2002 KIA Spectra Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
96
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
15 complaints
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
Sep 22, 2009
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
Apr 05, 2008
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
Mar 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,000.
Mar 07, 2008
CONSUMER 2002 KIA SPECTRA AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON FRONTAL COLLISION. *TS *JB
Nov 29, 2005
+ 10 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
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
May 26, 2012
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
Apr 23, 2012
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
Oct 05, 2009
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.
Apr 06, 2006
TRANSMISSON / DRIVETRAIN
Jul 14, 2005
+ 3 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
8 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW FELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS POOR QUALITY AND THEY REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATOR AND RE-ATTACHED THE WINDOW CABLE. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR WINDOWS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FELL SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WEATHER CAUSED A PLASTIC PART ON THE WINDOW REGULATOR TO FAIL. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL THREE WINDOW REGULATORS. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,140.
Dec 11, 2007
I BOUGHT A CAR 8 MONTHS AGO, A KIA SPECTRA, RIGHT AFTER I GOT IT THE REARVIEW MIRROR FELL DOWN WITH A PIECE OF THE WINDSHIELD. I WENT TO THE KIA DEALER AND THEY FIXED IT. THEY REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD. BUT LAST WEEK EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN THEY RESCHEDULED MY APPOINTMENT 3 TIMES, AND FINALLY TODAY AFTER 7 HOURS OF WAITING I GOT MY CAR BACK. BUT THIS TIME THEY DIDN'T REPLACE IT, THEY ONLY GLUED IT, WHICH BY THE WAY I DON'T THINK IS GOING TO WORK. BUT THEY SAID THAT KIA DOESN'T WANT TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE A KIA WINDSHIELD ANYMORE. BUT WHEN THEY REPLACED IT THE FIRST TIME THEY DECIDED TO USED A NON-KIA PART, NOT ME PROBABLY BECAUSE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE PRICE IS OVER $200. ANYWAY, I'M REALLY UPSET AND DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS. I GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO SHOW ME HOW GOOD KIA IS. YOU CAN ORDER A KIA WINDSHIELD FOR $350 OR YOU CAN REPLACE IT WITH A LOCAL COMPANY FOR ABOUT $100. SO YOU DO THE MATH, AND TELL ME IF THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. *AK
Dec 23, 2004
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WINDOW LOCKED UP WILL NOT ROLL DOWN. USED ON THE WAY TO WORK, 4 HOURS LATER WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. NO NOISE, OR SOUNDS JUST QUIT WORKING. *LA
Nov 26, 2003
THE WINDSHIELD GLASS CRACKED VERY EASILY WHEN IMPACTED BY THE LIGHTEST OBJECT PER CONSUMER. *TT
May 28, 2003
NO SUMMARY. DT
Nov 29, 2002
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaints
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. *NM
Oct 18, 2006
ELECTRICAL-MY KIA DOESN'T LIKE TO CRANK UP ON THE FIRST TIME, STALLS IN TRAFFIC OR WITH A/C ON I TOOK TO A AUTO SHOP AFTER BREAKING DOWN AT A LIGHT IN JACKSONVILLE FL THEY SAID IT WAS THE WIRES AND CHARGED ME $468.00 STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP IN GA AND THEY SPENT 8 HOURS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY IT STALLS AT AN IDLE. NO ONE CAN FIX IT. I THINK THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN THE CITY AND I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR LONG DISTANCE. *JB
