2002 Kia Spectra Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 24%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,102miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 24% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,102 miles. 21 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10025202, filed 2003-06, 13,734 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222614, filed 2008-03, 68,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10733967, filed 2015-07, 195,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10284950, filed 2009-09, 53,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10106990, filed 2005-02, 47,102 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 76 | 67% |
| 2008 | 61 | 50% |
| 2007 | 56 | 37% |
| 2006 | 46 | 46% |
| 2005 | 43 | 42% |
| 2004 | 26 | 37% |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% |
| 2002 | 22 | 24% |
| 2001 | 9 | 23% |
| 2000 | 9 | 39% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Spectra
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Kia Spectra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology