There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Kia Spectra, but owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 Kia Spectra problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Air Bags | 22 | |
| Power Train | 12 | |
| Electrical System | 9 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | |
| Seat Belts | 8 | |
| Visibility | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | |
| Steering | 7 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | |
| Structure | 5 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
| Suspension | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 12
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
- Visibility › Windshield — 4
- Electrical System › Ignition — 4
- Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Kia Spectra complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Structure · at 120,000 miles · reported Apr 13, 2016
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.
Steering · at 195,000 miles · reported Jul 14, 2015
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.
Service Brakes · at 72,896 miles · reported Mar 9, 2015
The contact owns a 2002 kia spectra. After opening the front driver and passenger side windows, they failed to close. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver side window needed a new motor. The vehicle was repaired. The technician confirmed that the front passenger side needed to be lubricated. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that after the vehicle was inspected, the technician stated that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also…
Structure · at 90,000 miles · reported Nov 18, 2014
The paint just faded away. Alot on the hood of the car. Looks bad with part of the paint fading away. Was there a recall for the factory paint job on the car/
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 165,000 miles · reported Aug 13, 2014
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Kia Spectra as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Kia Spectra?
Owners report air bags problems most often (22 reports), followed by power train (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.