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.
The worst 2002 Kia Spectra problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags22
- Brakes15
- Transmission12
- Electrical9
- Seat belts8
- Visibility8
- Acceleration7
- Engine6
- Body5
- Steering4
- Suspension4
- Fuel system3
- Lights3
- Tires3
- Seats2
- Wheels2
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Kia Spectra
No deployment 16Check engine light 8Transmission failure 7Stalling 5
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
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 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 the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE04065
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Kia Spectra 15
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- TSB - use of aftermarket USB charging cables in USB/12V ports
- Automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the...
- Kia: doors locking intermittently without driver input from the rke transmitter or key switch may be...
- Kia: all models. article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear...
- Charging system upgrade. tt
- Service campaign to replace orvr (on-board refueling vapor recovery) valve. tt
2002 Kia Spectra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-21 | 27-29 | 22-24 |
What 2002 Kia Spectra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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/
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.
Heat has warped dashboard so vents no longer stay seated.
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?
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 .
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.
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.
Compare the 2002 Kia Spectra
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Questions about the 2002 Kia Spectra
Is the 2002 Kia Spectra reliable?
Owners have filed 92 complaints about the 2002 Kia Spectra, close to a typical Spectra model year.
What is the 2002 Kia Spectra year score?
The 2002 Kia Spectra scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Spectra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Kia Spectra?
Airbags, with 22 complaints, typically around 47,102 miles. Next is brakes (15).
How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Spectra have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Kia Spectra have bad airbags?
The Kia Spectra model years with the most airbags complaints are 2009 (76 complaints), 2008 (61 complaints) and 2007 (56 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Kia Spectra get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Kia Spectra range from 22 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-21 city and 27-29 highway.
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