2003 KIA SPECTRA

0 recalls — 132 complaints

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

132 total complaints 16 crashes 1 fires 13 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION12
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
STRUCTURE7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL6
SEAT BELTS6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
AIR BAGS5
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Feb 18, 2019
Incident date: May 5, 2018
MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDERNEATH THE CAR I ALSO HAVE GAS FUMES IN MY CAR TOO, I AM LOSING A LOT OF GAS IN MY CAR.I HAVE STRANGERS POINTING OUT THAT MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS AND THE SMELL OF GAS WHEN I PARK MY CAR IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT WHEN I DO SHOPPING, I FEAR THAT MY CAR WILL ... Read more
SUSPENSION Sep 12, 2017
Incident date: Aug 3, 2017
DIRT CHEAP CARS SOLD ME A CAR THAT WONT PASS INSPECTION
STRUCTURE:BODY Sep 12, 2017
Incident date: Aug 3, 2017
DIRT CHEAP CARS SOLD ME A CAR THAT WONT PASS INSPECTION
STRUCTURE:BODY Sep 7, 2017
Incident date: Oct 16, 2016
I BOUGHT A CAR FROM A USED DEALER AND I WAS INFORMED THAT IT HAD NO FRAME DAMAGE BUT I TOOK IT TO TWO GARAGES AND BOTH GARAGES INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS FRAME DAMAGE FRONT AND BACK AND THE ONE GARAGE I TOOK IT TO SAID THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FRAME DAMAGE
SERVICE BRAKES Nov 29, 2016
Incident date: Oct 17, 2016
I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID UNDERNEATH MY CAR ONE DAY AND CHECKED MY LEVEL TO FIND THAT THERE WAS BASICALLY NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR. TURNS OUT IT'S THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A TREND AND HAS CAUSED ACCIDENTS PREVIOUSLY. THE MECHANIC WAS SURPRISED THAT... Read more
AIR BAGS Sep 23, 2015
Incident date: Jun 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,234. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
POWER TRAIN Sep 19, 2014
Incident date: Aug 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jun 20, 2014
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
AT MY COST I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE WHICH WAS CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON DANGEROUS SITUATION. PLEASE CREATE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE'S BRAKES COMPLETELY FAIL IN TRAFFIC. *TR
STEERING Jun 17, 2014
Incident date: Jun 1, 2011
THE COVERING AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN HAS CRUMBLED AND IS COMING APART. I'M CONCERNED BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE IF THIS WILL AFFECT THE AIR BAG IF NEEDED. VERY POOR QUALITY OF MATERIAL WAS USED FOR THIS. *TR
STRUCTURE Jun 17, 2014
Incident date: May 1, 2011
THE DASH, WHERE IT MEETS THE WINDSHIELD, HAS CURLED UP AND DETACHED FROM THE DEFROSTER VENT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE PLASTIC DEFROSTER VENT IS ALSO CRUMBLING FROM BEING EXPOSED TO THE SUN. I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW CHEAP OF MATERIALS WAS USED FOR THIS. *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Nov 15, 2013
Incident date: Nov 8, 2013
WENT TO TURN ON MY HEATER TODAY AND THE SMELL OF GASOLINE FILLED MY CAR, 4-DOOR SEDAN. THE CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MANY OF THE OTHER OWNERS MENTIONED BEFORE E.G. A BRAKE FLUID LEAK, SQUEALING BRAKES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS ALWAYS SLOW TO KICK IN WHEN PULLING OFF FROM A STOP. NEVER EXPERIENCED ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jan 17, 2013
Incident date: Dec 19, 2012
THE BRAKE FLUID PROPORTIONING VALVE IS LEAKING FOR NO REASON. NOT A SERVICEABLE PART. MUST BE REPLACED. NOT A WEAR AND TEAR PART EITHER. VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH 2002 AND 2003 RESEARCH STATED. THANKS. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Oct 18, 2012
Incident date: Oct 4, 2012
THE CAR ALL OF THE SUDDEN STARTED LOOSING BRAKE FLUID RAPIDLY. MY PERFECTLY GOOD BRAKES WERE GOING OUT AND I ALMOST WRECKED MY CAR BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN DICKINSON, TX IS CHARGING ME 300 DOLLARS + TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I SEE THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES May 25, 2012
Incident date: May 1, 2010
MY BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON ( THOUGHT IT WAS PARKING BRAKE STUCK OR BRAKE MAINTENANCE TIME ) , AFTER SPENDING OVER $400 TO GET EVERYTHING REPLACED .... IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT MY PROPORTIONING VALVE WENT BAD ! LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ( HAD TO REPLACE EVERY OTHER DAY ) . WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ? *TR
POWER TRAIN Mar 1, 2012
Incident date: Feb 5, 2012
MY MOTHER BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW COUPLE YEARS BACK. HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS TILL NOW. ON MY WAY TO WORK IM GOING AROUND A CURVE AND TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THOUGHT FOR A SECOND I ACCIDENTALLY PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. MY TRANSMISSION NEVER SLIPPED, SHIFTED HARD OR ANY OTHER SIGNS OF PROBLEMS. THIS IS CR... Read more
POWER TRAIN Sep 12, 2011
Incident date: Apr 6, 2009
IN APRIL OF 2009 MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING RIGHT IN THE CENTER LANE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC AS I WAS LEAVING MY HOME, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP JUST TO FIND OUT THAT KIA WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY AND THE COSTS ($1550) CAME OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. THE REPAIRMAN TOLD ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Aug 31, 2011
Incident date: Jun 1, 2010
2003 KIA SPECTRA; BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE STARTED LEAKING AROUND 90K MILES. CONTACTED THREE LOCAL DEALERS, ALL THREE STATED THAT THIS IS COMMON FOR THIS MODEL. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jul 2, 2011
Incident date: Apr 1, 2011
2003 KIA SPECTRA 99,000 MILES. I AM HAVING TO FILL UP WITH BRAKE FLUID ONCE OR TWICE A DAY. BRAKE PROPORTION VALVE IS LEAKING. SEVERAL SITES AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. WHY NO RECALL WHEN THIS IS NOT A PART THAT SHOULD ORDINARILY NEED TO BE REPLACED? *TR
Crash
AIR BAGS Jan 26, 2011
Incident date: Jan 23, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE RIDING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER BLACKED OUT, CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM AND MULTIPLE... Read more
Crash 2 injured
STRUCTURE Jan 19, 2011
Incident date: Jan 19, 2011
2003 KIA SPECTRA. NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. POWER WINDOWS FAIL TO WORK. A COUPLE MONTHS AGO, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW CAME OFF THE TRACK, AND THE IN-DOOR ASSEMBLY HAD CRUMBLED WITHIN THE DOOR. TOOK GETTING AN ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TO REPAIR THE WINDOW. TODAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT OPEN. MO... Read more
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Jan 19, 2011
Incident date: Jan 19, 2011
2003 KIA SPECTRA. NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. POWER WINDOWS FAIL TO WORK. A COUPLE MONTHS AGO, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW CAME OFF THE TRACK, AND THE IN-DOOR ASSEMBLY HAD CRUMBLED WITHIN THE DOOR. TOOK GETTING AN ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TO REPAIR THE WINDOW. TODAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT OPEN. MO... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Dec 20, 2010
Incident date: Dec 20, 2010
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS LOW ? ADDED FLUID. LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. MECHANIC STATED BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS LEAKING ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA; POTENTIAL FOR BRAKE FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Oct 13, 2010
Incident date: Oct 10, 2010
BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAKING ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WHILE BACKING UP AND RESULTED IN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THIS HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY. HOW LONG UNTIL SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Crash
STRUCTURE Sep 3, 2010
Incident date: Aug 15, 2010
DRIVER'S DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS CAUSING WINDOW TO SLIDE DOWN TRACK INTO THE DOOR. THE POWER REGULATOR RAISES AND LOWERS THE WINDOW WITH A METAL WIRE RUNNING THROUGH PLASTIC GUIDES ON A METAL TRACK. THE ENDS OF THE WIRE ARE CAPPED INSIDE A PLASTIC BRACKET TO WHICH THE WINDOW IS ATTACHED. THES... Read more
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Sep 3, 2010
Incident date: Aug 15, 2010
DRIVER'S DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS CAUSING WINDOW TO SLIDE DOWN TRACK INTO THE DOOR. THE POWER REGULATOR RAISES AND LOWERS THE WINDOW WITH A METAL WIRE RUNNING THROUGH PLASTIC GUIDES ON A METAL TRACK. THE ENDS OF THE WIRE ARE CAPPED INSIDE A PLASTIC BRACKET TO WHICH THE WINDOW IS ATTACHED. THES... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jul 23, 2010
Incident date: Oct 8, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 KIA SPECTRA THAT HAS BEEN RUNNING OUT OF BRAKE FLUID ON A WEEKLY BASIS. HAD TO BUY NEW PROPORTIONING VALVE FROM THE DEALER. I'VE READ SEVERAL STORIES ABOUT THESE VALVES LEAKING. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Feb 27, 2010
Incident date: Jan 1, 2010
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH OUR KIA SPECTRA 2003, I HAVE ALSO HEARD FROM SEVERAL OTHERS AND A CAR REPAIR STORE TO REPORT THE SAME THING. WHEN WE PUMP GAS INTO THE KIA. IT WILL NOT START UP YOU HAVE TO TRY AND START IT A FEW TIMES BEFORE IT WILL. THAT SEEMS MORE THEN DANGEROUS TO ME. *TR
SEAT BELTS Nov 4, 2009
Incident date: Sep 18, 2008
FRONT SEATBELTS ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA UNLATCH. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 12, 2009
Incident date: Feb 1, 2009
BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAKING ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 12, 2009
Incident date: Feb 1, 2009
BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAKING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 3, 2008
Incident date: Mar 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE RPM, SPEED, AND TEMPERATURE WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE INFORMATION AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS CO... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 16, 2007
Incident date: Aug 16, 2007
I HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA, APPROX. 2 YEARS AGO I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND WHILE I CAME TO A STOP AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KIA AND THEY DID A TUNE UP AND REPLACED A PART THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY THE PROBLEM FOR ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 16, 2007
Incident date: Aug 16, 2007
I HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA, APPROX. 2 YEARS AGO I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND WHILE I CAME TO A STOP AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KIA AND THEY DID A TUNE UP AND REPLACED A PART THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY THE PROBLEM FOR ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 9, 2007
Incident date: Apr 16, 2007
THE 2003 KIA SPECTRA CAUGHT ON FIRE. THEREWAS NOTHING LEFT OF THE CAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRIAL FIRE. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING May 7, 2007
Incident date: May 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTROL WIRES WERE BURNED. THE VEHICLE NEEDS A WIRE HARNESS AND A CONTROL HEAD PART. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,206.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES Mar 30, 2007
Incident date: Feb 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT REPORTED WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED TO REMOVE SNOW AND ICE FROM THE WINDSHIELD, BUT THEN BECAME INOPERABLE. AS THE TEMPERATURE CONTINUED TO DROP THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REMAINED MOTIONLESS. THE CO... Read more
