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2000-2009 · 10 model years

Kia Spectra Problems by year

Owners have filed 956 complaints about the Kia Spectra across 10 model years, and it has 2 recalls. The 2007 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (162), while 2000, 2001 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the airbags, followed by the brakes.

Most complaints for its age2007162 complaints · 1 recallSee the 2007
Complaints
956
Recalls
2
Crashes
191
Fires
21
Injuries
163
Deaths
6

Spectra complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20091140161AirbagsC
20081370233AirbagsC
20071621237AirbagsD
20061181303AirbagsC
20051032231AirbagsC
2004711161AirbagsB
2003930151BrakesC
2002950263AirbagsC
2001400131AirbagsA
200023060AirbagsA

Most common Spectra problems

Kia Spectra recalls 2

Latest Spectra complaints

2008 Kia SpectraLights

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that all three brake lights failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the brake light switch assembly multi-connector wiring harness needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The contact found information on other Kia recalls for other years, makes, and models that described the same parts failure. The contact found information on SC077 (Brake Switch), SC298 (Light Assembly), and SC299 (Light Assembly). The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 209,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11758253
2008 Kia SpectraAcceleration & cruise control

After starting car, for first 15-20 mins, all normal. After speedometer go erratic (showing slower than actual speed - or - higher than actual speed) and soon after it just stops working. No check engine light. Dangerous to drive without knowing actual speed. Have to use mobile phone app like Waze or something which shows apx speed. Upon internet search, I found there are many Kia spectra Ex (from 05-09 models) reported similar issues. This situation is dangerous as driver may be following speedometer on...

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highway and ending up driving slower than actual speed. NHTSA should issue a recall. Kia - as usual - never acknowledged issue to save money. Dealership recommending me buy a new car rather than fixing the issue or at least attempting to fix it. When declined for trade-in (or buy a new car) they demanded upfront diagnostic charges without telling me what is actual issue.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11602117
2008 Kia SpectraWheels & tires

I have tires sized 195/60r15. I was having problems with shaking at a certain speed. my mechanic checked all the options that could have been mechanical and directed me to a tire shop. I brought the car in for them to check for balance. rims, etc. During the inspection, they discovered that both rear tires, driver and passenger side were separating. I had never had problems with tires until I purchased these. The third attached photo was after I first purchased the tires. The piece was shaved off and I don't know why. I had to replace it. I contacted this office on November 19, 2023, with the initial complaint about the tires. Tracking number 11555870.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11568735
2007 Kia SpectraAirbags

Passenger Air bag sensor light has come on and stayed on. Took to AutoZone and have them put it on the code reader and said it was something faulty in the sensor mat under the seat.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11566976
2009 Kia SpectraElectrical system

I am having a problem with my hazard turning signal lights it won't turn on.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11556124
2008 Kia SpectraWheels & tires

195/60/15 I purchased four new tires From Prospect Tire and Wheels on September 23, 2022, with an alignment. In August of this year, 2023, I returned because of an issue with one of the tires, and the alignment. They told me after replacing the most serious issue that all four tires had "bubbles". They weren't willing to do anything except to rotate the "bad" tires to the rear of the car and sell me one other that absolutely had to be replaced. They offered me the contact information for their...

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distributors as they had no idea which one it was they got the tires from. I contacted Cooper about the issue and the representative I spoke to, Julie, said they had no record of them because these particular tires were destined for Mexico? In my response below, I indicate when the tires were first purchased up until now, because I've had nothing but issues with them since.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11555870

Questions about the Kia Spectra

Which Kia Spectra years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2007 (162), 2008 (137), 2006 (118). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2007 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Kia Spectra years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2000, 2001, 2004 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Spectra years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Kia Spectra problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the airbags (387), brakes (91), electrical system (91) most often.

How many recalls does the Kia Spectra have?

NHTSA lists 2 recalls across all Kia Spectra model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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