Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2005 Kia SPECTRA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

103 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

49,950 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2005 model year. Data updated: . 84 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 24 of 103 complaints (23.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1312.6%
Steering behavior1110.7%
Transmission and shifting65.8%
Electrical and battery issues54.9%
Engine operation43.9%
Fuel system concerns21.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
24
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
12
Vehicle Speed Control
12
Electrical System
8
Steering
8
Air Bags:Frontal
5
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
4
Engine
4
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags24
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module12
Vehicle Speed Control12
Electrical System8
Steering8
Air Bags:Frontal5
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel4
Engine4

Air Bags: 24; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 12; Vehicle Speed Control: 12; Electrical System: 8; Steering: 8; Air Bags:Frontal: 5; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 4; Engine: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
28
25,000 to 49,999
14
50,000 to 74,999
8
75,000 to 99,999
15
100,000 to 149,999
14
150,000 and above
5
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00028
25,000 to 49,99914
50,000 to 74,9998
75,000 to 99,99915
100,000 to 149,99914
150,000 and above5

Under 25,000: 28; 25,000 to 49,999: 14; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 15; 100,000 to 149,999: 14; 150,000 and above: 5

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (28). 19 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2005
11
2006
20
2007
6
2008
5
2009
6
2010
7
2011
10
2012
8
2013
4
2014
6
2015
7
2016
4
2017
2
2018
3
2019
2
2020
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
200511
200620
20076
20085
20096
20107
201110
20128
20134
20146
20157
20164
20172
20183
20192
20202

2005: 11; 2006: 20; 2007: 6; 2008: 5; 2009: 6; 2010: 7; 2011: 10; 2012: 8; 2013: 4; 2014: 6; 2015: 7; 2016: 4; 2017: 2; 2018: 3; 2019: 2; 2020: 2

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 13 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10123785 · 2005-06-01 (June 1, 2005)

I HAVE ADVANCED AIRBAGS IN MY CAR AND A LIGHT "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF " LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT LETS ME KNOW WHEN THE AIRBAG IS OFF. ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS THE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT HAS ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS STAYED ON FOR UP TO 10 MINUTES. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW AND I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT SEVERAL TIMES AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO DO IT. I'M WORRIED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THAT THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10123785 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10126542 · 2005-08-26 (August 26, 2005)

DT: CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO STEER THE CAR TO THE RIGHT IT CONTINUED TO GO TO THE LEFT. APPROXIMATELY FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO THIS THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WENT IN TO A GUARD RAIL ON SOUTHBOUND 14 FREEWAY IN PALMDALE, CA. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. ONLY THE PASSENGER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE REMAINED. . WHEN THE CAR HIT THE GUARD RAIL, IT WAS THROWN TO THE OTHER …

Owner-reported narrative. 1,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10126542 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10129588 · 2005-07-21 (July 21, 2005)

SLIGHTEST CONTACT WITH MOST DRIVEWAYS LOOSENS FRONT SPOILER TO THE POINT OF DETACHING FROM VEHICLE. FRONT SPOILER IS TOO LOW TO AVOID THIS TYPE OF DAMGE AND THE SPOILER IS HELD ONTO THE VEHICLE WITH DOUBLESIDED TAPE, 8 POP-OUT BRACKETS AND 2 SCREWS. PARTS BECOME LOOSE OVER TIME.

Owner-reported narrative. 4,622 miles reported. Look up ODI 10129588 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10133795 · 2005-08-22 (August 22, 2005)

CAR HAS SENSOR IN PASSENGER SEAT TO DISABLE PASSENGER AIR BAG. AIR BAG DISABLE LIGHT COMES ON EVEN WHEN ADULT SITTING IN SEAT. SEAT CUSHION AND SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY DEALOR BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. CONTACTED KIA DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NO FIX. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL ACCIDENT AND TBHE PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT DEPLOY. FROM MY RESEARCH I FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND NOT UNIQUE TO MY VEHICLE. I THINK A RECALL SHOULD B…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10133795 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10134061 · 2005-08-24 (August 24, 2005)

WE BOUGHT A KIA SPECTRA 5 ON 06/18/2005, A 2005 MODEL. ON 06/19/05 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT (WE WERE THE FIRST OWNERS, LESS THAN 100 MILES) OUR KIA DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CAR AFTER TWO WEEKS OF TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, ON 07/27/05, MY HUSBAND STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND TURNED RIGHT, THE CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE TURN (HUSBAND SAID NOTHING ON THE CAR WOULD WORK, STEERING FROZE AND BRAKES FAILED) HE THEN RAN UP ON A CURVE CAR SUSTAINED OVER 2800.00 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO UNDERCARRIAGE, WHEELS, DRIVE SHAFT ETC. HUSBAND SUFFERED BRUI…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,651 miles reported. Look up ODI 10134061 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10134756 · 2005-08-30 (August 30, 2005)

I OWN A SPECTRA 5. I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE CAR IN MOST EVERY ASPECT, BUT THE FRONT SPOILER IS NOT SECURED TO THE CAR PROPERLY. I TAPPED IT ON A PARKING CURB ONCE, AND NOW IT'S COMPLETELY FALLING OFF. MY KIA DEALER COULDN'T FIX IT AND SAID I NEEDED TO GO TO THE BODY SHOP. I WENT TO A KIA BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD BE MORE THAN $700 TO FIX AND THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE NEXT TIME IT CAUGHT ON A PARKING CURB OR LOW DIP IN THE ROAD IT WOULDN'T FALL OFF AGAIN. I AM NOT PREPARED TO PAY $700 TO REPAIR SOMETHING THAT WAS DESIGNED TO…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10134756 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10140297 · 2005-10-20 (October 20, 2005)

I BOUGHT A NEW 2005 KIA SPECTRA 5 (LESS THAN A MONTH AGO) WITH AIRBAG SENSORS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYED ON WITH AN ADULT SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR REPAIRS. THE FIRST TIME, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG (AND THAT THE PERSON MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SITTING PROPERLY IN THE FRONT SEAT). THE SECOND TIME, AFTER STATING THAT I WAS NOT LEAVING UNTIL SOMETHING WAS DONE, THE SEAT WAS REMOVED AND SENT OUT FOR REPAIRS. WHEN I G…

Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10140297 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10141180 · 2005-10-29 (October 29, 2005)

I HAVE A 2005 KIA SPECTRA, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAS A FEATURE THAT MEASURES THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER AND TURNS ON OR OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG. TWICE NOW WITH A FULL SIZED ADULT SITTING CORRECTLY IN THE SEAT THE AIR BAG WOULD TURN OFF FOR NO REASON. BOTH TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OR IN CITY TRAFFIC...THE AIR BAG REMAINED OFF FOR AROUND 5-10 MIN WHEN IT JUST WOULD TURN BACK ON. THERE WAS NO CAUSE THAT WE COULD SEE FOR IT TO JUST TURN OFF AND ON. DURING THAT TIME, IF WE WOULD HAVE CRASHED THE AIR BAG …

Owner-reported narrative. 100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10141180 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

05V183000 · Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Reported: 2005-04-28 (April 28, 2005)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STEERING TIE RODS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT AFFECTS THE METALLURGY.

