2002 Kia Sportage 4 cylinder

Summary:

I love my Sportage, do not like company tactics

Faults:

1. Electric Windows were not working properly immediately after purchase. Dealer in Macon replaced window motors -no problem.

2. Transmission went bad and was replaced at 69,000 miles. Dealership in Macon replaced - no problem.

3. Radiator fan disintegrated, slinging fan blades into my radiator, piercing it. Dealership in Jacksonville Fl states KIA knows there is a problem with this fan, particularly in certain yr Sportages, but are not letting the public know. Are demanding I pay for the repair.

General Comments:

I mainly wish to let other Sportage owners with vehicles from the year 2002 know they need to have the vehicle fan checked. If the fan is cracked, or stressed have it replaced or you will be my in position. I have enjoyed my Sportage, but I find it deplorable that the manufacturer knows there is a problem, but won't give the owners a chance to fix it before it does serioius damage. I would have replaced the fan had I known, and avoided the expensive repair I am facing now. (With factory parts the repair is over $500.00)

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

Review Date: 21st September, 2004

5th Aug 2005, 01:51

Same thing happened to my 2002 kia sportage with the fan blade disintegrating at around 68,000 miles, warranty didn't cover it.

30th Aug 2005, 17:08

Same thing just happened to my 2002 KIA Sportage. I was lucky that the fan blades did not pierce the radiator and KIA is replacing the fan under warranty. My problem is that the fans are on national backorder and it will be at least 2 weeks or more before my car is driveable. KIA, nor the dealership, will supply a loaner or rental during this time period which leaves me trying to find a way to and from work each day, not to mention ordinary chores such as grocery shopping, doctor appointments, etc. I have filed a complaint with KIA and have requested a meeting with the General Manager of the dealership where I bought the car. Needless to say, I'm pretty ticked off.

5th Feb 2006, 04:44

My 2002 KIA sportage has, had the fan blade fly thru the radiator twice,

9th Jun 2006, 21:53

Just did the 60K timing belt change on my 2002 SPortage and noticed the fan cracking. Changed out before things got worse. Had been thinking, would have asked for it to be repaired under warranty and not on my dime. Thing fan was $70+ IIRC.

10th Jan 2007, 15:05

I own a KIA Sportage 2002 also. I have enjoyed my Sportage as well, but find the attitude towards customers deplorable. Service issues RE:being billed for warranty work, being charged if mechanic doesn't find the problem, and not being notified by the company of the fan blade issue. I leased mine and the lease is up in 6 months. I am fearful of being able to get out without problems of one kind or another.

29th Aug 2007, 13:43

Anonymous.

I have a 2002 Kia Sportage that I purchased in November of 2006. I received a "Safety Recall" card from Kia Motors America Inc earlier this year, that addresses the fan issue that you had. You should be able to get all of that replaced as this is a recall item. I have an 800 number: 1-800-333-4542. Give them a call about your problem. I hope this works out for you!!

2002 Kia Sportage

Summary:

Overall, the car works very well for me

Faults:

As far as the car itself is concerned, I have not had any problems. I bought it in California and last year moved back to Georgia. It performed very well on the trip and since then.

However, it doesn't seem to have much pick-up when you quickly accelerate. The engine sounds like it is working very hard before it shifts gears.

General Comments:

The main items I find fault with is on the interior.

The cup-holder is placed right in front of the center air condition vents. If you have a drink in the cup-holder, it will block the flow of air. There doesn't seem to be as much air come out when the upper and lower section is selected. To get the maximum air, it has to be set on either the upper or lower setting.

The seat belt is very uncomfortable. It keeps riding over till it is around the neck area instead of the shoulder and chest area. If there was a accident or had to stop quickly, the side of the neck would probably receive quite a jolt.

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

Review Date: 2nd August, 2004