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BrakesPart report

2002 Kia Spectra Brakes Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
16%of 92 total for the year
Median mileage
63,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 16% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles. 4 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.

“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 .”

NHTSA complaint #10510333, filed 2013-05, 186,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10111902, filed 2005-02, 25,816 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10336611, filed 2010-06, 36,600 miles

“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

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10236947, filed 2008-08, 141,865 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200965%
200865%
2007107%
20061010%
20051010%
200423%
20031820%
20021516%
2001718%
2000417%

Other parts of the 2002 Kia Spectra

Air bags
22 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 30, 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