2002 KIA Spectra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Spectra › 2002
These records cover every 2002 KIA Spectra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
92 complaints25 involved a crash2 involved a fire19 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
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.
- Air bags · Steering · Suspension
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 · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm · Visibility/wiper
TL* 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…
TL* 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 stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear brake drums needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 72,896.
- Structure
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/ *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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…
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.
- Structure
Heat has warped dashboard so vents no longer stay seated. *tr
- Service brakes
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…
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
- Service brakes
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
- Service brakes
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…
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.
- Power train
I purchased 2002 KIA spectra in 11/ 2004 with 14,000 miles on it. ( I have all maintenance work documented) . In 2006 I noticed my car would get sluggish and hesitate whenever I would accelerate. It didn't happen all the time. But I did take it in for a tune-up and transmission flush and fill. This…
I purchased 2002 KIA spectra in 11/ 2004 with 14,000 miles on it. ( I have all maintenance work documented) . In 2006 I noticed my car would get sluggish and hesitate whenever I would accelerate. It didn't happen all the time. But I did take it in for a tune-up and transmission flush and fill. This was in 10/2006 and I only had 26,000 miles on it .but this problem persisted and it worsened to a point that it took a while before it would shift gears. I would have to hold my foot on the gas pedal and pump it a few times. I took it to a dealer in january 2008 and explained to them what was happening and it was making loud noises. They said the transmission was defective and it needed to be replaced. So I replaced the transmission cost was $1,800.00 they also stated the transmission had been replaced in this car once before. Now this IS the second transmission and my car only has 31,442 miles on it. So my car was now running ok at first but it still pauses and jerks when im driving. This happens with my foot on the gas pedal no matter what speed im driving at. It also wont go in reverse when I shift to the reverse gear. This began to happen in january 2012 and with only 50159 miles on it. Again I took it to a local KIA dealership and the technician found that the transmission has internal failures, the cost to replace the transmission IS $1520.00 installed. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate from a stop and would exhibit loud noises when driving above 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced.…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate from a stop and would exhibit loud noises when driving above 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. Approximately four years later, the contact stated that the vehicle would not reverse when shifted into reverse. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was again advised to replace the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,432. updated 09/06/12*lj updated 09/10/2012 *js
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic · Wheels
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
- Vehicle speed control
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.
- Service brakes, electric
2ND request. I have a 2002 KIA spectra, LS. what I attributed to an engine surge since owning the car has turned out to be more serious and frightening. The gas and brakes pedals are too close, this was noticed by a mechanic and my daughter. when depressing either pedal, both are depressed at…
2ND request. I have a 2002 KIA spectra, LS. what I attributed to an engine surge since owning the car has turned out to be more serious and frightening. The gas and brakes pedals are too close, this was noticed by a mechanic and my daughter. when depressing either pedal, both are depressed at the same time. depending on which one gets more pressure, that's the one that takes over. when parking in a handicap spot last week I was fortunate to be aiming at the space between the cars facing me. I managed to remove my foot in time to depress the brake before I went all the way through to the next lane behind the cars. this has happened many times. so far I've been fortunate enough to remove my foot and step on the brake before I was hit by another car, or I ran into them. the brake pedal IS also crooked but that has nothing to do with their positions. I am a small person so I can't imagine how a person with larger feet can deal with this. even my hiking shoes make the problem worse because they are wider. as a 73 yr. Old woman, I am still an able driver and not imagining this. it's terrifying and I've told my children if I'm ever killed in a car accident, that will no doubt be the cause. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Seat belts
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Loss of brakes when air condition IS on. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Stopping to avoid cars cutting me off or braking for any reason. occurs often. Brake & gas pedals too close. thought it was a surge for along time, but realized both pedals were being pressed at the same time, even more so for people with a wider foot than mine. noted by my mechanic and daughter also. several near misses. mechanic had no remedy for problem. it's a KIA spectra, LS, 2002 problem. *Cw
- Child seat
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…
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.
