Share yoursShare
Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Engine & cooling

2004 Kia Spectra Engine problems

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2004 Kia Spectra's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 10% of all its complaints, most recently on January 23, 2012. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Had this problem? Share itAll 2004 Spectra problems
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

SuspensionEngine & coolingAirbags

The warning light on the spectra 2005 4-door has been a problem from day 1. The light keeps going on and off. When I brought it back to the dealer on a number of occasions, the light went off so they were never able to determine the problem. Now the light is permanently 'on' and I don't know if it is working or not. It is definitely a concern and it is a definitely a problem. In addition, the timing belt keeps loosening on a continual basis. I have repeatedly bought it to my mechanic to get it tightened. ...

Read the full complaint

This should not be the case. The timing belt, once fixed, should remain in tact at least for a length of time (not a month!). That the warranty has expired, the light remains on. Whatever, I have been very unhappy with the car. Am disappointed. I realize the cost was a significant factor upon purchase, but my hyundai at the same cost break (actually lower) proved to be a significantly better car. I gave the hyundai to a friend of mine and it is keeps on ticking. It is still in service and runs better than the kia at over triple the mileage. In addition, the entire suspension replaced at 65,000 which is unusual as I do not drive the car hard and I avoid bumps. *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · Engine and engine cooling · Air bagsNHTSA 10444981
Engine & cooling

My vehicle looses power, sputters, and hesitates when the accelerator is pressed. This has causes me to almost be in several accidents. The service dept cannot find a problem with my vehicle, but there is a problem that exists. I have filed several complaints with kia motors and have had no response and they have refused to assist me with any other type of help with my vehicle. My vehicle is defective, but since kia motors cannot find a problem, then they are claiming that there is nothing that can be done. ...

Read the full complaint

This problem occurs at least once a day while driving when I am coming home from work and even on sunday's when I am coming home from church. The service dept is always closed when this occurs so I can't take it in. This problem has been occurring with my vehicle for approx. 2 Years and I have had no success is getting a resolution to my problem. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10276813
Engine & cooling

My vehicle sputters while driving. There have been a few incidents where my vehicle has almost stalled on the freeway while I was driving in fast lane. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer at least 5 time in a 2 month window, and they claim that they cannot find anything wrong with my vehicle, so they are refusing to fix my vehicle or take all of the precautionary measures to repair my vehicle. The dealer claims that since they cannot find anything wrong with my vehicle, then there is nothing that they can do and I am just stuck with a defective vehicle, which has become unsafe to drive on the road. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10233693
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia spectra. While driving 50 mph, the engine revved when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure occurred four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they were unable to find a defect. The failure mileage was 36,000 and current mileage was 40,000. Updated 5/30/08 *cn the consumer stated the transmission slips from a stop it feels as though it is in neutral. Updated 05/30/08

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power trainNHTSA 10224683
Engine & coolingElectrical systemAirbags

Problems began october 15, 2005 details of problems: 03/25/05 - a/c vents broken - dealer replaced "nozzle assy - ctr ai" 10/15/05 - check engine light is on - dealer states 'heater circuit malfunction' replaced "02 sensor assy" and reset codes 10/28/05 - check engine light is on and battery went dead (i had it jumped by aaa)- dealer cannot find problem 10/28/05 - emblem cracked on steering wheel - dealer states 'flaw in material' replaced driver side srs bag 11/29/05 - check engine light is on - dealer...

Read the full complaint

states p0442 gas cap not sealing & p0455 canister not sealing - dealer replaces gas cap and canister, also orders new ecm 11/29/05 - dealer recalled: sc053 reprogram ocs seat control and sc055 spectra air bag -dealer replaces items for recall 01/03/06 - check engine light is on - dealer states 'logic error in ecm - dealer replaced ecm 01/11/06 -check engine light is on - dealer states 'poor ground at ecm' was instructed by tech line to replace spark plugs; dealer repaired ground and replaced spark plugs 01/23/06 - engine light is on - dealer states problem at ecm - kept car for repairs 02/13/06 - dealer states that spectra cannot be repaired at this time. They also state that another car with a similar problem has been sent back to korea so that they can find the problem. Dealer's estimated time to repair my car 2 months from now (has been at dealer since 01/23/06 - 20 days) as stated by keith emmerman, kia palmdale service manager. Mr. Emmerman also stated that I am required, as the spectra owner, to come pick up my car un-repaired and drive it anyway. I have been told by the kia dealership in palmdale, that the problem the kia is having is in the computer. They do not know how to fix it and want me to drive it any way. The car has been in the shop several times for different problems and now 3 times for the ecm. Now they want me to pick up the car and drive it even though the problem has not been fixed and they don't know how to fix it. *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 10150202
Engine & coolingFuel systemVisibility & wipers

Dt*: the contact stated when the vehicle is idling, it idles low and then revs up on it's own. The dealership replaced the main solenoid in the transmission. The problem returned, and the dealership is unable to diagnose a problem. Also, two weeks after purchase, the check engine light illuminated. The dealership replaced the fuel sensor and this problem was repaired. The front passenger side window would not operate, up or down. The dealership determined the cable was unhooked and repaired it.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · VisibilityNHTSA 10150117
Engine & cooling

While driving at any speed vehicle cut off. Consumer had the vehicle serviced, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10106871

Kia Spectra engine complaints by year

Spectra engine problems, every year

Had a engine problem with your 2004 Spectra? Tell other owners.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

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

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience