One problem related to axle hubs has been reported for the 2002 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Kia Motor Sportage based on all problems reported for the 2002 Sportage.
I own a 2002 kia Sportage. #1) the auto started to have a gas order for several weeks, then gas started to leak from the car onto the ground. The car is just 3 years old with a reasonable 72,000 miles. I do not believe this is normal wear and tear on the car. I was told if this continued, the car would catch fire. I was told the internal seals were leaking and they needed to be replaced and this was a serious problem and the car should not be driven. #2) the hubs on this car also need to be replaced. The way the car was desigend - I was told. Water over the past 3 years have gotten in the car wheels and have damaged the hubs and the 4wd will not work properly. This would be a design flaw and not wear and tear on the car.