Consequence: IF THE ROD CRACKS OR FAILS, LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY, WHICH INCLUDES THE TIE ROD COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON APRIL 8, 2005. AN ADDITIONAL LETTER WAS SENT TO OWNERS WHO HAD NOT TAKEN THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. THIS LETTER WAS MAILED MAY 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
11V256000 · Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Mounting

Reported: 2011-04-25 (April 25, 2011)

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 SPECTRA LD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 6, 2007, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH HOLD THE TANK MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY SEPARATE ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND POSSIBLY DISRUPT THE INTEGRITY OF THE TANK.

Consequence: THE FUEL TANK CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE THE GROUND WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. LEAKING FUEL CAN CREATE A FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND ATTACHING HARDWARE WITH NEW ZINC COATED PARTS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

103 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

81.6%Usable mileage84 / 103 records
100.0%Valid incident date103 / 103 records
100.0%Valid filing date103 / 103 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates103 / 103 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2000200120022003200420052006200720082009
Air Bags
417.4%
ODI 10088414 · 1,819 mi

THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEP COMING ON AFTER STARTING THE CAR. FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD IT'S THE CLOCK SPRING,SECOND TIME IT WAS THE AIR BAG MODULE ,THIRD TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CLOCKY SPRING MODULE AGAIN.*AK

Look up ODI 10088414 at NHTSA ↗

410.0%
ODI 10080996 · 58,000 mi

I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION CAUSING MY CAR TO BE SLAMMED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK BROKE. I HAVE RECEIVED A LOWER BACK INJURY, SHOULDER AND ARM INJURY, AND HEAD INJURY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED, SO THERE ARE NO REPAIRS TO BE DONE. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE. THROUGH SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO, (SEAT BACK FAILURE) AND I DO KNOW THERE IS A SUIT PENDING IN THE STATE OF FL. I AM SURE THE MANUFACTURER…

Look up ODI 10080996 at NHTSA ↗

1010.9%
ODI 10020276 · 1,800 mi

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMER AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *NLM PH

Look up ODI 10020276 at NHTSA ↗

55.6%
ODI 10016417 · 45 mi

POSESS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA GT THAT WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. ONLY ONE PERSON IN THE VEHICLE BUT BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AIRBAG BROKE WINDSHIELD AS WELL AS SIDE CASING THAT HELD THE SEAT BELTS IN PLACE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE IN THIS VEHICLE OR ANY VEHICLE FOR THAT MATTER? PIECES OF THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE SHATTERED AND SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED HARM TO ANYONE THEY CONTACTED. PLEASE ADVISE. *JB

Look up ODI 10016417 at NHTSA ↗

1318.3%
ODI 10091094 · 17,000 mi

WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OUR SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAGS FAILED TO WORK. WE WERE BOTH THROWN INTO THE WINDSHEILD . SUFFERED INJURIES TO BACK, HEAD AND NECK. TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL BY EMS. OUR VECICLE 2004 KIA SEPTRA 4 DOOR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB

Look up ODI 10091094 at NHTSA ↗

2423.3%
ODI 10123785 · 3,400 mi

I HAVE ADVANCED AIRBAGS IN MY CAR AND A LIGHT "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF " LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT LETS ME KNOW WHEN THE AIRBAG IS OFF. ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS THE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT HAS ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS STAYED ON FOR UP TO 10 MINUTES. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW AND I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT SEVERAL TIMES AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO DO IT. I'M WORRIED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THAT THE…

Look up ODI 10123785 at NHTSA ↗

3838.0%
ODI 10158728 · 223 mi

ON THE AFTERNOON OF THE 25TH DAY OF MAY IN THE YEAR 2006, MY WIFE AND MYSELF WERE DRIVING DOWN I-5 SB TO MAMC FOR HER HOSPITAL APPT. WE WERE THEN INVOLVED IN A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT OFF NEXT TO THE OFF RAMP OF EXIT 123. WE TRIED TO SLOW DOWN IN TIME BEFORE NOTICING THE JUST WRECKED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US AND MY ABS IN MY 2006 KIA SPECTRA SX DID NOT ENGAGE, MY TIRES THEN LOCKED UP AND I SKIDDED AND SLID INTO THE STOPPED VEHICLE. WE HIT THEM DOING APPROX. 35-45 MPH AND SMASHED IN THE FRONT OF OUR CAR. AT THAT TIME MY AIRBAGS (BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENG…

Look up ODI 10158728 at NHTSA ↗

5435.5%
ODI 10197338 · 29,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED IN THE IGNITION. THE DRIVER SUFFERED HEARING LOSS IN THE LEFT EAR, WHIPLASH IN THE NECK, AND A CUT ON THE ARM. THE REAR PASSENGER WAS A NINE YEAR OLD CHILD WHO SUFFERED HEAD INJURIES. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 29,000.

Look up ODI 10197338 at NHTSA ↗

5444.6%
ODI 10249105 · 500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR DOES NOT DIM WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE SENDING A RE-CALIPER SWITCH TO REPAIR THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. TWO WEEKS LATER, NO ONE HAS CALLED THE CONTACT REGARDING THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. UPDATED 12/15/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB

Look up ODI 10249105 at NHTSA ↗

7162.3%
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.5%
ODI 10594233 · 92,600 mi

2001 KIA SPECTRA 1.9 LT ENGINE [YES, SOME MODELS WERE MADE WITH THIS SIZE ENGINE.] CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVE WAY JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT. NEIGHBORS CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT AT 2:30 AM. CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. FIRE CHIEF FOUND NO EXTERNAL SOURCE OF IGNITION. FIRE CHIEF SAYS ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE TRAVELED DOWN FUEL LINES TO GAS TANK. ENTIRE CAR BURNED. CAR IS TOTALED. FIRE CHIEF CANNOT SAY IF THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL, WIRING OR WHAT TYPE OF PROBLEM IN ENGINE. BOUGHT CAR NEW IN OCT 2001, ONE OWNER CAR. PLEASE ADVISE IF ANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR …

Look up ODI 10594233 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 10072691

THE VEHICLE DROPS SERIOUS POWER WHEN THE AC AND RADIO ARE ON. IF I TRY ROLLING WINDOWS DOWN WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT WITH THE AC AND RADIO ON, LOSE MORE POWER.*AK

Look up ODI 10072691 at NHTSA ↗

77.8%
ODI 10064274 · 7,191 mi

THIS LETTER IS BEING WRITTEN AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT (CASE # FHPH040FF003275) INVOLVING MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA GSX AND ANOTHER VEHICLE ON MARCH 6, 2004.*AK THE CRUISE CONTROL CONTINUED TO WORK UNTIL ABOUT 1:00PM ON INTERSTATE 10 WHEN I WAS IN THE SLOW LANE AND DRIVING AT 70 MPH (SPEED LIMIT) WITH THE CRUISE ON. I WAS SLOWLY CATCHING UP TO TWO TRUCKS IN MY LANE, WHEN THE REAR TRUCK STARTED TO PASS THE SLOWER TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. TRAFFIC BEHIND ME WAS CATCHING UP TO ME AT THE SAME TIME AS THE PASSING TRUCK PULLED INTO THE PASSING LANE. I HAD …

