2002 Kia Sportage fuel system problems
Owners reported fuel system problems in 68 complaints for the 2002 Kia Sportage, 21% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 68 21% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 65,000 miles 51 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When fuel system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 9 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 10 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 10 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 6 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 7 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 51 fuel system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 65,000 miles, and 41% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 2 fires, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted carbon monoxide and caused the contact to fall sleep. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a canal. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact drove the vehicle again and the failure recurred. As a result, the contact was involved in another crash. A police report was filed both times.
I have a 2002 kia sportage 4x4. Purchased in april 2004 with 3 years & 50k miles remaining on warranty. I trailered my boat to the lake and after leaving the lake the car died. Towed to an authorized kia dealer,dick hannah kia, vancouver,wa.98665 $161 tow bill! Diagnosis was water in the gas tank!! Turns out there is a evaporator charcoal canister mounted under the vehicle near the rear bumper which allowed water into the gas system. I am now faced with over $600 repair for draining the tank.
Other problems reported for the 2002 Kia Sportage
- Engine 40 complaints
- Cooling system 34 complaints
- Brakes 26 complaints
- Body & structure 24 complaints
- Electrical system 18 complaints
- Air bags 17 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 15 complaints