One problem related to transmission noise 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.
When the brake pedal is depressed, they fail to stop the vehicle due to the rotors warping. This results in extended stopping distance. Also, the 5 speed standard transmission would not go into second gear and needed replacement. The rear end also makes a popping/clucking noise and the vehicle will jerk forward hard when the noise occurs. The cause of the failures is undetermined.