Look up ODI 10064274 at NHTSA ↗

68.5%
ODI 10126959

DT: CONSUMER HAS FILED A SAFETY COMPLAINT #6259431 WITH FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. CONCERNING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON SAME ISSUE AS STATED IN ODI #10125427. ALSO, CONSUMER SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER KIA MOTORS. MANUFACTURER SAID SOMEONE WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH CONSUMER WITHIN 3 DAYS. IT HAS BEEN 2 WEEKS AND CONSUMER HAS NOT HEARD ANYTHING. CONSUMER SAID THAT TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR FOR NO REASON. LAST TIME VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER IT WOULD NOT GO VERY FAST, AND THE ENGINE WAS VERY SLUGGISH. CONSUMER SAID THAT I…

Look up ODI 10126959 at NHTSA ↗

87.8%
ODI 10148216 · 52 mi

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY MADE THE REPAIR WITHOUT DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 52 MILES. AT 14000 MILES THE FAILURE REPEATED AND THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON 1/19/06 THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *JB

Look up ODI 10148216 at NHTSA ↗

44.0%
ODI 10468049 · 96,000 mi

VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. SUDDENLY WENT TO ZERO. INTERMITTENTLY WORKS. UNABLE TO DETERMINE SPEED OF VEHICLE AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR

Look up ODI 10468049 at NHTSA ↗

159.9%
ODI 10229588

2007 KIA SPECTRA WITH DEFECTIVE AUTO-OFF HEADLAMPS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DIE AND HIM TO NEED A JUMPSTART. HE ALSO STATES THAT THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON PERIODICALLY AND WILL SOMETIMES STAY ON. *KB THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH FAILED, AS WELL AS THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. *JB

Look up ODI 10229588 at NHTSA ↗

1411.6%
ODI 10260020 · 3,000 mi

2008 KIA SPECTRA, THE PARKING LIGHTS COME ON BY THEIR SELF WHEN ITS AROUND 20* OUTSIDE AND WHEN ITS AROUND 80* OUTSIDE THE ALARM WANT SET THE LIGHTS JUST BLANK ON AND OFF. ALSO I HAVE A REALLY BAD RATTLE COMES FROM THE AIR BAGS SO IT SOUND IN THE DASH AND DRIVERS SIDE POST AIR BAG. HAVE TOOK THE CAR IN 3 TIMES AND A WEEK PER TIME, AND SO FAR NOTHING AS BEEN FIXED. *TR

Look up ODI 10260020 at NHTSA ↗

108.8%
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
14.3%
ODI 756194

BRAKES GRINDING/SQUEALING/REDUCED STOPPING POWER (18 MONTHS BEFORE REPLACED BY DEALER) VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN FOOT REMOVED FROM PEDAL AND I WAS FORCED TO RIDE AND COME CLOSE TO LOCKING THE BRAKES BEFORE I HIT A BASE SECURITY GUARD AFTER ARRIVING HOME VEHICLE CONTINUED SURGING WHILE AT IDLE(STILL WAITING ON PARTS/APPOINTMENT FROM DEALER, STILL DRIVING THE CAR WITH THESE BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD ONE OF THEIR RENTAL CARS) ELECTRICAL SHORTS STARTING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE SPARK PLUGS(DUE TO FAULTY DEALER INSTALLATION OF AUTO START, I HAVE …

Look up ODI 756194 at NHTSA ↗

12.5%
ODI 759164

MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY TO PICK UP OUR SON FROM SCHOOL,WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. AS SHE STEP ON THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP,IT SEEM TO BE ACCELARATING. SHE ALMOST REAR-ENDED A TRUCK, SHE HAD TO RUN A RED LIGHT,THANK GOD THE ROAD BEGAN TO GO UP HILL AND SHE FORCED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AT WHICH TIME VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. SHE IS 8 1/2 MONTH PREGNANT, DEALER CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. WE DO NOT TRUST VEHICLE ANY LONGER. *AK

Look up ODI 759164 at NHTSA ↗

55.4%
ODI 10009468

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.*JB

Look up ODI 10009468 at NHTSA ↗

22.2%
ODI 10144843 · 48,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN OR WHILE BRAKING OR PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT VEHICLE REVVED AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 1/11/2006 - THE TRANSMISSION LINE HAD COME OFF AND CAUSE COOLANT TO LEAK. THE LINE WAS REPAIR AND TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED BUT TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THREE TIMES AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR THREE TIMES. TH…

Look up ODI 10144843 at NHTSA ↗

79.9%
ODI 10092639 · 900 mi

WHILE DRIVING AND UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER EIGHT TIMES. ALSO, THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHICH MADE A BANGING NOISE. *AK *JB

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1211.7%
ODI 10161817 · 11,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE ODOMETER FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. AND IN SOME CASES, THE SPEEDOMETER INCREASED TO 110 MPH WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10161817 at NHTSA ↗

44.0%
ODI 10170961 · 6,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT WITH BRAKE PRESSURE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE, AND LURCHED BACKWARDS, CRASHING INTO A TREE STUMP WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, AND THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE REAR. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP TO AWAIT INSPECTION BY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

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106.6%
ODI 10279912 · 4,500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A REVVING NOISE COMING FROM THE GEAR SHIFTER. SHORTLY AFTER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ACROSS THE STREET. SHE ATTEMPTED TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID DRIVING INTO A DITCH. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL STRUCK THE GUARDRAIL, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THROUGH BUSHES AND UP A HILL. THE SPEED FINALLY BEGAN TO DECREASE AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THERE WERE NO SERIOUS INJURIES, ONLY HEADA…

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1411.6%
ODI 10424490 · 48,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNG FORWARD AND ACCELERATE, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED VIA EMAIL, BUT THE CONTACT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

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65.3%
ODI 10430181 · 31,000 mi

WHILE STOPPED, VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD AND ACCELERATES, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE RPMS RACED WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN PARK, BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED TO RACE EVEN HIGHER. I HAD TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION TO STOP THE RPMS FROM RACING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. *TR

Look up ODI 10430181 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
313.0%
ODI 8015759

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Look up ODI 8015759 at NHTSA ↗

512.5%
ODI 10058451 · 66,000 mi

ON A FRONT SLIGHTLY LEFT INPACT TO MY VEHICLE, MY AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT.I WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH, I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING A RATHER LARGE BUMP AND BRUISE. I HAVE PAIN TURNING MY NECK AND IN MY SHOULDERS AND WILL SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THIS.

