2002 Kia Sportage from North America - Comments

This vehicle was excellent at first. Now it has developed a serious problem. It will not go over 55 miles per hour. It has very little power and cannot accelerate so I am afraid to take it on the highway.

This car was the best model they had, loaded with features. It has been carefully maintained since new.

At this point it has a serious problem which the dealer refuses to repair in spite of the fact that it came with a 100,000 mile warranty. The dealer states that at 35,000 miles the vehicle requires a $1700. maintenance program. In addition the same maintenance has be be done at 70,000 miles. At this point they state that the timing belt and numerous other parts must be replaced to maintain the warranty. There was no mention of this during the purchase of this vehicle. The dealer states that all Kias require the same program at 35,000 miles, not much economy there. Since there is only 1 dealer in the state I have no other choice, but to deal with them.

It is obvious the warranty is worthless and it will cost a fortune to get this fixed. It may be a minor problem, but independent mechanics don't want to touch this little SUV.

You would be wise to avoid this make and model. Don't be fooled by the generous warranty it is filled with loop holes so dealer's don't have to honor it.

Sounds to me like you didn't follow mainteinance procedures clearly mentioned in your OWNER'S MANUAL. Have you ever read the thing? The dealer is not responsible for you never having read it. Now, $1700 does sound rather expensive. What state do you live in? I would make a few calls to other Kia dealers in other states and ask the service department what they charge for the 35000 and 70000 mile mainteinance service. With any luck your vehicle isn't too damaged and can be brought back up to proper running condition with proper mainteinance.

You are wrong! This vehicle was maintained. I really have to question the need to change a timing belt and numerous other components at a 35000 mileage point, can't think on any other vehicle that requires such extensive expensive maintenance this soon. Suggested this model to my brother who bought a 2005 Optima, only to find out that he too has to submit to the $1700. 35000 mile maintenance. Great scam to nail the consumer. This vehicle is in Montana, with only two dealerships 650 miles apart, but owned by the same individual. There are no dealers in Wyoming, and North Dakota. Only one in south Dakota 900 miles away. Obviously not too many folks want to sell these cars around the mountain west. Pretty sure the catalytic converter has

failed, but impossible to prove. Independent mechanics warn that if they work on it the warranty is void, but will probably have to do that. So much for a great warranty or a quality vehicle.

Sound like you have a dealer problem. I have a 2002 Sportage and the timing Belt is a 60K change. I did both the 30K and 60K service myself and just kept receipts of for all parts and supplies. Now if you have not done the 30K and 60K serivce as called out in the owners manual, then warranty can be denied later if failure can be traced for lack of owner maintenance.

I had the same problem with my car not going over 55 and it actually did break down on the highway on me. Turns out it has something to do with the spark coils and plugs and the dealership does not cover these parts under warranty.

I think that you are on to why Kia can give those extended warranties, especially if you take into consideration how flimsy these cars are built.

Tune ups are frequent and can be very very very expensive, especially for the major tune ups like the one I had at 60,000 with belt replacement and major checkup on the transmission. With parts not covered by the extended (hah, hah, hah) warranty this little party cost me $2,800. I was informed this was in the +2,000 region, but with a lot of extra work this was the grand total. I've owned several 4x4s before and I've never ever seen invoices like this! It's just insane! I'm NOT very satisfied with the build quality either. A lot of problems that so far has been covered by warranty, but the warranty is expiring now and I'm scared this car going to ruin me.

I bought the Sportage since I felt car ownership was seriously cutting into my budget, but this car has been much more expensive to run than anticipated and I think any other SUV would have been better. It would have been much better to keep my old Explorer running. It would have been cheaper and it was better to drive.

Sportage resale value is next to nothing and trade in is difficult, no dealer wants it. My Nissan dealer downright said he would not be reselling this piece of crap to anyone and recommended selling it to a backyard shop, like the dealers set up at empty lots along the interstate.

My lesson is to STAY AWAY FROM KIA!!!

I don't know where all you people are at, but here in N.C. I have dealt with 3 different dealerships and have found all three to be completely honest, upbeat and helpful in the service depts.

I have driven a Kia Sportage since 2000, then traded it for an 02. Kept the service calendar up to date and the only problem I have ever had with either one of them is that they seem to eat front brake pads.

Drove the 00 for 65000 mostly highway miles, then traded up to the fully loaded 02. Now at 76000 on that one and in mixed city highway driving am still happy.

My only concern is that at 76000 I haven't got the timing belt changed. Almost all 4 cylinder engines need this service at 70000 or so, not just Kia, this being because it is a belt not a chain like on some larger cars.

Reading from the Kia 2002 maintenance schedule 1 page 7-5 timing belt

Outside Calif. replace at 60,000 miles

Inside Calif. inspect at 60,000 miles and 90,000 miles

Replace at 105,000 miles.

I guess they just want your money for not having to do anything in Calif. Yeah they don't want to honor the warranty here either.