2002 Kia Sportage from North America - Comments

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.

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)

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

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.

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

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.

Same problem at 85,000 miles. Radiator fan handgrenaded and punctured the radiator. After receiving the old parts from the dealers repair shop there was not one blade left on the fan assembly. I have 6 of the 8 blades. After further inspection it is obvious that some of the cracks and places where the blades have been ripped of by the blades that flew of are visibly older than others. This indicates to me and my local mechanic that these cracks have been there for a while. From what I understand KIA has known of the problem and continues to ignore it. After the blades punctured the radiator the steam and coolant that blew onto the windshield there wasn't much I could do being that I couldn't see a thing so I had to pull over on an extremely busy Interstate where there was no adequate shoulder and hope for the best. So if you own an 2002 KIA Sportage it is important to have the radiator fan blades inspected.

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.

On August 11, 2007 the fan of the radiator went into the radiator. I paid $2195.00 extended warranty. I bought it 11 months ago, used, mileage was 50,004 Mileage that day was 56,653 The Kia Dealer said the radiator hit into the engine therefore blowing the engine. Warranty is refusing

for it. Warranty does not cover a rental car either. I am without transportation. Being 55, heart problems, 2 strokes, and caretaker of my 81 yr old mother I need to find a car.

I do not have the $5000 needed to repair this problem. I have 4 years left to pay for this car so I can't buy another car.

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!!