2002 Kia Spectra problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2002 Kia Spectra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Kia Spectra at about 23 mpg combined (20 city / 28 highway).

Q: How much is a 2002 Kia Spectra worth?

Comparable 2002 Kia Spectra listings run roughly $600–$2,000, typically around $1,050 (from 10 vehicles).

2002 Kia Spectra at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints96

Combined23 mpg

Typical price$1,050

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Kia Spectra recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2002 Kia Spectra.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Kia Spectra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Structure

Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Suspension

Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2002 Kia Spectra MPG & running costs

Combined23 mpg

City20 mpg

Highway28 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,675

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2002 Kia Spectra worth?

Low

$600

Typical price

$1,050

High

$2,000

From 10 comparable 2002 Kia Spectra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Kia Spectra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,375

Fuel only$13,375

Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.