SEATS Feb 27, 2007
Incident date: Feb 20, 2007
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY DURING MY TRIP TO WORK (ABOUT AN HOUR TRIP EACH WAY FROM MY HOME), AND MY SEAT SUDDENLY FLUNG BACK INTO THE BACK SEAT. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FOR A MOMENT AND LUCKILY SNAPPED BACK UP AND GOT THE VEHICLE BACK UNDER CONTROL. AFTER LOOKING AT WHAT HAD HAPPENED, ... Read more
SEATS Feb 19, 2007
Incident date: Jan 10, 2007
DRIVERS SEAT BRACKET ATTACHING SEAT TO CAR BROKE THREE TIMES, ONCE UNDER WARRANTY WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO ENTIRE SEAT, AND ONCE UNDER REPLACEMENT PARTS WARRANTY . THIRD TIME OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY PERIOD. *NM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Nov 29, 2006
Incident date: Sep 25, 2006
I BOUGHT MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA BRAND NEW,KEPT UP WITH OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE,MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 71,OOO MILES. I HAD THE SO CALLED 100,000 MILE WARRANTY ON IT. THEY DID NOT COVER ANY OF IT THEY SAID BECAUSE I LIVE IN GA IT GETS HOT,SO THE WARRANTY WONT COVER IT. ALSO,I WAS RECENTLY IN A ... Read more
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Nov 28, 2006
Incident date: Jun 30, 2003
PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2003, JUNE 30TH OF 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO HAVE THE TPS REPLACED AND 3 MORE TIMES TO PRESENT. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED, HEATING PROBLEM, EXHAUST REPLACED. CAR IS NOW ON 46,000 HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THROUGH AN ATT. FROM LEMON LAW) AT 16... Read more
SUSPENSION Nov 28, 2006
Incident date: Jun 30, 2003
PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2003, JUNE 30TH OF 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO HAVE THE TPS REPLACED AND 3 MORE TIMES TO PRESENT. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED, HEATING PROBLEM, EXHAUST REPLACED. CAR IS NOW ON 46,000 HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THROUGH AN ATT. FROM LEMON LAW) AT 16... Read more
VISIBILITY Nov 28, 2006
Incident date: Jun 30, 2003
PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2003, JUNE 30TH OF 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO HAVE THE TPS REPLACED AND 3 MORE TIMES TO PRESENT. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED, HEATING PROBLEM, EXHAUST REPLACED. CAR IS NOW ON 46,000 HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THROUGH AN ATT. FROM LEMON LAW) AT 16... Read more
TIRES Nov 28, 2006
Incident date: Jun 30, 2003
PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2003, JUNE 30TH OF 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO HAVE THE TPS REPLACED AND 3 MORE TIMES TO PRESENT. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED, HEATING PROBLEM, EXHAUST REPLACED. CAR IS NOW ON 46,000 HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THROUGH AN ATT. FROM LEMON LAW) AT 16... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Nov 28, 2006
Incident date: Jun 30, 2003
PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2003, JUNE 30TH OF 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO HAVE THE TPS REPLACED AND 3 MORE TIMES TO PRESENT. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED, HEATING PROBLEM, EXHAUST REPLACED. CAR IS NOW ON 46,000 HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THROUGH AN ATT. FROM LEMON LAW) AT 16... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Nov 28, 2006
Incident date: Jun 30, 2003
PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2003, JUNE 30TH OF 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO HAVE THE TPS REPLACED AND 3 MORE TIMES TO PRESENT. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED, HEATING PROBLEM, EXHAUST REPLACED. CAR IS NOW ON 46,000 HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THROUGH AN ATT. FROM LEMON LAW) AT 16... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Nov 28, 2006
Incident date: Jun 30, 2003
PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2003, JUNE 30TH OF 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO HAVE THE TPS REPLACED AND 3 MORE TIMES TO PRESENT. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED, HEATING PROBLEM, EXHAUST REPLACED. CAR IS NOW ON 46,000 HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THROUGH AN ATT. FROM LEMON LAW) AT 16... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY Oct 11, 2006
Incident date: Sep 29, 2006
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH KIA USA HONORING MY WARRANTY FOR DAMAGE DONE TO MY CAR IN WHICH I AM NOT AT FAULT. THEY HAVE MADE ALLEGATIONS AS TO THE PROBLEMS WHICH ARE UNTRUE FROM MY STAND POINT AND I AM 23 YEAR OLD SINGLE MOTHER WITH NO VEHICLE NOW. I HAVE MADE MANY ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED AND... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 10, 2006
Incident date: May 19, 2005
I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME I HAVE DROPPED OFF MY VEHICLE TO THE TALLAHASSEE KIA REPAIR SHOP. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE FIRST REPAIR, 5-19-05 I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS RECTIFIED. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Aug 10, 2006
Incident date: May 19, 2005
I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME I HAVE DROPPED OFF MY VEHICLE TO THE TALLAHASSEE KIA REPAIR SHOP. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE FIRST REPAIR, 5-19-05 I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS RECTIFIED. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 26, 2006
Incident date: Jun 26, 2006
MY AUTO HAS STOPPED ON ME FOR NO REASON AT ALL. THE FIRST TIME IT JUST WOULDN'T START, THE SECOND TIME I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND IT JUST SHUT OFF AND THE THIRD TIME WHICH WAS THIS MORNING IT STARTED THEN SHUT DOWN AND I HADN'T LEFT MY HOME YET. AFTER THAT IT WOULDN'T START. THE CARE MAKE AND MODEL IS ... Read more