Look up ODI 10058451 at NHTSA ↗

1213.0%
ODI 10001079

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON THE HIGHWAY HIT A CURB. AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND THEN HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. TS....*AK

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66.7%
ODI 10009567

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB

Look up ODI 10009567 at NHTSA ↗

68.5%
ODI 10093411 · 1,312 mi

ON AN IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT END OF THIS NEW CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES AND HOUR, THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FAILED TO DEPLOY.*AK

Look up ODI 10093411 at NHTSA ↗

54.9%
ODI 10126542 · 1,700 mi

DT: CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO STEER THE CAR TO THE RIGHT IT CONTINUED TO GO TO THE LEFT. APPROXIMATELY FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO THIS THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WENT IN TO A GUARD RAIL ON SOUTHBOUND 14 FREEWAY IN PALMDALE, CA. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. ONLY THE PASSENGER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE REMAINED. . WHEN THE CAR HIT THE GUARD RAIL, IT WAS THROWN TO THE OTHER …

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44.0%
ODI 10178949 · 2,800 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN HER 2006 KIA SPECTRA THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A FACTOR, NEITHER WAS THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO RAN THE VEHICLE THROUGH DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND CONCLUDED THAT THE AIRBAG WORKED. THE DEALER HAS TOLD THE CONTACT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2800. *JB UPDATED 03/02/07. *JB

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21.3%
ODI 10247654 · 7,000 mi

HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH MY VEHICLE, IN WHICH THE CAR ACCELERATED AND I CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE SENSOR IN FRONT OF THE CAR DIDN'T OPEN THE FRONT AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL. THANK GOD I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT, IT KEPT ME FROM CRASH HEAD ON THROUGH THE WIND SHIELD. I WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AND HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. WHEN I CALLED THE KIA DEALERSHIP ABOUT WHAT HAD HAPPEN TO THE CAR AND THE DEFECT OF THE AIRBAGS NOT OPENING UP, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER GOT VERY NASTY WITH ME, LIKE THEY DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBI…

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43.3%
ODI 10277305

ON OUR 2008 KIA SPECTRA THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MEANS THE BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2008. *TR

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43.5%
ODI 10300382

FRIDAY EVENING BEFORE LAST, MY DAUGHTER (17 YRS OLD AND A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL) WAS RIDING WITH HER FRIEND AND WAS HIT BY A CAR IN THE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER AREA. THE CAR MY DAUGHTER WAS RIDING IN, A 2009 KIA SPECTRA, WAS TOTALED. YET, DESPITE THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK. HENCE, MY DAUGHTER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES, HER NOSE WAS BROKE, SHE RECEIVED BLOOD IN THE VENTRICLES OF THE BRAIN AND SHE IS EXTREMELY SORE, TO SAY THE LEAST. FUNNY THING IS THAT…

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Power Train:Automatic Transmission
28.7%
ODI 10138590 · 52,670 mi

TRANSMISSION HOUSING EXPLODED,COMPANY REFUSES TO BACK WARRANTY. *NM

Look up ODI 10138590 at NHTSA ↗

37.5%
ODI 10025275 · 13,500 mi

TRANSMISSION MODULE ON ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING TRANSMISSION DAMAGE, LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED. SECOND TRANSMISSION BLEW A FRONT PUMP SEAL WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES WHILE ON OUR VACATION/HONEYMOON. THIRD TRANSMISSION REPLACED WHILE ON VACATION OUT OF STATE. CURRENT (THIRD) TRANSMISSION IS STILL SLIPPING. HAVE NOT SOUGHT OUT SERVICE FOR THIS FAILURE YET AS WE DO NOT TRUST THE DEALERSHIPS IN OUR AREA. WE HAVE WRITTEN KIA CERTIFIED MAIL OVER A MONTH AGO TO BE REIMBURSED FOR EXCESS EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO THESE MECHANICAL FA…

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88.7%
ODI 10029142 · 19,000 mi

TRANSMISSION: CAR WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD, ONLY REVERSE. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IT HAS BEEN IN FOR THIS COMPLAINT.*AK

Look up ODI 10029142 at NHTSA ↗

1213.3%
ODI 10012167

THE ENGINE MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NLM THE DOOR WAS MISALIGNED, REAR LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, SNOW HAD GOTTEN INTO THE REAR SEAT(S), THE VEHICLE LEAKED, SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE, CLICK NOISE IN THE WIPERS WHEN ON A LOW SPEED, PULLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE PER MECHANIC, AND PULLING WHEN SHIFTED. SCC

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1318.3%
ODI 10082086

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WILL NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHEN VEHICLE IS CHANGING GEARS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM

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32.9%
ODI 10153313

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2005 KIA SPECTRA WHICH HAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION--A FACT NOT DISCLOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP LAST WEEK REVEALED OTHER KIA SPECTRAS HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH HARD SHIFTING AND THAT KIA HAS THE MATTER "UNDER INVESTIGATION". I NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *NM

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11.0%
ODI 10713798

2006 KIA SPECTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION, STEERING AND VEHICLE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE SHIFTING PANEL NEEDED TO REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10713798 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.9%
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.5%
ODI 896643

VEHICLE HIT A DEER AND SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN CONSUMER. HIT HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD. SUFFERED BACK/ NECK AND KNEE INJURIES. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 8000. *AK

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33.3%
ODI 10058058 · 12 mi

WHILE DRIVING 30 TO 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, AND AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK SEAT BELT OVER THE LEFT SHOULDER RELEASED AND FAILED TO HOLD UP AS WELL. CONSUMER SUFFERED LARGE LACERATION ACROSS LEFT EYE. *LA

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66.7%
ODI 10012167

THE ENGINE MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NLM THE DOOR WAS MISALIGNED, REAR LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, SNOW HAD GOTTEN INTO THE REAR SEAT(S), THE VEHICLE LEAKED, SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE, CLICK NOISE IN THE WIPERS WHEN ON A LOW SPEED, PULLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE PER MECHANIC, AND PULLING WHEN SHIFTED. SCC

Look up ODI 10012167 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 10489492 · 140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED MONTHS LATER THE SEAT BELT SPRINGS FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT FAILURE MILEAGE 143,000.

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21.9%
ODI 10151619 · 10,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WERE IT WAS DEEMED TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

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22.0%
ODI 10474247 · 105,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 40 E APPROACHING EXIT 153 IN HEAVY RAINFALL. APPROXIMATELY 0.25 MILES FROM THE EXIT THE TRUCK ALREADY ON THE EXIT AHEAD OF ME BEGAN APPLYING ITS BRAKES. PRE-BRAKING MEASURES WERE TAKEN. THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND I COLLIDED WITH THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND FLEW FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD BEEN BRAKING THE ENTIRE TIME, BUT MY SEAT-BELT DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED BRUISING, SEVERE HEADACHES, AND MINOR CUTS AS A RESULT. INSURANCE DECLARED CAR AS TOTAL LOSS. *TR

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53.3%
ODI 10284460

THE FLOOR MAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY 2007 KIA SPECTRA WILL NOT REMAIN ANCHORED. ALTHOUGH I'M WRITING THIS COMPLAINT IN 2009, THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2007. I RECENTLY BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE DOOR LOCKS (WHICH LOCK ON THEIR OWN IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU UNLOCK THEM) AND I BROUGHT MAT ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHILE THERE. THEY PROCEEDED TO PUSH THE MAT BACK INTO THE ANCHOR (LIKE I HAVEN'T TRIED THAT HUNDREDS OF TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS?), BUT IT WAS OUT AGAIN WITHIN A …

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86.6%
ODI 10264069 · 10,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALER TESTED THE AIR BAG SENSOR BY PLACING A 200 LBS. MECHANIC IN THE SEAT. THE INDICATOR DIMMED; THEREFORE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS FINE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAILED WHEN THE CRASH OCCURRED. KIA REPLACED THE AIR BAG …

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97.9%
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

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Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.5%
ODI 10651640

CAR SMELLS HORRIBLY LIKE GAS FUMES WHEN TURNED ON, MORE SO IN THE COLDER TEMPERATURES. SO MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE, I'M SURPRISED KIA HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL. BREATHING GAS FUMES FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME CAN POSSIBLY CAUSE CANCER OR OTHER PROBLEMS...WOULD BE HORRIBLE IF KIA HAD A LAWSUIT ON THEIR HANDS FOR FAULTY EQUIPMENT CAUSING HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THEIR CAR OWNERS... *TR

Look up ODI 10651640 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

22.2%
ODI 10552421 · 70,000 mi

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 A GAS LEAK PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER CAR I OWNED. *TR

Look up ODI 10552421 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

32.9%
ODI 10557669 · 231,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE FUEL TANK STRAPS BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STRAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V256000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 231,000.

Look up ODI 10557669 at NHTSA ↗

77.0%
ODI 10704406 · 1 mi

I WAS APPROACHING GERMANTOWN AVENUE FROM MT. AIRY AVENUE WITH THE EXPECTATION OF MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ON TO GERMANTOWN AVENUE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. I GRIPPED THE WHEEL AND TRIED TO RECOVER CONTROL OF THE CAR AND WAS SUCCESSFUL WITHIN INCHES OF A VEHICLE TURNING ONTO MT. AIRY AVENUE. THE ACCELERATOR TOOK CONTROL OF MY CAR (AND ME).I RECOVERED CONTROL OF MY CAR. LATER IN THE DAY WHILE DRIVING THE SAME EVENT HAPPENED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FACT THAT I WAS NOT IN A "TURN MODE" *TR

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1711.2%
ODI 10493696 · 31,404 mi

THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS TANK ON MY AUNT'S 2007 KIA SPECTRA. AFTER FILLING THE TANK WITH FUEL, THE CAR STALLS AND CUTS OFF. SHE TOOK THE CAR TO KIA AND PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED. HOWEVER, IT HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES SINCE. SHE WAS TOLD TO BE SURE NOT TO TOP OFF THE FUEL. SHE HAS NEVER TOPPED OFF OR OVER FILLED. YET IT STILL HAPPENS. SHE HAS BEEN FORTUNATE TO THIS POINT BECAUSE IT HASN'T STALLED WHEN SHE'S BEEN ON A FREEWAY OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *TR

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10.8%
ODI 10650333 · 85,000 mi

MY VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG "OFF" ILLUMINATING WITH A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A HALF DOZEN OCCASIONS THAT I HAVE NOTICED AND GOES OFF WHEN THE PASSENGER ADJUSTS THEIR SITTING POSITION. THE VEHICLE SURGES INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STOPPED. ADDITIONALLY BRAKE PEDAL HAS STUCK ON A FEW OCCASIONS WHEN THE ENGINE IS COOL. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO CUT OUT ON OCCASION WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO RESTART, AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THESE ALL HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY W…

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43.5%
ODI 10670532 · 86,000 mi

ENGINE KEPT DYING ON ME AFTER I FILLED UP THE TANK. I HAVE HAD VEHICLE OR 3 YEARS NOW AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I DON'T TOP OFF THE TANK SO I DON'T KNOW HOW I COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I FIND IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THESE CONDITIONS STALLING OUT IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WITH NO WARNING NOT EVEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH 3 KIDS IN THE CAR AND GAS COMING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR ONTO THE GROUND. I TOOK IT TO KIA DEALER AND WAS TOLD I OVERFILLED THE TANK AND THAT WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER DAMAGE OF CHARCOAL FILTER AND ALL AIR AND CAB…

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Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

43.9%
ODI 10515719

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND EXHIBITED A KNOCKING SOUND PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR THAT CAUSED THE RADIATOR TO RUN DRY AND NOT SEND COOLANT TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR

Look up ODI 10515719 at NHTSA ↗

55.0%
ODI 10790347

FROM THE 2ND DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE 6/27/2015 WHEN I TURNED ON A/C THE CAR HAS BEEN HESITATING AND STALLING. EVERY TIME I STARTED AND STOPPED AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. AND EVEN IN TRAFFIC . MAKING THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE UNSAFE.AND SO IVE BEEN COMPLAINING EVER SINCE. THEY SAID IF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN I WONT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXPENSE. HOWEVER THE CHECK ENG. NEVER CAME ON.

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74.6%
ODI 10469564 · 112,000 mi

CAR TOOK ME OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STRAIGHT INTO A TREE DEAD CENTER ROUGHLY GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!!!! HIT MY HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. AND NOW TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF IT WAS THE DEALERSHIP SELLING DEFECTIVE CARS OR IF ITS KIA DEFECT. NOT UNDERSTANDING THIS WHOLE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY THING BECAUSE THE SAFETY GRAPH EXPLAINS 0-8 MPH AIRBAGS WILL NEVER GO OFF 8-14 MPH AIRBAGS ARE POSSIBLE BUT NOT LIKELY 14-ABOVE AIRBAGS SHOULD DEPLOY ALWAYS. *TR

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108.3%
ODI 10481543 · 4,200 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE OIL CHANGED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE MASS AIR SENSOR FLOW FILTER AND SPARK PLU…

Look up ODI 10481543 at NHTSA ↗

54.4%
ODI 10503234 · 78,000 mi

I WAS VISITING MY FIANCE IN UTAH WHEN A TAN CAR HIT MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT END. WE BOTH WERE PUT INTO A SPIN AND HE HIT ME A SECONDARY TIME. MY CAR HAS SINCE BEEN TOTALED OUT AND LABELED AS BEYOND SALVAGE. THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS MISSING AND THERE IS SEVER ENGINE DAMAGE. THE AUTO BODY SHOP AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID I NEEDED TO CONTACT KIA AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE AIRBAG FAILURE TO DEPLOY. KIA SAID MY CAR IS BUILT TO COLLAPSE A CERTAIN AMOUNT BEFORE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY. THEY ALSO SAID SINCE I WAS PUT INTO A SPIN MY CAR DID NOT DECELERATE …

Look up ODI 10503234 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags17,500–104,500 mi71,000 mi19
ODI 10123785 · 3,400 mi

I HAVE ADVANCED AIRBAGS IN MY CAR AND A LIGHT "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF " LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT LETS ME KNOW WHEN THE AIRBAG IS OFF. ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS THE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT HAS ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS STAYED ON FOR UP TO 10 MINUTES. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW AND I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT SEVERAL TIMES AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO DO IT. I'M WORRIED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THAT THE…

Look up ODI 10123785 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10141885 · 3,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2005 KIA SPECTRA EX ON JULY 11, 2005 AND HAVE ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH MY "ADVANCED" PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM. AS OTHER POSTERS HAVE STATED, THE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE DRIVING WHEN A PERSON OF PROPER STATURE IS IN THE SEAT AND STAYS OFF FOR VARYING AMOUNTS OF TIME. I LIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS THANKFULLY WE HAVE THE LEMON LAW HERE THAT ALLOWS YOU SOME PROTECTION FOR DEFECTS OF THIS NATURE. TOMORROW MY CAR GOES IN FOR THE FINAL REPAIR ATTEMPT AND IF IT IS NOT FIXED, IT WILL BE CLASSIFIED AS LEMON, ALLOWING ME A REFUND OR R…

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ODI 10151619 · 10,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WERE IT WAS DEEMED TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

