Had kia since 11-2002, had to take back to the dealer over 10 times within the first month. Had brake problems, engine light would come on and stick shift would not go into gear easily. Dash board has started warping because it is not glued together. The steering column also comes apart. Dealer says it is suppose to do that. Had taken it to mechanic who informs me that eventually my dashboard will warp all the to the airbags. Now I am afraid that airbag will deploy while driving and cause an accident. Then I found out that there was a recall on the back brakes because they were leaking, and I was never informed and had to pay to have my brakes fixed myself. I have talked to the home office of kia and everybody refuses to help me. Please give me any feed back to help me.
2002 Kia Spectra: check engine light
8 of the 92 complaints about the 2002 Kia Spectra describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- recalls
- 0
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle made a loud grinding noise while driving 20 MPH. The check engine light illuminated constantly and on several occasions the transmission would not release from the park position. The vehicle was taken to service dealers 4 times; where they determined the transmission was defective. On the first visit, part of the transmission was repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different service dealer for the second visit where the entire transmission was replaced. On the third and fourth visits, the service dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.
While driving the check engine light appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle surges forward while applying the brakes the vehicle will continue speed. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the vehicle was placed on a diagnostic machine the problem cannot be duplicated the problem. Please fill in additional information.
I have owned my 2002 spectra since nov. 2001. When I go to start the car up in the mornings the car will stall out and then when I go to re-start the car it will finally start the vehicle. I have taken it to the shop to have them look at the problem but to no avail the problem has not been fixed. They have stated to me that nothing is wrong with my vehicle. I have had to have my car in the shop over 7 times for numerous problems; the struts had to be replaced, the recall on the gas line, the check engine light coming on and one of the spark plugs had blown out of it.
While driving vehicle engine light came on and stayed on. This was caused by a faulty fuel tank senor, and part was replaced. Problem recurred.
We had the car only 7 weeks when the transmission died. It happened very suddenly, the check engine light came on then about 30 miles later it would barely drive to the dealership. Dt
Power is down if radio and air conditioner is on. Vehicle will intermittently restart if stalled. Dealer is aware of problem. Service technician at dealership stated that engine may possibly not be strong enough for vehicle. *akwhen on an incline, the vehicle will roll forward even though the clutch and the gas had been engaged. The check engine light does not illuminate to give warning of a failure.
Car was 4 weeks old when engine light came on for the first time - called dealer said it was due to gas tank cap. Made appt w/dealer - next day engine light off - following week 6/18/02 engine light came on again it went off before dealer appt. Engine light goes off and on randomly. Finally engine light remains on at all times. On july 10 take to dealer keep car over night replaced transmission control module. Next day july 11 having traveled 125 miles engine light comes on - at highway speeds gears did not shift properly at times unable to acclerate past 50 MPH - engine revved locked in wrong gears for speed traveled - had to pull over to shoulder several times to try and get gears working right. With exception of a few hours engine light remained on . So far dealer finds nothing wrong as engine light want off mere minutes before my scheduled appointment. Also trunk release on hatchback only works 1/3 of the time the rest of the time it opens half way and you must use key
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2002 Kia Spectra check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2002 Kia Spectra?
8 of 92 owner complaints about the 2002 Kia Spectra (9%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Kia Spectra?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Kia Spectra
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