- Power train › Manual transmission
I have a 02 KIA spectra and the transmission went on this vehicle. I only have 60,000 miles on the car. I feel this should be still under warranty. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
On monday, january 16, 2006, a 1984 GMC pickup, crossed the center line of tx 317, causing a severe frontal collision with a 2002 KIA spectra. although the spectra driver was properly wearing her seat belt, she sustained fatal blunt force injuries when the frontal driver?s side air bag failed to…
On monday, january 16, 2006, a 1984 GMC pickup, crossed the center line of tx 317, causing a severe frontal collision with a 2002 KIA spectra. although the spectra driver was properly wearing her seat belt, she sustained fatal blunt force injuries when the frontal driver?s side air bag failed to deploy in the severe frontal collision due to an open circuit in the airbag system. the passenger air bag, however, did deploy and provided supplemental restraint to the belted passenger, thus she was not seriously injured in the crash. warranty claims to KIA for open circuits in this and similar models' airbag systems number in excess of 400 and maybe many times that number. *Tr
- Parking brake
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA spectra. The emergency brake has not worked properly since the vehicle was purchased in april 2002. The vehicle continued to move after the brake was engaged. On several occasions, the dealer stated that the brakes are fine and to pull a little harder. The failure mileage was 63,000.
- Air bags · Exterior lighting · Service brakes, hydraulic
On friday november 28, 2008 at 4:45pm, I was driving on state highway 58 by jenkins and rosedale highway in bakersfield, ca. I was going approximately 50 mph and was approximately 50 yards from the vehicle in front of me. I had to slam on my brakes due to the car in front of my braking…
On friday november 28, 2008 at 4:45pm, I was driving on state highway 58 by jenkins and rosedale highway in bakersfield, ca. I was going approximately 50 mph and was approximately 50 yards from the vehicle in front of me. I had to slam on my brakes due to the car in front of my braking automatically, my brakes locked up and I was in a front end crash. Not only did my brakes lock up, but my duel sided air bags in my 2002 KIA spectra which I have only owned for four months did not deploy. Luckily no one was badly injured but due to this incident my muscles are badly sore and bruised. The whole front end of my vehicle IS destroyed and most importantly my headlights which are required by law to have, are shattered. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
Three years ago while traveling down I-40 the cruise control stuck on the car, the brakes locked up. The car had climb to 90 mph in a 65 before I realized what was happening. the only way to stop the car was to put the car in neutral and cut the engine. Thank the dear lord in heaven me and 2 other…
Three years ago while traveling down I-40 the cruise control stuck on the car, the brakes locked up. The car had climb to 90 mph in a 65 before I realized what was happening. the only way to stop the car was to put the car in neutral and cut the engine. Thank the dear lord in heaven me and 2 other co-workers were not in heaven traffic that day. I had the car towed to KIA in winston salem, nc where the mechanics are the only ones that had ever worked on that car at that time. They tried to say that it was an animal or someone must have touched the cable causing it to slip out of the groove which would cause the cruise control to stick. they flipped it back on and it worked fine until friday night, august 1, 2008 around 9:00 at night when me and my 10 yr old daughter was coming home from having dinner out. again the cruise control stuck started accelerating with no way of stopping it and the brakes locked up. The car had climbed to 70 mph in a 55 before I finally put it in neutral and cut the engine. the car has scared me twice now. I am scared that it will happened it again and next time we want be lucky. I am afraid this car may end up hurting us or someone else really bad. I complained to KIA 3YRS ago they didn't care when the car was still under warranty and I sure don't see them caring now. Do you? *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
I was involved in a front end collision and my KIA spectra was a total loss. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance for neck and head injuries. my airbag never went off. I believe it should have. the insurance wants to close out the claim and I advised them that I wanted KIA to inspect the…