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Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module286–22,791 mi4,550 mi8
ODI 10140297 · 200 mi

I BOUGHT A NEW 2005 KIA SPECTRA 5 (LESS THAN A MONTH AGO) WITH AIRBAG SENSORS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED LIGHT HAS COME ON AND STAYED ON WITH AN ADULT SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR REPAIRS. THE FIRST TIME, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG (AND THAT THE PERSON MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SITTING PROPERLY IN THE FRONT SEAT). THE SECOND TIME, AFTER STATING THAT I WAS NOT LEAVING UNTIL SOMETHING WAS DONE, THE SEAT WAS REMOVED AND SENT OUT FOR REPAIRS. WHEN I G…

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ODI 10141180 · 100 mi

I HAVE A 2005 KIA SPECTRA, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAS A FEATURE THAT MEASURES THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER AND TURNS ON OR OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG. TWICE NOW WITH A FULL SIZED ADULT SITTING CORRECTLY IN THE SEAT THE AIR BAG WOULD TURN OFF FOR NO REASON. BOTH TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OR IN CITY TRAFFIC...THE AIR BAG REMAINED OFF FOR AROUND 5-10 MIN WHEN IT JUST WOULD TURN BACK ON. THERE WAS NO CAUSE THAT WE COULD SEE FOR IT TO JUST TURN OFF AND ON. DURING THAT TIME, IF WE WOULD HAVE CRASHED THE AIR BAG …

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ODI 10144732 · 600 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD RED TURNED OFF REGARDLESS OF THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES. WHEN AT THE DEALER THE AIR BAG LIGHT RED CORRECTLY, THEREFORE NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK

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Vehicle Speed Control87,544–124,701 mi100,000 mi11
ODI 10161817 · 11,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE ODOMETER FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. AND IN SOME CASES, THE SPEEDOMETER INCREASED TO 110 MPH WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10161817 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10219990 · 63,609 mi

I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN MY TACHOMETER FOR NO EXPLAINABLE REASON SHOT UP OVER 7000 RPM'S CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE BEYOND THE BREAKING POINT AND CAUSING ME TO BE INVOLVED IN THREE SEPARATE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ALL WITHIN A TWO HOUR TIME PERIOD ON THE SAME DAY. TWO WEEKS EARLIER, MY CAR HAD DONE THE EXACT SAME THING SLOWING DOWN COMING AROUND A BEND CAUSING ME TO HIT A CEMENT BARRIER WHICH LUCKILY ONLY CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE TO MY DRIVER SIDE MIRROR AND WHEEL WELL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AFTER THE THREE CONSECUTIVE ACCID…

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ODI 10375016 · 186,558 mi

2005 KIA SPECTRA I WAS BRAKING AND THE CAR STARTED SPEEDING UP. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM GOING . *TR

Look up ODI 10375016 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System15,590–91,066 mi75,000 mi8
ODI 10148216 · 52 mi

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY MADE THE REPAIR WITHOUT DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 52 MILES. AT 14000 MILES THE FAILURE REPEATED AND THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON 1/19/06 THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *JB

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ODI 10184045 · 2,358 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVEN CAR SHUT OFF ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAR STARTED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE RIGHT HEAD LAMP KEPT BURNING, THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. ON 5/24/06 THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR WAS DONE TO IT. ON 08/15/06 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, HAD A STALLING PROBL…

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ODI 10458015 · 77,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE WERE PROVIDING INACCURATE LEVEL READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

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Steering12,826–70,050 mi45,000 mi7
ODI 10134061 · 1,651 mi

WE BOUGHT A KIA SPECTRA 5 ON 06/18/2005, A 2005 MODEL. ON 06/19/05 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT (WE WERE THE FIRST OWNERS, LESS THAN 100 MILES) OUR KIA DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CAR AFTER TWO WEEKS OF TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, ON 07/27/05, MY HUSBAND STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND TURNED RIGHT, THE CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE TURN (HUSBAND SAID NOTHING ON THE CAR WOULD WORK, STEERING FROZE AND BRAKES FAILED) HE THEN RAN UP ON A CURVE CAR SUSTAINED OVER 2800.00 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO UNDERCARRIAGE, WHEELS, DRIVE SHAFT ETC. HUSBAND SUFFERED BRUI…

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ODI 10173950 · 314 mi

VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 70 MILES BEFORE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED, 1400 MILES BEFORE I DETERMINED THE STALLING PROBLEM WAS NOT OPERATOR ERROR, AND ABOUT 90 DAYS BEFORE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND FINDING A SHAKE IN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE SELLING DEALER 20 TIMES WITH THE AIRBAG PROBLEM AND STEERING SHAKE UN-REPAIRED. SC0055 ON THE AIRBAG ISSUE, REPROGRAMMING THE SENSOR(S) AND REPLACING THE SEAT BOTTOM HAS NOT ELIMINATED THE PROBLEM OR FAILURES. 7 NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AND BALANCED, TO INCLUDE ROAD-FORCE BAL…

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ODI 10233653 · 45,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD OUR 2005 KIA SPECTRA STEERING LOCKED UP AS IF THE CAR WAS IN PARK. A KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN VICTORVILLE WAS UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG AND THEY RETURNED THE CAR TO US. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SAME EVENT HAPPENED AND THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR WAS IN PARK. THE CAR WAS UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY HOWEVER, THE SERVICE CENTER CLAIMED AN ADJUSTMENT WAS NEEDED WHICH WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND WE PAID $240 TO HAVE THE ADJUSTMENT MADE. YESTERDAY, THE STEERING LOCKED UP AGAIN A WI…

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Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range6,100 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10126542 · 1,700 mi

DT: CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO STEER THE CAR TO THE RIGHT IT CONTINUED TO GO TO THE LEFT. APPROXIMATELY FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO THIS THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WENT IN TO A GUARD RAIL ON SOUTHBOUND 14 FREEWAY IN PALMDALE, CA. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. ONLY THE PASSENGER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE REMAINED. . WHEN THE CAR HIT THE GUARD RAIL, IT WAS THROWN TO THE OTHER …

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ODI 10171586 · 10,500 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE THE PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER THE AIRBAG WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SEAT AND THE WIRING HARNESS. THE PASSENGER WEIGHED 177 LBS.

Look up ODI 10171586 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10189763 · 45 mi

I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JAN. 25, 2007 AND MY FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I NOW HAVE A SLIPPED DISK IN MY NECK DUE TO THE ACCIDENT. KIA REFUSED TO TELL ME WHY IT DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Look up ODI 10189763 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelToo few reports for a range66,740 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10184045 · 2,358 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVEN CAR SHUT OFF ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAR STARTED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE RIGHT HEAD LAMP KEPT BURNING, THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. ON 5/24/06 THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR WAS DONE TO IT. ON 08/15/06 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, HAD A STALLING PROBL…

Look up ODI 10184045 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10299085 · 48,480 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER REMAINED AT 0 NO MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW SHE DROVE. SHE HAS SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR 01/14/2010. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. SHE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,480.