Aug 03, 2006
ST: 8TH OF 2004 THE BATTERY STARTED TO DIE,\. DEALER TOLD CALLER TO SHUT THE ALARM SYSTEM OFF WHEN NOT DRIVING. VEHICLE BATTERY WAS CHECKED BY KIA, AND REPORTED NO PROBLEMS WITH BATTERY. HOWEVER, BATTERY HAD TO BE CHARGED NUMEROUS TIMES IN DRIVEWAY. ON MAY 2005 THE LOCKS BEGAN TO GO ON AND OFF, AND ALL LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER, WHO CHECKED THE BATTERY, BUT DEALER REPORTED THE CAR NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. 05/05/05 AS CONTACT WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD AND ALL SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON, AND LOCKS CAME ON AND OFF, AND CAR SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AGAIN FOR REPAIR.*AK
May 06, 2005
THE VEHICLE DROPS SERIOUS POWER WHEN THE AC AND RADIO ARE ON. IF I TRY ROLLING WINDOWS DOWN WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT WITH THE AC AND RADIO ON, LOSE MORE POWER.*AK
May 16, 2004
2 PROBLEMS. 1ST THE STEERING WHEEL DOESNT LOCK WHEN VEHICLE IS SHUT OF, YOU CAN TURN THE WHEEL FREELY AND THE TIRES MOVE. ALSO SOMETIMES NOT ALL ACCESORIES WORK WHEN CAR IS RUNNING, HAVE TO MOVE THE KEY AROUND. ACCESORIES AFFECTED ARE THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER, STEREO AND CLOCK FLITTERS. THE SECOND IS THE RUBBER WINDOW STRIPPING KEEPS FALLING OFF, CAUSES DOOR TO NOT SHUT PROPERLY AND IS VERY ANNOYING.*AK
Feb 15, 2004
+ 3 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaints
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.
Feb 09, 2011
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
Jan 28, 2010
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 KIA SPECTRA VIN [XXX] IN THE LAST MONTH I HAD 3 INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN SEVERE ACCELERATION ASSOCIATED WITH APPLYING THE BRAKE. THE FIRST TIME, ON DEC 8TH, AS I WAS STOPPING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE RPM COUNTER WENT TO 7500, THE CAR TRIED TO LURCH FORWARD, AND I HELD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP IT. AFTER A FEW SECONDS IT RETURNED TO NORMAL. MY KIA DEALER ADVISED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE SHOP - THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE SECOND TIME ON DEC 31 IN A MALL PARKING AREA AS I BRAKED TO TURN INTO A PARKING SLOT - I JUST MANAGED TO AVOID HITTING ONE OF THE PARKED CARS. THE LAST TIME, ON JAN 5TH IN THE TOLL LANE OF THE NYS THRUWAY AS I WAS STOPPING TO PICK UP THE TICKET. THIS TIME AGAIN, A SUDDEN VERY HIGH ACCELERATOR WITH THE CAR TRYING TO JUMP FORWARD AND APPLYING THE BRAKE TO HOLD IT. AFTER I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, AND I STARTED IT AGAIN AND AGAIN EACH TIME I RESTARTED. I HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND ADVISE ALL THE PEOPLE BEHIND ME IN THE QUEUE OF MY PROBLEM. AFTER A FEW TRIES, I WAS ABLE TO START IT AGAIN WITHOUT REVVING UP AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER VERY CAREFULLY. FOUR DAYS LATER, HEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT I AM NOT WILLING TO RISK MY LIFE OR THE LIVES OF OTHERS. I CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE - THEY WERE POLITE BUT UNHELPFUL. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, OTHER THAN OBTAIN LEGAL COUNCEL AS WELL AS REPORT THIS TO THE NYS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. ANY ADVICE WOULD BE WELCOME THANKS! *JB UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 09, 2006
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND LURCHED FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. *AK *SC
Nov 17, 2004
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.*JB
Feb 26, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
6 complaints
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.
