2002 Kia Spectra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 4% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,500 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.
“Ever since I bought my car--2002 Kia Spectra, there has been problems with the steering and suspension in the front. It basically sits on the ground, the steering slips from time to time without warning and it just does not feel right. The dealership says that this is the way the steering is set up, I am concerned about the safety and the dealer will not change it until it is recalled by the government. Could you please investigate? Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #10057129, filed 2004-02, 10 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“Power steering belt failed at 15,000 miles. Dealer replaced the part. However, consume r noticed that the part number was different from the original. Consumer was willing to send failure part.”
NHTSA complaint #10075853, filed 2004-06, 15,000 miles“While driving at 25 MPH vehicle experienced brake failure when brake pedal was depressed and vehicle failed to stop. Engine then died, which stopped the vehicle, but resulted in loss of power steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10042203, filed 2003-10, 38,000 milesSteering: 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 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 28, 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