Look up ODI 10299085 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10461962 · 100,000 mi

TURNED THE CAR ON, GOT ON THE HWY LOOKED AT THE SPEED AND IT WAS AT 0 MPH. DROVE FOR A WHILE IT PICKED UP TO 20 MPH. NOT SURE IF ITS WORKING RIGHT. I'VE GOTTEN A TICKET FOR SPEEDING HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SPEED I'M GOING IF ITS NOT WORKING. I ALSO HAVE A NEW BORN. I BELIEVE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *JB

Look up ODI 10461962 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range93,367 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10586688 · 93,367 mi

PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY TO CENTER LANE AND THEN MERGING WITH TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. RPMS WOULD FLARE, BUT CAR HAD NO POWER AS IF ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING FUEL. THIS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO STATED GAS HAD GOTTEN INTO AN EMISSIONS PART IN THE FUEL TAKE, STATING IT WAS CAUSED FROM OVER FILLING THE TANK. VEHICLE OWNER TOLD DEALER THAT THE TANK HAD NEVER BEEN OVER FILLED OR CAPPED OFF WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE, SO THE PART MUST BE DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE OWNER STILL HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE CANISTER C…

Look up ODI 10586688 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10630859 · 114,702 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR TOTAL RING HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,702.

Look up ODI 10630859 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10917679 · 80,000 mi

MY SON WAS IN A COLLISION, HE REAR ENDED SOMEONE, THE WHOLE DRIVERS SIDE IN TOTALLY CAVED IN AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

Look up ODI 10917679 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 231 reports

2008: 31 complaints · 2009: 21 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2008111831
200961421
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
200812100
200911301

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsAir Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control ModuleVehicle Speed ControlElectrical SystemSteeringAir Bags:FrontalElectrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelEngine
Air Bags—0
1
ODI 10659763 · 110,000 mi

WHILE STOPPED ON A SMALL HILL IN TRAFFIC, I WAS REARENDED BY A FORD TRUCK WHO WAS GOING ABOUT 35MPH. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR INJURIES TO MY KNEES AND MY NECK. I SEE THERE ARE MANY MANY MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. THERE DEFINITELY IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ORDERED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN DEATH. ALSO MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING MY SPEEDOMETER WILL GO TO ZERO WHILE DRIVING OR JUMP TO 100+, IN ADDITION THE RPM GAUGE WILL DO THE SAME. THIS TOO IS ALSO M…

Look up ODI 10659763 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10184045 · 2,358 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVEN CAR SHUT OFF ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAR STARTED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE RIGHT HEAD LAMP KEPT BURNING, THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. ON 5/24/06 THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR WAS DONE TO IT. ON 08/15/06 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, HAD A STALLING PROBL…

Look up ODI 10184045 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11120161

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BRAKES SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE'S DIRECTION AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS MADE AWARE OF TH…

Look up ODI 11120161 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10184045 · 2,358 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVEN CAR SHUT OFF ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAR STARTED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE RIGHT HEAD LAMP KEPT BURNING, THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. ON 5/24/06 THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR WAS DONE TO IT. ON 08/15/06 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, HAD A STALLING PROBL…

Look up ODI 10184045 at NHTSA ↗

0
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module0—00
1
ODI 10173950 · 314 mi

VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 70 MILES BEFORE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED, 1400 MILES BEFORE I DETERMINED THE STALLING PROBLEM WAS NOT OPERATOR ERROR, AND ABOUT 90 DAYS BEFORE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND FINDING A SHAKE IN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE SELLING DEALER 20 TIMES WITH THE AIRBAG PROBLEM AND STEERING SHAKE UN-REPAIRED. SC0055 ON THE AIRBAG ISSUE, REPROGRAMMING THE SENSOR(S) AND REPLACING THE SEAT BOTTOM HAS NOT ELIMINATED THE PROBLEM OR FAILURES. 7 NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AND BALANCED, TO INCLUDE ROAD-FORCE BAL…

Look up ODI 10173950 at NHTSA ↗

000
Vehicle Speed Control
1
ODI 10659763 · 110,000 mi

WHILE STOPPED ON A SMALL HILL IN TRAFFIC, I WAS REARENDED BY A FORD TRUCK WHO WAS GOING ABOUT 35MPH. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR INJURIES TO MY KNEES AND MY NECK. I SEE THERE ARE MANY MANY MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. THERE DEFINITELY IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ORDERED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN DEATH. ALSO MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING MY SPEEDOMETER WILL GO TO ZERO WHILE DRIVING OR JUMP TO 100+, IN ADDITION THE RPM GAUGE WILL DO THE SAME. THIS TOO IS ALSO M…

Look up ODI 10659763 at NHTSA ↗

0—
2
ODI 11151617 · 127,089 mi

SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER NOT WORKING WELL IT WORKS THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORNING WHEN I DRIVE AFTER I TURN CAR OFF AND GO TO DRIVE AGAIN IT WILL NOT WORK THE ENTIRE DAY. RECENTLY I HAVE MEET SOMEONE WITH EXACT MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE LITERALLY AS I DESCRIBED THE OTHER PERSON WHO I DID NOT TELL ABOUT THE PROBLEM WORD FOR WORD DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO WHEN SPEEDOMETER ISN'T WORKING THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO WILL NITWORK. I HAVE REPLACED INPUT AND OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR , WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THE SPEED SENSOR WHICH WIRES BACK…

Look up ODI 11151617 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11319671 · 88,088 mi

VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER RANDOMLY QUITS. ALSO DASH LIGHTS ON BINACLE. THEN WILL COME BACK ON AFTER A DAY OR SO, HAVE REPLACE WITH GENUINE KIA OEM PARTS BUT STILL HAPPENS. ALSO LOOKED ON FORUMS ONLINE AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE.

Look up ODI 11319671 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10461962 · 100,000 mi

TURNED THE CAR ON, GOT ON THE HWY LOOKED AT THE SPEED AND IT WAS AT 0 MPH. DROVE FOR A WHILE IT PICKED UP TO 20 MPH. NOT SURE IF ITS WORKING RIGHT. I'VE GOTTEN A TICKET FOR SPEEDING HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SPEED I'M GOING IF ITS NOT WORKING. I ALSO HAVE A NEW BORN. I BELIEVE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *JB

Look up ODI 10461962 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10586688 · 93,367 mi

PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY TO CENTER LANE AND THEN MERGING WITH TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. RPMS WOULD FLARE, BUT CAR HAD NO POWER AS IF ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING FUEL. THIS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO STATED GAS HAD GOTTEN INTO AN EMISSIONS PART IN THE FUEL TAKE, STATING IT WAS CAUSED FROM OVER FILLING THE TANK. VEHICLE OWNER TOLD DEALER THAT THE TANK HAD NEVER BEEN OVER FILLED OR CAPPED OFF WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE, SO THE PART MUST BE DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE OWNER STILL HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE CANISTER C…

Look up ODI 10586688 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
1
ODI 10184045 · 2,358 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVEN CAR SHUT OFF ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAR STARTED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE RIGHT HEAD LAMP KEPT BURNING, THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. ON 5/24/06 THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR WAS DONE TO IT. ON 08/15/06 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, HAD A STALLING PROBL…

Look up ODI 10184045 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 11151617 · 127,089 mi

SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER NOT WORKING WELL IT WORKS THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORNING WHEN I DRIVE AFTER I TURN CAR OFF AND GO TO DRIVE AGAIN IT WILL NOT WORK THE ENTIRE DAY. RECENTLY I HAVE MEET SOMEONE WITH EXACT MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE LITERALLY AS I DESCRIBED THE OTHER PERSON WHO I DID NOT TELL ABOUT THE PROBLEM WORD FOR WORD DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO WHEN SPEEDOMETER ISN'T WORKING THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO WILL NITWORK. I HAVE REPLACED INPUT AND OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR , WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THE SPEED SENSOR WHICH WIRES BACK…

Look up ODI 11151617 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11319671 · 88,088 mi

VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER RANDOMLY QUITS. ALSO DASH LIGHTS ON BINACLE. THEN WILL COME BACK ON AFTER A DAY OR SO, HAVE REPLACE WITH GENUINE KIA OEM PARTS BUT STILL HAPPENS. ALSO LOOKED ON FORUMS ONLINE AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE.

