There is a very strong raw gas smell that fills the cabin and outside the vehicle. It is very noticeable upon starting and when the vehicle is at rest and running. Fuel tank leaking. Seam areas and fuel pump/sending unit area due to corrosion and vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and I had a hard time starting it. Then when I tried to drive it, all I could do is smell raw gas.------------------------ I have replaced the fuel tank, fuel pump assembly, any and all parts attached to fuel tank. (very expensive). On researching the problem, I have found that there are many other owners complaining of this problem. I have owned this vehicle since February 2011, I have not been in any accidents since buying this vehicle. In fact, upon learning of mechanical issues I try to have them fixed as soon as possible. (however, I was given an orange title. Which at the time, I did not fully understand what it meant.) yet, the vehicle drove with just minor problems, such as: Brakes, timing belt, fuel filter, oil changes, etc). This has been the most expensive and most damaging problem with the vehicle.

- Westland, MI, USA

Vehicle runs hot and will not pass the smog test. I replaced the thermostat three times and the radiator one time just recently. The diagnostic test shows that the engine cooling coil or system has a problem. I can no longer drive it because it will not pass the smog and I cannot get it registered!!!!

- San Diego, CA, USA

The problem I have with my 2002 Kia Sportage is engine heating, engine over heating, engine cooling fan ( fan blades brake off cut into my radiator, cut my fuel lines, water hoses, air intake lines. Since there has always been a problem with engine light on I.e. misfire on cylinder number 3 the car basically runs on three cylinders, which could have something to do with engine heating because the fan is belt driven, thus leading to over heating. This usually lead to costly engine repairs, vehicle becomes disabled anywhere and anytime. This is very dangerous. Since owning, my 2002 Kia( purchased in June 2005, 32728 miles) I have replaced 5 radiators, 5 engine cooling fans, towed 8 times. The engine cooling fan has broken off and cut into my radiator in 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2011. There was a recall in 2007 and I took it in to the dealer in 2007 for the recall. It has broke off three times since the recall. This is dangerous!!!

- Houston, TX, USA

Coolant gauge not reading or registering thermostat temperature therefore rendering it unfit for clearing an inspection. It causes the check engine light to stay on even if coolant and/or thermostat, sensors, harness wiring wires and other things/parts connect to it has been replaced or checked for problems it still gives a false reading that the same problem is wrong with vehicle. Coolant thermostat not reaching temperature.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

Our 2002 Kia Sportage was due for a new timing belt so we had it replaced, subsequently a couple of months later we received notification that there was a recall on the fan blade and had it replaced. Approximately 5 weeks later the fan blade came off and went through the radiator and the engine seized up, so we had it towed to the dealership. Their assessment was that it wasn't their fault but that the fan clutch let go, which is attached to the fan blade, and they claimed that they hadn't touched the fan clutch when they replaced the blade. After talking to the service personnel and asking about the procedure to replace the blade I was finally told, "it was done by magic". contacted the Kia representative who said he'd look into it, but to date have never heard from him, only the dealership who wanted me to get the car off their lot. They were willing to replace the engine for $3000, but fortunately I had access to resources and got it done for half the price. Wouldn't do business with this dealer again after being treated this way, and to think we'd purchased 4 vehicles from them.

- Halifax, MA, USA

2002 Kia Sportage. Dealer and Kia admitted the car had the part recalled. The plastic fan broke and pieces went into the radiator and hoses. The dealer gave me a price of 660 dollars to fix the repairs. However, they said I was responsible for the charges since they sent out a repair notice approx 3 years ago which I never received. I had towed the car to the dealer and they refused to repair it and pay for the repairs. I called Kia and they said that if the part was recalled and caused the damage they would pay for it. They were gonna contact the dealer so when I called again they said they wouldn't pay.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. While driving at approximately 50 mph, the fan blade blew into pieces. He replaced the power steering reservoir, antifreeze reserve tank, all three serpentine belts, air intake, and the intake hose himself, to correct the failure. He then received a recall notice (NHTSA campaign id number: 07V161000, engine and engine cooling: Cooling system: Fan) and petitioned for reimbursement with the manufacturer. The dealer advised he would not be considered for reimbursement until he took his vehicle to an authorized dealer to have the recall repair performed. He soon noticed the smell of burning antifreeze circulating throughout the cabin of the vehicle and the engine became unusually warm. The dealer replaced the fan belt under the recall campaign and was denied reimbursement. After repairs, he continued to smell burning antifreeze. The manufacturer was contacted and he was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The current mileage was 68,835 and the failure mileage was approximately 65,838.

- Medford, WI, USA

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

- Cuddebackville, NY, USA

In September 04, my 2002 Kia Sportage check engine light illuminated. Replacement parts for coil assembly was installed. Two weeks later same problems. The car would shake violently and stall shortly after acceleration. Still continue to get check engine light, (misfires) I am now having trouble with power of engine, transmission not engaging after shifting. After acceleration car shakes and stalls, won't restart for quite some time.

- Mancos, CO, USA

While driving at highway speeds engine seized, and then vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. When this condition occurred, consumer was able to restart vehicle. Dealership could not find problem with vehicle.

- Durham, NC, USA

Been having air condition issues since 12/02 the problem is still not corrected. The ac problem has been long and on going. There is like a fog coming out of it once it has been on and then you hit the ac button off and some white flakes come out of it. The blower motor has been replaced in it. It was making moisture under my dashbroad on the passenger side. Still waiting for that to be done. Apparently they put the car up on racks uped the rpms and say that where the pressure should be at is not. It exceeds where it should be. Waiting for those parts to come in. Had issues with exhaust had entire new exhaust put on the car through out the month of August 03. Was done in pieces because instead of checking the entire system they saw one problem fixed that and told me it was complete. Well the noise continued took it back and under the heat manafold there was another probelm. Needless to say once a week for the month of August expect for the week I was on vacation. Have had power window issues with two windows not rolling down, was unable to duplicate the first time so sent me on my way and had to bring it back when they could witness the problem. Cup holder has broken, dome light, latch on back seat replaced. Fan cracked in 3 spots. Belts have had to be replaced after a 30000 mile checkup and power flush turn on the car and loud noise coming from engine. Was told that belts were loose. They should have been checked twice one wiht each service that was done. $600 service. They took it back and tightened them so they said. Next day noise again from them. Took it back into the dealer they had to be completely replaced.

- Temecula, CA, USA

Rattle/vibratin coming from under car. Convertor replaced with no results. Told convertors are defective. The rattle /vibration happens every time I shift from low gear to high gear or visa-versa. They will not do transmission diagnostics. I was told that it was the resonance(sp?) in the exhaust system, this noise is normal.

- Albany, NY, USA