Sep 14, 2004
AT THE END OF JULY 2004 MY KIA SPECTRA BEGAN TO ACT AS IF THE CAR WAS CHOKING AND NOT GOING TO START AFTER I TURNED ON THE IGNITION OF THE CAR. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR ONLY DID THIS AFTER IT HAD SAT FOR A WHILE (LIKE OVER NIGHT). I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD PURCHASED IT A YEAR EARLIER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOT ANY THING WRONG WITH THE CAR IT WAS ACTING NORMAL. IF THAT IS THE CASE THEN WHY IS IT JUST NOW STARTING TO ACT LIKE THIS AND IT DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME. IF YOU ASK ME I THINK THEY JUST DON'T WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHILE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I BET IF I WHERE TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AFTER MY WARRANTY HAS RAN OUT THEN THEY WOULD FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. GUESS WHAT FARRELL KIA OF SPARTANBURG I ONLY HAVE 11,500 MILES ON THIS 2002 KIA SPECTRA. BY THE WAY THE CAR IS STILL ACTING LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO TURN OFF OR CHOKING WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR SOMETIMES.*AK
Aug 20, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE SHUTDOWN FORCING CONSUMER TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER REPLACED TWICE THE BATTERY,BUT PROBLEM STILL RECURRING. *AK
Jul 24, 2003
THE VEHICLE RAN ROUGH, IDLED ROUGH AT STOP LIGHTS, AND HAD A HARD START IN THE MORNING. IN A FEW WEEKS OF PURCHASE, TWO SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THE ROUGH RUNNING WAS NORMAL. SCC *JB
Mar 24, 2003
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. *JG
Aug 09, 2002
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
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
Jun 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 MPH THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT BROKE. THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS SECURED IN THAT SEAT BELT WHEN IT BROKE. THE CHILD WAS NOT INJURED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE LABOR RATE IS $70 AND THE COST TO REPAIR IT IS $85. AS OF MARCH 24, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE SEATBELT. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED SINCE HER CHILD CAN REACH THE DOOR HANDLE. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN APPEARED TO BE INVALID. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,300. UPDATED 05/19/08. *LJ
Mar 24, 2008
WE HAVE NOW HAD A SECOND FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. IT NOW LACKS A RETRACT, AS WELL AS A LOCKING MECHANISM AND IS COMPLETELY USELESS. NOW ALSO, TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. *NM
Feb 20, 2007
WHILE DRIVING VEHCILE WAS IN HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND WENT INTO A DITCH. THE DRIVER NOR THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTED UPON IMPACT CAUSING INJURIES TO BOTH OCCUPANTS. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
Nov 20, 2002
SEATBELTS NOT LONG ENOUGH ! STANDARD SIZE PERSON JUST DOES FIT. PERSON 6FT A LITTLE HEAVY CAN'T BUCKLE THE BELT. ASKED DEALER TO SEE IF WE COULD GET EXTENSIONS FOR THE BELTS OR NEW LONGER BELTS PUT IN. WE KEEP GETTING TOLD NO. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE NEW BELTS MADE WITH HARDWARE FOR THIS MODEL CAR ONLY LONGER. WAS TOLD THAT THIS CAR WAS NOT TESTED FOR LONGER BELTS. WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE LENGTH WOULD MAKE? BELTS MOUNT UNDER REAR SHELF WOULD HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM TO INSTALL. WE ARE EVEN OFFERING TO PAY FOR BELTS. BUT WE FEEL THAT THE LENGTH OF THE BELTS NEED TO BE LOOKED INTO. THANK YOU!*AK
Apr 04, 2002
STRUCTURE
4 complaints
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.
Apr 13, 2016
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
Nov 18, 2014
HEAT HAS WARPED DASHBOARD SO VENTS NO LONGER STAY SEATED. *TR
Jun 16, 2014
THE RUBBERS SEAL AROUND THE DOORS FRAME CAME OFF TRACK. THIS RESULTED IN THE DOOR NOT BEING CLOSED PROPERLY. *TT
May 28, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
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
Sep 26, 2013
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
May 01, 2013
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.
