2002 Kia Spectra Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,609miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 4% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,609 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.
“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“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“The rear driver tire went flat while driving 60 MPH. The window was down and all of a sudden a tapping noise started to sound, when the car stopped because the steering wheel was feeling shaky, the tire had a rip in the side of it, the wires were showing, it looked like a cut but it had just happened while driving down the highway. It was scary to say the least. The tire has alot of tread left on it and I think the other matching set of tires may explode any day. Afraid to drive the car now with the tires being this way.”
NHTSA complaint #10205291, filed 2007-10, 100,322 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Spectra. After opening the front driver and passenger side windows, they failed to close. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver side window needed a new motor. The vehicle was repaired. The technician confirmed that the front passenger side needed to be lubricated. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that after the vehicle was inspected, the technician stated that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10693083, filed 2015-03, 72,896 milesSuspension: 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 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 29, 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