2002 Kia Spectra Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2002 Kia Spectra, 8% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 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.
“Stopping to avoid cars cutting me off or braking for any reason. Occurs often. Brake & gas pedals too close. Thought it was a surge for along time, but realized both pedals were being pressed at the same time, even more so for people with a wider foot than mine. Noted by my mechanic and daughter also. Several near misses. Mechanic had no remedy for problem. It's a Kia Spectra, ls, 2002 problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10303031, filed 2010-01, 28,000 miles“Three years ago while traveling down I-40 the cruise control stuck on the car, the brakes locked up. The car had climb to 90 MPH in a 65 before I realized what was happening. The only way to stop the car was to put the car in neutral and cut the engine. Thank the dear lord in heaven me and 2 other co-workers were not in heaven traffic that day. I had the car towed to Kia in winston salem, nc where the mechanics are the only ones that had ever worked on that car at that time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10236947, filed 2008-08, 141,865 miles“While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle accelerated and lurched forward at a high speed. The consumer had to apply the emergency brake, and turned the ignition switch off to get the vehicle to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10097508, filed 2004-11, 54,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and accelerated, crashing into the rear of another vehicle. There were no injuries. No police report was filed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 79,637.”
NHTSA complaint #10381317, filed 2011-02, 79,637 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 15 | 12% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 4 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 12% |
| 2004 | 9 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 7 | 8% |
| 2001 | 2 | 5% |
| 2000 | 2 | 9% |
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 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 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