Frame Rust problems of the 2002 Kia Motor Sportage

Five problems related to frame rust have 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.

1 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 06/04/2017

I purchased a 2002 kia Sportage in February of 2017, after driving it for a couple months it all the sudden started rocking side to side uncontrollably while driving. When looking at the car we noticed the whole frame is rusted and falling apart. This is a huge safety problem, especially when it was being used to transport my children.

2 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2016

We have religiously cleaned our 2002 Sportage with under washing to keep under carriage as clean as possible. . . Yet we are told the frame is too rusted, with holes and cannot be inspected or driven safely. . . We have less than 90,000 miles on it. Why hasn't there been a safety recall on this frame issue. . . The dealer just said "now is the time to buy another vehicle!" their warranty for 10 years or 100k miles is not helpful for those of us that put on few mile per year! never buy a kia. . . Ever. . .

3 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 09/18/2015

My car has rusted significantly underneath the vehicle. . To the point where it appears that it rusted the frame and shock absorbers. My car was made in korea. . . Wonder if these imports have to adhere to the same standards as american made cars with underbody treatment? also the fuel backs-up out of the gas tank. . . When in try to get the replacement part. . . I have been give numerous parts which do not fit from the dealer. Also brakes have been replaced and rooters ground down but they keep having problems.

4 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2014

Frame is rusted through.

5 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 03/16/2012

My 2002 kia Sportage has 112,000 miles on it. After hearing a clanking noise from the rear of the vehicle I brought it to my local kia dealership. The rear frame has rusted out and needs to be replaced. Upon calling kia headquarters @800-333-4542 and speaking with richard I was told that "there is nothing kia can do to help. The vehicle's warranty on the frame is 5 years or 60,000 miles. " I was told by the service manager at the dealership that I could have it repaired at a body shop but the cost would be very high and would not be worth it. They would not consider buying it back from me either. They could call a salvage yard and get "a couple of hundred dollars" for me. I paid $17,000. 00 for this vehicle new in January 2003. Who expects the frame to be shot after 9 years?? I have looked on-line and see that this is a common problem with kia Sportages. Why was there never a recall? had there not been a noise coming from the rear of the car I can only imagine what could have happened to me or someone else on the road had the frame completely let go while I was driving.


Other Structure related problems of the 2002 Kia Motor Sportage



Safety Ratings of Sportage Cars
Fuel Economy of Sportage Vehicles
Sportage Defect Investigations