Sep 04, 2012
TIRES
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SPECTRA. THE VEHICLE HAS STARFIRE FLITE-LINE IV, SIZE P185/65R14 (NA) TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWERVED BACK AND FORTH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS WORN. THE DEALER EXPLAINED WHAT CAUSED THE TIRES TO CONTINUOUSLY WEAR; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT COULD NOT REMEMBER THE INFORMATION. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED SEVEN TIMES WITH DIFFERENT TIRE BRANDS AND LINES. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Feb 05, 2008
I RENTED A 2002 KIA SPECTRA IN COLORADO AND EXPERIENCED 3 "SKIDS" WHEN IT WAS RAINING, EVEN THOUGH I WAS GOING ONLY 30-50 MPH. MR
Oct 06, 2002
I RENTED A 2002 KIA SPECTRA IN COLORADO AND EXPERIENCED 3 "SKIDS" WHEN IT WAS RAINING, EVEN THOUGH I WAS GOING ONLY 30-50 MPH. MR
Oct 06, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
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.
Aug 13, 2014
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. *TT
May 28, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 complaints
LOSS OF BRAKES WHEN AIR CONDITION IS ON. *TR
Apr 07, 2010
I WAS MOVING MY CAR FROM THE SIDE DOOR OF MY HOUSE TO THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE DOOR WHEN I COULD NOT STOP. I WAS DOING APROXX. 3 MPH AND SLID IN THE GARAGE WHERE IT WAS ABOUT A HALF FOOT FROPM HITTING MY SONS TRUCK WHICH IRONICALLY HE JUST HAD DONE A BRAKE JOB ON THE DAY BEFORE (WORKING GREAT). THE CAR WAS MADE ON 6/20/2001 SO IF ANYONE AS A PROBLEM IT NEED TO BE REPORTED.
Feb 21, 2005
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
DURING AN ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER'S SEAT BELT RELEASED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM KIA SENT THE CONSUMER A LETTER STATING THAT ITS ENGINEERS DESIGNED AIRBAGS TO ONLY DEPLOY IN SEVERE ACCIDENTS WHERE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH WAS SUBSTANTIAL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ON WHETHER OR NOT ANY LAWYER IS PURSUING ANY CASES AGAINST KIA. *TC *JB
Jan 14, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 30 TO 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, AND AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK SEAT BELT OVER THE LEFT SHOULDER RELEASED AND FAILED TO HOLD UP AS WELL. CONSUMER SUFFERED LARGE LACERATION ACROSS LEFT EYE. *LA
Feb 12, 2004
STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
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.
Jul 14, 2015
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
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.
Mar 09, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
1 complaint
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
Mar 27, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
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
Jun 16, 2010
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
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.
Jan 25, 2010
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
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.
Apr 23, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
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
Nov 28, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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
Aug 04, 2008
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
THE REAR DRIVER TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE WINDOW WAS DOWN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A TAPPING NOISE STARTED TO SOUND, WHEN THE CAR STOPPED BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FEELING SHAKY, THE TIRE HAD A RIP IN THE SIDE OF IT, THE WIRES WERE SHOWING, IT LOOKED LIKE A CUT BUT IT HAD JUST HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS SCARY TO SAY THE LEAST. THE TIRE HAS ALOT OF TREAD LEFT ON IT AND I THINK THE OTHER MATCHING SET OF TIRES MAY EXPLODE ANY DAY. AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW WITH THE TIRES BEING THIS WAY. *TR
Oct 09, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
1 complaint
CAR IN FRONT STOPPED SHORT SO ALSO IMMEDIATELY APPLIED BRAKES FORCEFULLY IN VEHICLE. WHEELS LOCKED CAUSING CAR TO VEREEN ACROSS HIGHWAY ADN BOUNCE OFF JERSEY BARRIER OUT OF CONTROL AND BACK ACROSS THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC BEFORE HITTING LEFT SIDE BARRIER AND STOPPING. CAR IS A TOTAL WRECK. KIA BODY PERSON SAYS ACCIDENT CAUSED WHEEL TO LOCK NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. DIDN'T THINK THEY WOULD ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR CAUSING ACCIDENT AND THEY DIDN'T LET ME DOWN ON THAT SCORE. INSURANCE COMPANY SETTLED CLAIM WITH DEDUCTIBLE APPLIED AND MA AUTOMATICALLY PLACES BLAME TO DRIVER ON ONE CAR ACCIDENTS. THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED AND THAT'S WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT BUT I CAN'T PROVE IT.
