2002 Kia Spectra Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 5% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 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.
“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“The paint just faded away. Alot on the hood of the car. Looks bad with part of the paint fading away. Was there a recall for the factory paint job on the car/”
NHTSA complaint #10658989, filed 2014-11, 90,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side interior door handle fractured while attempting to exit the vehicle. The failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the door handles was replaced however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10855307, filed 2016-04, 120,000 milesRelated 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…
- 10028348Nov 6, 2008Kia: doors locking intermittently without driver input from the rke transmitter or key switch may be caused by wear on switch contacts in door latch assembly resulting in high…
Body and structure: 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 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