I was involved in a front end collision and my KIA spectra was a total loss. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance for neck and head injuries. my airbag never went off. I believe it should have. the insurance wants to close out the claim and I advised them that I wanted KIA to inspect the vehicle as to why the airbag did not deploy. would like to take care of this without having to get a lawyer involved. I was released from the hospital with whiplash and pain meds. I need to get a new vehicle and liked my spectra but am unsure as to its safety. the vehicle was smoking but not sure as to what caused it. fireman brought over an extinguisher but I don't believe they used it. *tr
- Air bags
1. My son was driving my car on us 280 in alabama just south of birmingham when he was involved in an accident with another automobile. according to the police report he was traveling at 45 mph when he impacted the rear of another car. 2. As a result of the impact he was thrown forward and his…
1. My son was driving my car on us 280 in alabama just south of birmingham when he was involved in an accident with another automobile. according to the police report he was traveling at 45 mph when he impacted the rear of another car. 2. As a result of the impact he was thrown forward and his head struck the windshield. he suffered a mild concussion and cuts an bruises. the automobile has factory installed air bags for both the driver and passenger. neither air bag deployed. 3. State farm (the insurer) wrote the car off as a total loss. I sent photos of the car to KIA corporate in irvin, ca. their comment was that the airbags should not deploy in and accident of this nature. no one looked at the car to determine what failed in the system. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear drum brake wheel cylinder leakage
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of rear drum brake wheel cylinder leakage in 2002 KIA spectra vehicles.this investigation was prompted by kia?s early warning report to the agency for the first quarter of 2004, which contained a single field report…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of rear drum brake wheel cylinder leakage in 2002 KIA spectra vehicles.this investigation was prompted by kia?s early warning report to the agency for the first quarter of 2004, which contained a single field report that identified 13 incidents of wheel cylinder leakage in the subject vehicles.the subject vehicles are available in both 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles.the same parts supplier provides wheel cylinders for both vehicle types, although their part numbers differ.these parts are used on all my2002-2004 spectra ?type-i? Vehicles manufactured through 12/30/2003.additionally, my2001-2005 KIA rio vehicles built through 11/17/2004 use the same wheel cylinders as the subject spectra ?type-i? 4-Door sedan.my2004 spectra ?type-ii? Vehicles, which started production on 12/8/2003, do not use the subject components as they are equipped with rear disc brakes.the manufacturer notified odi of one complainant whom alleged a crash caused by, ?inadequate brake system response,? Resulting in one person injured.however, it appears that multiple causal factors may have contributed to the crash incident and no single factor has been identified as the primary cause.in total, odi IS aware of 5 consumer complaints, 1 field report, and 813 warranty claims related to the alleged defect in 2002 KIA spectra vehicles.none of the complainants alleged degraded stopping performance or loss of braking capability caused by wheel cylinder leakage.to date, the complaint rate IS 7.0 per 100,000 vehicles and the warranty rate IS 1.13%.kia?s analysis of warranty return parts indicates a slow rate of fluid loss; tests showed a maximum fluid loss rate of 1 cc per 4000 brake applications (the master cylinder reservoir has a 134cc fluid capacity between the ?full? And the level at which the brake warning lamp IS illuminated).kia testing of a vehicle equipped with a leaking wheel cylinder showed that after 100 stops from 100 km/h the pedal stroke increased 5%, pedal force increased 13%, and the braking distance increased 7% (51.7M vs. 48.1M) when compared to the same vehicle with a non-leaking wheel cylinder.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10028348KIA: doors locking intermittently without driver input from the rke transmitter or key switch may be caused by wear on switch contacts in door latch assembly resulting in high resistance.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10016840Charging system upgrade.
- 10002194Steering wheel noise.
- 10001680Service campaign to replace orvr (on-board refueling vapor recovery) valve.
- 10001438Cold engine hard start. *Scc
- 637374Subject regarding replacement repair supplier for pre-silencers.
- 637373Information regarding speedometer error.
- 626024Information regarding spectra 2002 my new style O2 sensors.
Every KIA Spectra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.