2002 Kia Sportage

Introduction

The 2002 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV known for its affordability and versatility. It is available with two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-four (140 horsepower, 136 lb-ft of torque) and a 2.7-liter V6 (173 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque). Both engines are paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Engine

• 2.0L Inline-Four
  • Intake Valve Seat Degradation (Early Production Models)
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the intake valve seats leading to reduced engine power, increased oil consumption, and knocking noises.
    • Solution: Replace the intake valve seats and associated components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: 02V072000
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure (All Production Years)
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor causing intermittent engine stalling, rough idling, and difficulty starting.
    • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.7L V6
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (All Production Years)
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the timing chain tensioner leading to premature timing chain wear and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and associated components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: 03V330000

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual
  • Grinding Gears (All Production Years)
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, particularly into reverse, accompanied by grinding noises.
    • Solution: Replace or repair the synchronizers in the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission Slipping (All Production Years)
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fails to engage properly, resulting in delayed or no gear engagement, slipping, and erratic shifting.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure (All Production Years)
  • Description/Symptoms: Wear and tear on the strut mounts causing excessive noise, vibration, and reduced handling.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain (All Production Years)
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery discharges quickly even when the vehicle is turned off, causing difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Identify and fix the source of the parasitic drain, such as faulty alternator, starter, or electrical accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rusty Hood Latch (All Production Years)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust and corrosion on the hood latch, making it difficult or impossible to open the hood.
  • Solution: Replace the hood latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door Lock Failure (All Production Years)
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks fail to engage or unlock, leaving the vehicle insecure.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator or solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Kia Sportage has a range of issues affecting various components. While some issues, such as battery drain or exterior rust, are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others like engine and transmission problems can be more severe and costly to repair. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their decision-making process.