Aug 22, 2005
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR AT 65 MPH, CAUSING IT TO STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS BROKE, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK *SC *JB
Feb 07, 2005
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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.*AK
Jul 26, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
(1)BRAKES FEEL INSUFFICIENT UNTIL PRESSED VERY HARD (2) 2 ACCIDENTS WHERE I AS THE DRIVER REAR ENDED DRIVERS (3) COMPLAINT WAS MADE TO SHOLZ KIA WHEN I WENT TO HAVE ORVR RECALL TAKEN CARE OF AND THEY STATED THE BRAKES WERE NORMAL FOR THE MODEL. ALSO: (1)OCCASIONALLY WHEN VEHICLE TRANSMISSION IS PUT IN REVERSE (2) THE CAR DRIVES FORWARD (3) I CALLED SHOLZ KIA AND CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH-KIA OR PARAMUS AND WAS NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY. *JB
Jun 27, 2004
STEERING
1 complaint
POWER STEERING BELT FAILED AT 15,000 MILES. DEALER REPLACED THE PART. HOWEVER, CONSUME R NOTICED THAT THE PART NUMBER WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL. CONSUMER WAS WILLING TO SEND FAILURE PART. *AK
Jun 08, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BOTH HEADLIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT. AT APPROX. 17,000 MILES THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT. REPLACED WITH STANDARD BULB. AT APPROX. 22,000 MILES, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BLEW OUT. REPLACED BOTH LOWBEAM HEADLIGHTS AT THAT TIME WITH SYLVANIA H7 CB COOL BLUE REPLACEMENTS AS PER LOCAL DEALER RECOMMENDATION. NOW THREE MONTHS LATER AT APPROX. 27,000 MILES, THE DRIVERSIDE HEADLIGHT HAS BURNED OUT AGAIN. THESE WERE ALL PUT IN BY A MECHANIC AND THE BULB WAS NEVER TOUCHED.*AK
Apr 08, 2004
STEERING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR--2002 KIA SPECTRA, THERE HAS BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION IN THE FRONT. IT BASICALLY SITS ON THE GROUND, THE STEERING "SLIPS" FROM TIME TO TIME WITHOUT WARNING AND IT JUST DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE STEERING IS SET UP, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY AND THE DEALER WILL NOT CHANGE IT UNTIL IT IS RECALLED BY THE GOVERNMENT. COULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE? THANKS.
Feb 13, 2004
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. ENGINE THEN DIED, WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE, BUT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING.*AK
Oct 02, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 30-40 MPH, FRONT END DAMAGE RESULTING IN OVER $6400, INCLUDING UNIBODY ALIGNMENT. UPON IMPACT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BRAKES LOCKED UP AND DID NOT RELEASE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER.*AK
Jun 30, 2003
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
JAN. 10TH- BRAKED TO AVOID ACCIDENT ON I-59 AT 70 MPH AND CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNCONTROLLABLE-RAN OFF I-59 AND COLLIDED WITH TREE FEB. 14- BRAKED AGAIN AT HIGH SPEED TO AVOID ACCIDENT AND CAR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. HIT TREE AND ALMOST LOST LIFE. WOULD HAVE LOST LIFE HAD NOT SOMEONE PULLED ME FROM VEHICLE, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED DOWN COMPLETELY. *NLM
Apr 22, 2003
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE HEAD LIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACE FOUR TIMES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *NLM
Jan 09, 2003
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
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
Aug 22, 2002
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, BUT WAS NOT FLASHING. FELT LIKE GEARS WERE SLIPPING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED IT WAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Aug 06, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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
Jul 16, 2002
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LATCH DEFECTIVE. *AK
Apr 12, 2002
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2002 KIA Spectra have?
The 2002 KIA Spectra currently has 96 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2002 KIA Spectra?
The most common problems reported for the 2002 KIA Spectra are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2002 KIA Spectra problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2002 KIA Spectra comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - KIA Spectra
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2003 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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