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Electrical systemPart report

2002 Kia Spectra Electrical system Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
10%of 92 total for the year
Median mileage
31,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 10% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10164444, filed 2006-08, 88,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10082658, filed 2004-07, 100 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10453207, filed 2012-03, 76,000 miles

“Key will not come out of the ignition leaves battery on. Dealer fixed the tumbler twice, now will not fix anymore saying there is no problem. Told me if it should do this again to call road side assistance and they will tow it. This has been going on from dec 02 only 9 months after buying the car. The problem is still not fixed.”

NHTSA complaint #10013948, filed 2003-04, 8,712 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10058219, filed 2004-02, 31,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2009109%
20081412%
20071611%
200655%
20051111%
2004710%
2003910%
2002910%
2001410%
200014%

Other parts of the 2002 Kia Spectra

Air bags
22 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 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 27, 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