2002 Kia Spectra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 13%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,431miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 13% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,431 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 purchased 2002 Kia Spectra in 11/ 2004 with 14,000 miles on it. ( I have all maintenance work documented) . In 2006 I noticed my car would get sluggish and hesitate whenever I would accelerate. It didn't happen all the time. But I did take it in for a tune-up and transmission flush and fill. This was in 10/2006 and I only had 26,000 miles on it .but this problem persisted and it worsened to a point that it took a while before it would shift gears. I would have to hold my foot on the gas pedal and pump it a few times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10459735, filed 2012-05, 30,000 miles“(1)brakes feel insufficient until pressed very hard (2) 2 accidents where I as the driver rear ended drivers (3) complaint was made to sholz Kia when I went to have orvr recall taken care of and they stated the brakes were normal for the model. Also: (1)occasionally when vehicle transmission is put in reverse (2) the car drives forward (3) I called sholz Kia and chrysler-plymouth-Kia or paramus and was not taken seriously.”
NHTSA complaint #10078880, filed 2004-06, 33,430 miles“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“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate from a stop and would exhibit loud noises when driving above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. Approximately four years later, the contact stated that the vehicle would not reverse when shifted into reverse. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was again advised to replace the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10456150, filed 2012-04, 31,432 miles“On two occassions, the vehicle has dropped out of gear while being driven highway speeds. Owner pulled over and gears failed to respond as the shift lever was moved from different positions except first gear. Dealership is going to replace the transmission for the second time. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #8010881, filed 2002-06Related service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 7 | 7% |
| 2005 | 7 | 7% |
| 2004 | 16 | 23% |
| 2003 | 16 | 18% |
| 2002 | 12 | 13% |
| 2001 | 8 | 20% |
| 2000 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia Spectra
22 complaintsBrakes
15 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 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 30, 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