MYRModel Year Report

2002 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2002 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:06.056Z

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
92
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2002: 92 complaints 2002 92 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2008: 120 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints
2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2001 2002: 92 complaints 2002 92 2003: 90 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2007 2008: 120 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints 2009
2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2001 2002: 92 complaints 2002 92 2003: 90 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2007 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

24% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-28

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-22

Also filed under Seat belts and seats

Service brakes

15% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Power train

13% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH

Electrical system

10% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and control module.

FIRE
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, 2012-03-27

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic and wheels

Seat belts

9% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing anchorage and rear/other.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2004-09-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-02-08 Rear drum brake wheel cylinder leakage

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

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Best years1 year

Worst years1 year

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, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Spectra have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.