2002 Kia Spectra: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 92 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (20% of complaints); the 2001 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
92
owner complaints
2
fire reports
44,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: air bags (20%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)20% · 18 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)11% · 10 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)9% · 8 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)8% · 7 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)8% · 7 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)7% · 6 complaints
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia spectra. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side interior door handle fractured while attempting to exit the vehicle. The failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the door handles was replaced however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2016
“A front tie rod broke, something in the steering column broke, and the air bag indicator lit up but no air bags deployed. The two front tires were not pointing in the same direction. I had it towed to a mechanic, and they said that the steering column issue likely caused a disconnect in a circuit, which can prevent all air bags from deploying.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia spectrum. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and it was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was contributed to a faulty fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred and the mechanic replaced the fuel pump connector and a blown fuse . The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driving at 35 mph, slowing down approaching traffic light, pressed on brakes and had almost no tension. Nearly smashed directly into the person in front of me. Used both feet with all the pressure I could give to stop the car. Found out that the brake proportioning valve is leaking brake fluid leaving me with no brake fluid whatsoever. Very dangerous. The proportioning valve needs replacing. I have been filling up the brake fluid reservoir at least once a week. This is an incredibly dangerous situation to be in. Thousands of people have had this same problem, why has this not been assessed? *js”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2013
“As I was about to stop down a steep hill my brakes gave away and jesus took the wheel is all I can say.brake came on no brake fluid .I get my oil changed every 3,000 miles it just leaks out as soon as I replace it. Mechanic for 40 years said never seen this happen on a car. The connector were the valves or connecting is leaking all the brake fluid out . *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia spectra. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the brakes failed. The contact stated that the brake pedal went completely to the floorboard. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that she noticed that the brake fluid was leaking out of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2012
“Car just caught on fire while driving. No caution lights came on. Fire started around the back tire of car, passenger rear. Possibly trunk. Have photos. Smoke quickly entered back seat area with only moments to stop and jump out before it went up in smoke. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2012
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia spectra. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and accelerated, crashing into the rear of another vehicle. There were no injuries. No police report was filed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 79,637.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2011
“The front passenger seat belt female fastener and assembly was found to be no longer secured to seat or car on further investigation it was found that the 1 bolt that holds the bracket to the vehicle had come fully out allowing the bracket to be pulled out. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia spectra (na). The contact owns a 2008 cosco child restraint seat, model number 222-33pet. The child was properly secured facing forward in the " child restraint seat which unexpectedly tilted in a forward position. The failure occurred whenever the child restraint seat was in use which was installed using the latch system. The contact had notified the manufacturer of the safety concerns. There were concerns of the potential safety risk involved. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unable.”Owner report · Child Seat · Jan 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 25 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Body stylesHatchback/Liftback/Notchback · Sedan/Saloon
How other years compare
Check your exact Spectra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Kia Spectra reliable?
NHTSA has 92 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Kia Spectra. The most complained-about area is air bags (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Kia Spectra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 44,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.