2002 Kia Spectra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 3% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10065749, filed 2004-04, 17,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10250107, filed 2008-11“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10002415, filed 2003-01Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Exterior lighting: other model years
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 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
4 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