2002 Kia Spectra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 7%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 7% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,800 miles.
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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088246, filed 2004-08, 10,800 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10092151, filed 2004-09“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.”
NHTSA complaint #8015954, filed 2002-08“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”
NHTSA complaint #10009904, filed 2003-03Related service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 10% |
| 2003 | 14 | 16% |
| 2002 | 6 | 7% |
| 2001 | 6 | 15% |
| 2000 | 7 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Spectra
22 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 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