2002 Kia Spectra GS from North America - Comments

Within one week of purchasing this vehicle, the check engine light came on. Took it into the dealership a couple of days later to have a recall part replaced (an ORVR valve or something like that). After getting the car back the next afternoon, it seemed to be running fine. Next morning, it won't start. Great. After trying several times (it was making horrible sounds, sort of starting and then dying. Then it started and was running rough and the check engine light was flashing, which is bad. Turned it off, waited a minute, then started it again. Started up easier this time, the light stopped flashing, but was still on) I got it to the service center and they reprogrammed something (sorry, don't know anything about cars!) which I think I saw had also been recalled. As to why the previous owner didn't take care of these recalls, I don't know. Or why the dealership didn't take care of it before selling it to me. At any rate, I've had this car for two weeks, nearly half of that without it because it's been in the shop, and it already seems like more trouble than it's worth. Hopefully they got everything right this time. Makes me wish I'd held onto my '89 Pathfinder afterall!

Make sure it's covered under warranty, you'll certainly need it. And often, more than likely.

Is affordable, great on gas, cute, and comfy, but still a pain in the butt.

I have just bought a 2004 KIA Spectra GS.

I have had it for two days now, and the check engine light has came on Already! The only thing I can think of for why it would do such a thing already is- I accidentally drove with my o/d off. I probably drove for like 25 miles like that. But, I'm waiting for the dealership to open so I can call and check it out.

I have my GSX since now 3 months. I also have had my check engine light ON... Cruise control and door ajar light problems... Everything have been fixed and it runs like a new now. Nice car for a first car. Good performances and good on gas. Looks nice and comfortable.

I've had my 2004 KIA Spectra for about 2 months. The day I took it home the check engine light came on. The dealership said it was most likely a "temporary condition" that caused it, and they reset the light.

I've got 1,867 miles on the car and the brake pedal is starting to go all the way to the floor. Dealership says it's most likely a faulty master cylinder, but they are too busy repairing other KIAs, so I can't take it in until tomorrow.

I hope this isn't the start of more and more problems to come.

I purchased a 2004 Kia Spectra about a month ago. Within the first two weeks the Check Engine light came on, the right window had a warped channel run, and water leaked in the driver window. The windows were fixed (driver side still rolls up too tight). They told me the Check Engine light was from not clicking the gas cap three times (3 times only). They reset it and, again two weeks later, the check engine light is on. This is my first brand new vehicle and I hope this doesn't turn out to be a lemon.

I bought a 2002 Kia Spectra new over 2 years ago. I take pretty good care of it...maintenance-wise...and the check engine light did come on about 2 weeks after I had it. I took it in, and I live in a pretty small town, so I didn't have to wait. They said it was the gas cap thing, and it has been fine ever since... UNTIL now! A week ago, I got a tune-up, oil change, and new tires (I'm at 50,000 miles already!) So, during a trip a few days ago, the check engine light came on, along with strange jerking when I am at a stop light... so I took it in this morning, and the said it was the "recalled ORVR valve" that had to be ordered and replaced. I really wish I knew about this a while back! They should send out notices or something to everyone who would need this replaced instead of waiting for people's cars to break before coming in to fix a problem that is THEIR fault anyway!

I also have a 2002 spectra with major check engine light problems. The car has been in the shop 8 times in the last 6 weeks because of this. Each time the light has come back on it has been a different problem. Never once has it been the gas cap as reported above. The car's computer has been replaced two times so far in three years.

Hey all!

We have a 2003 Spectra with 38.000 miles, our trouble is trim falling off, and we have a rattle when going over bumps. I have been a mechanic for 18 years now, and cannot figure out were this rattle is coming from! And from reading other comments on this page, I have already had check engine on 3-4 times a year! Yup GAS CAP!! Got a new one from an auto parts store, and the problem was solved!