2002 Kia Sportage body problems

Filed Jul 27, 2017 · Body · ME

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...

Filed Jul 17, 2017 · Body · 163,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Sep 30, 2015 · Body, Brakes · CT

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.

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Body · 96,600 miles · IN

Frame is rusted through.

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Body · 117,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia sportage. While having the vehicle inspected, the contact was informed that the underbody frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Body · 82,000 miles · CT

Car was at dealer for service. We were told the frame was rusted and the car was not safe to drive. We purchased the car new in dec 2002. We have had it serviced through the years at the local dealer. They tell us there is nothing they can do about fixing the car. We have had many new cars from 1962 to 2011 and never had a car or truck rust out in 11 years of use. I notice their are many complaints on the internet about this problem, and it appears nothing is being done. Can you explain to us why this major safety issue is not being looked into and a recall of these kia has not been issued. Does someone have to get killed first.

Filed Jun 22, 2014 · Body · 130,000 miles · PA · crash

I bought this car knowing I had to replace a fender and the drivers side door. After completing the body work the shop noticed the rear frame rails were rusted out to a point it would not pass pa state inspection, which had nothing to do with the cosmetic damage.

Filed Jan 27, 2014 · Body · 101,000 miles · CT

The frame at the point of connection with the rear differential is completely rusted through and I am unable to get it repaired. I have contacted kia and they said that the vehicle is beyond it's warranty. I was driving and heard a thumping sound. The sound got louder and the car began to shake terribly. A mechanic looked at it and told me that the frame was broken.

Filed Apr 5, 2013 · Body · RI

I was first made aware of this problem in january 2013 when I went to munroe muffler in johnston, ri for a new exhaust system. I was told of significant rot on the frame of the car. Then again a couple of weeks later by another mechanic who gave me a better price on the muffler system and installed the muffler system. He advised me to take it up with kia, which I did. I was told by consumer affairs to go to the nearest kia dealer and have them take a look at the issue, they did. I was then contacted by someone in consumer affairs letting me know that my warranty was up and this severe rot on the chassis was my problem and there is nothing they would do. They kia dealer had given me an estimate of approximately $10,000 to replace the chassis because it is almost completely rotted out and very dangerous to drive. I went to have my car inspected today, as it is due for renewal at the end of april and guess what? It would not pass inspection because of the severely rotted chassis. My vehicle is only 11 years old! I have asked kia to do a recall and replace my chassis at their expense because surely others have had the same issues. They refused. I just looked online and saw many complaints of the same issue I am having. Please look into this matter and make kia take responsibility for this. The chassis should not be rotting out at only 11 years old!!! I was told by the mechanic that if I hit a bump the front of the frame could snap and I can only imagine how dangerous that would be for me or anyone else in the car with me. Please help!! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6),

Filed Mar 21, 2012 · Body · 120,000 miles · MA

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.