Showing 50 of 132 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 2003 KIA SPECTRA

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 19.0 27.0 22.0 Regular $2,700
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 21.0 29.0 24.0 Regular $2,500

CO2 Emissions: 404.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — KIA SPECTRA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE15031 Opened: Sep 1, 2015 — Closed: Feb 11, 2016
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2008
Occupant Classification System
The subject vehicle population is MY 2007-2009 Kia Spectra vehicles.Consumers report that the SRS (air bag) warning light is illuminated in their vehicle.The focus of the investigation was the failure of the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor mat.This sensor mat is embe... Read more
PE04065 Opened: Sep 21, 2004 — Closed: Feb 8, 2005
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2002
REAR DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER LEAKAGE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER LEAKAGE IN 2002 KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES.THIS INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY KIA?S EARLY WARNING REPORT TO THE AGENCY FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004, WHICH CONTAINED A ... Read more
EA04004 Opened: Feb 3, 2004 — Closed: Jul 29, 2004
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2001
REFUELING SPIT BACK
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHE... Read more
EA02016 Opened: Aug 6, 2002 — Closed: Oct 7, 2003
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2000
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA O... Read more

KIA SPECTRA — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SPECTRA across all model years (2004–2007).

5 Total Recalls
1,218 Total Complaints
4 Investigations
261 Reported Crashes
23 Reported Fires
7 Reported Deaths

KIA SPECTRA — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2009 0 152 View
2008 0 162 View
2007 1 206 View
2006 1 129 View
2005 2 130 View
2004 1 92 View
2003 (current) 0 132
2002 0 121 View
2001 0 56 View
2000 0 30 View

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Model Recalls Complaints
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OPTIMA 100 10,128 View
TELLURIDE 70 2,186 View
SOUL 66 7,233 View
SORENTO HYBRID 62 159 View
SOUL EV 62 50 View