2002 Kia Sportage: engine overheating

Filed Aug 24, 2010 · Engine · 112,000 miles · CA

While driving my 2002 kia sportage yesterday, I heard a loud bang and pulled off the road to investigate. I noticed antifreeze coming from under my car. I opened the hood and found that the radiator fan had exploded and was missing all it's blades and the shroud was in pieces also. One of the pieces punched a hole in the radiator. Prior to this happening, the vehicle was not overheating or having any noticeable problems. I discovered last night that this vehicle was recalled for this exact same problem but kia motors claims that my vehicle was not included in the recall even though I had the exact same problem as noted in the recall. My car is in the shop and I am paying to have the vehicle repaired. I think maybe the problem may be present in other vehicles not "listed" in the recall. I feel lucky that I did not have my head under the hood when this happened.

Filed May 28, 2008 · Engine · 55,579 miles · FL

Driving in rush hour traffic last week and car started to lose power and the smell of antifreeze through the vents. The car was not smoking, thermostat was not showing overheating. I tried to make it to the off ramp less than 1.5 miles. Dealer says that the radiator has a hole in it and the head has to be rebuilt and they say that I must replace the timing belt and pulley's . I was told that the cause of this incident was a bad thermostat. The head assembly, cylinder head, spark plugs, hoses were damaged beyond repair replaced. I also have replaced the timing belt, radiator, thermostat and as of may 15 2008 a new fan clutch. The vehicle does not shows any signs of overheating on any gauges, and does not smoke. You can only here the sound of boiling water in the radiator. How do you diagnose overheating problems that can do over $4000 damage to a motor with 55k miles and 5 years old . Case number --k14040462.

Filed Nov 16, 2007 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NY

Car overheated on highway and stalled. Called 911 for help. Got towed to repair shop. Outcome engine replaced.

Filed Jul 2, 2007 · Engine · 66,000 miles · TN · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia sportage. The vehicle was under recall regarding the engine fan. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire began when the engine overheated, which caused the fan to crack and strike the radiator. The heat also caused the head of the valves to warp. The fan was previously replaced. This failure has occurred twice. The recall number that was referenced was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 66,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2007 · Engine · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia sportage. The blades on his cooling fan began to come off, causing the vehicle to overheat. This was a couple of years ago; recently a safety recall (engine and engine cooling: cooling system fan - 07v161000) was recieved. The manufacturer has not provided reimbursement. The current mileage on the vehicle is 93,314. The failure mileage was unknown. The purchase date was unknown.