MYRModel Year Report

2002 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2002 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:03:43.268Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Spectra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2008: 120 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints 2009
2002: 92 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200023
200140
200292
200390
200471
2005103
2006100
2007152
2008120
2009114

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 13%

13% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 35-40 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION HITTING A TREE IN WHICH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020828

WHEN DRIVING ON FLAT SURFACE CONSUMER WAS HIT ON FRONT LEFT DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES DURING THE ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AND THE BACK SEAT UNLOCKED AND CAME DOWN. *YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20020822

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120327

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20040921 — PE (closed 20050208)

REAR DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER LEAKAGE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2004 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

◆ 2007 ● 2008 ● 2009

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Kia Spectra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Kia Spectra is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia Spectra?

The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Spectra have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.