2002 KIA Spectra problems
Owners have filed 121 complaints about the 2002 KIA Spectra with NHTSA. Air bags account for 18.2% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 9.9%.
Complaints121
Crashes38
Fires4
Injuries27
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Air bags 18.2% · 22
Power train 9.9% · 12
Electrical system 7.4% · 9
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.4% · 9
Seat belts 6.6% · 8
Visibility 5.8% · 7
Vehicle speed control 5.8% · 7
Steering 5.8% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 38 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire, 27 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 7 model years of the KIA Spectra in this data, 2002 draws comparatively few complaints; 2007 is the outlier year.
Filing volume has held steady, 10 in the last three years against 9 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 41,000 miles.
In owners' own words
During an accident the consumer's seat belt released and the air bags did not deploy. *Nm KIA sent the consumer a letter stating that its engineers designed airbags to only deploy in severe accidents where the risk of serious injury or death was substantial. The consumer requested information on whether or not any lawyer is pursuing any cases against KIA. *Tc Air bags
The contact owns a 2002 KIA Spectra. While driving 35 mph, the contact's daughter rear-ended another vehicle. She sustained minor injuries, but the vehicle was destroyed. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but they could not explain the failure. The current and failure mileages were 75,000. Air bags · reported at 75,000 miles
I rear ended another vehicle at 30-40 mph, front end damage resulting in over $6400, including unibody alignment. Upon impact driver and passenger air bags did not deploy, brakes locked up and did not release. I am concerned about the safety of this vehicle and would like an investigation into this matter. Air bags · reported at 13,734 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…