. It was good for the first year I had it and then all the problems came along. In the winter of 2006 my timing belt broke and there was only 55,000 miles on it. That cost me $500. Then it was OK for awhile. Then in February of 2007 my engine light came on. After getting it checked out they could never find a problem. Then in the spring is when all the problems started coming. I had to change the alternator. Another $200. Then took it in to get a full checkout of the car and had to change 3 belts, rear cylinders, and exhaust pipe which was a good $500. Then I changed the front brakes myself. Then soon after that my back brake shoes blew out on the highway and took it in for another $300. Next had to get the spark plugs changed, $50 bucks. The had more problems and had to get the ignition coil changed, $170. Now I'm having trouble with fuel getting to the engine so I'm getting the starter changed and hopefully that will be the problem. Anyway I'm definitely done dealing with this car, because it has given me nothing, but problems after problems. I would not recommend getting a KIA ever!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th October, 2007

25th Nov 2007, 09:28

You are not getting fuel to the engine and feel that the starter will improve this? Maybe this is the reason your paying so much for repairs? I suggest you get a better understanding of how vehicles work.

28th Jan 2010, 18:41

Half of those problems are general maintenance on any car. Brakes and alternator, that's very common!

In reply to 25th Nov 2007, 09:28

10th Jan 2016, 01:39

As a journeyman auto tech, I highly suggest having a qualified tech diagnose your problem; you'd be better off tying a yellow ribbon to your antenna, fuel pump or clogged filter or injectors, possibly, if in reality the diagnosis of fuel problem is a correct one.

8th Apr 2016, 20:50

OK, here's my situation.

I own a 2002 Kia Sportage with 75000 miles.

When you take foot off the gas to slow down before braking, the car should coast some; well it won't; it's running but won't go forward. Stops right there.

When step on the gas, the car won't accelerate over 20 miles an hour. As you try to creep home, it gets worse. Barely touch the brake pedal - it's hard and barely goes down. Then when trying to move forward, it won't move at all. Step on the gas pedal and you hear a grinding noise.

Towed the car. Checked out - find nothing. After it sits it goes back to normal.

This is 3rd time since Dec 24th 2015. Any ideas or anyone else have this issue? Please help. I'm told over and over again, unless it's acting up when they see it, they don't know what's going on.

2002 Kia Sportage 4x4

Summary:

I like it

Faults:

I have to change the oil every 3000 - 5000 miles.

I put in a new air filter.

The check engine light came on, but it did not produce a code and went out after the air filter - so I guess that was the problem.

I just replaced the front brake pads and noticed that the struts were leaking fluid. They will have to be replaced. This is probably why the handling feels a bit loose.

I also noticed that the vacuum hose that runs the locking hubs was damaged on both sides. Fortunately for me the hubs are stuck in the locked in position so I have had 4x4 every time I have needed it, but I bet that's why I use so much gas!

I really hate that I can't open the back hatch without undoing the flimsy and difficult back window.

My Geo had a much better design.

General Comments:

I like the interior. It is way more comfortable to ride in than my Geo Tracker was.

Overall, this is a pretty nice go to work cheap vehicle.

My other care is a Suburban 4x4, so even with stuck hubs, the KIA gets good mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd February, 2007