Look up ODI 11319671 at NHTSA ↗

—00
1
ODI 10184045 · 2,358 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVEN CAR SHUT OFF ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAR STARTED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE RIGHT HEAD LAMP KEPT BURNING, THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. ON 5/24/06 THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR WAS DONE TO IT. ON 08/15/06 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, HAD A STALLING PROBL…

Look up ODI 10184045 at NHTSA ↗

0
Steering
1
ODI 11120161

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BRAKES SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE'S DIRECTION AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS MADE AWARE OF TH…

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1
ODI 10173950 · 314 mi

VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 70 MILES BEFORE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED, 1400 MILES BEFORE I DETERMINED THE STALLING PROBLEM WAS NOT OPERATOR ERROR, AND ABOUT 90 DAYS BEFORE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND FINDING A SHAKE IN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE SELLING DEALER 20 TIMES WITH THE AIRBAG PROBLEM AND STEERING SHAKE UN-REPAIRED. SC0055 ON THE AIRBAG ISSUE, REPROGRAMMING THE SENSOR(S) AND REPLACING THE SEAT BOTTOM HAS NOT ELIMINATED THE PROBLEM OR FAILURES. 7 NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AND BALANCED, TO INCLUDE ROAD-FORCE BAL…

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00—000
Air Bags:Frontal00000—00
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
1
ODI 10184045 · 2,358 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVEN CAR SHUT OFF ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAR STARTED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE RIGHT HEAD LAMP KEPT BURNING, THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. ON 5/24/06 THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR WAS DONE TO IT. ON 08/15/06 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, HAD A STALLING PROBL…

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0
1
ODI 10461962 · 100,000 mi

TURNED THE CAR ON, GOT ON THE HWY LOOKED AT THE SPEED AND IT WAS AT 0 MPH. DROVE FOR A WHILE IT PICKED UP TO 20 MPH. NOT SURE IF ITS WORKING RIGHT. I'VE GOTTEN A TICKET FOR SPEEDING HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SPEED I'M GOING IF ITS NOT WORKING. I ALSO HAVE A NEW BORN. I BELIEVE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *JB

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1
ODI 10184045 · 2,358 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, STALLING, AIR BAG LIGHT AND EVEN CAR SHUT OFF ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS THE CAR STARTED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; THE RIGHT HEAD LAMP KEPT BURNING, THE CAR WAS AT THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. ON 5/24/06 THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT, THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR WAS DONE TO IT. ON 08/15/06 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, HAD A STALLING PROBL…

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00—0
Engine00
1
ODI 10586688 · 93,367 mi

PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY TO CENTER LANE AND THEN MERGING WITH TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. RPMS WOULD FLARE, BUT CAR HAD NO POWER AS IF ENGINE WAS NOT GETTING FUEL. THIS WOULD HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO STATED GAS HAD GOTTEN INTO AN EMISSIONS PART IN THE FUEL TAKE, STATING IT WAS CAUSED FROM OVER FILLING THE TANK. VEHICLE OWNER TOLD DEALER THAT THE TANK HAD NEVER BEEN OVER FILLED OR CAPPED OFF WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE, SO THE PART MUST BE DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE OWNER STILL HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE CANISTER C…

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0000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

7 mentions · 6.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 50,500 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10146836 · 1,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY KIA SPECTRA ON 8/26/05 AND BY THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER THERE WAS A GRINDING, RUBBING NOISE THAT COULD BE HEARD IN THE STEERING, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. SHORTLY AFTER THIS NOISE STARTED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON. I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT, JEFFREY KIA IN ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN. INITIALLY FOR THE FIRST WEEK TO WEEK AND A HALF THEY WOULD NOT RESPOND TO EMAILS OR PHONE MESSAGES. WHEN I FINAL…

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ODI 10148216 · 52 mi

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY MADE THE REPAIR WITHOUT DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 52 MILES. AT 14000 MILES THE FAILURE REPEATED AND THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON 1/19/06 THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *JB

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ODI 10173771 · 21,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER THREE TIMES BUT THE SERVICE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE.

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

5 mentions · 4.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 63,000 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10134061 · 1,651 mi

WE BOUGHT A KIA SPECTRA 5 ON 06/18/2005, A 2005 MODEL. ON 06/19/05 THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT (WE WERE THE FIRST OWNERS, LESS THAN 100 MILES) OUR KIA DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CAR AFTER TWO WEEKS OF TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, ON 07/27/05, MY HUSBAND STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND TURNED RIGHT, THE CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE TURN (HUSBAND SAID NOTHING ON THE CAR WOULD WORK, STEERING FROZE AND BRAKES FAILED) HE THEN RAN UP ON A CURVE CAR SUSTAINED OVER 2800.00 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO UNDERCARRIAGE, WHEELS, DRIVE SHAFT ETC. HUSBAND SUFFERED BRUI…

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ODI 10181168

VEHICLE: 2005 KIA SPECTRA 5 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN COMING TO A STOP (WITH FOOT OFF OF GAS PEDAL BUT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL), ENGINE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I NOTICED THIS HAPPENED. I QUICKLY PUSHED DOWN STRONGLY ON THE BRAKE AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE ENGINE DECELERATED ON IT'S OWN WITHIN ABOUT 5-10 SECS. *NM

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ODI 10336442 · 41,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN OCTOBER 2008, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE TOO CLOSE AND ALMOST CAUSED HIM TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 41,000. UPDATED 08/04/10 *BF THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DES…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 4.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 2,358 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10148216 · 52 mi

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY MADE THE REPAIR WITHOUT DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 52 MILES. AT 14000 MILES THE FAILURE REPEATED AND THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON 1/19/06 THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *JB

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ODI 10161783 · 28,760 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS , THE ENGINE HESITATED BUT DID NOT STALL. ALSO THE ENGINE RPM RAPIDLY INCREASED, WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON CITY ROADS OR STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM

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ODI 10173950 · 314 mi

VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 70 MILES BEFORE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED, 1400 MILES BEFORE I DETERMINED THE STALLING PROBLEM WAS NOT OPERATOR ERROR, AND ABOUT 90 DAYS BEFORE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND FINDING A SHAKE IN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE SELLING DEALER 20 TIMES WITH THE AIRBAG PROBLEM AND STEERING SHAKE UN-REPAIRED. SC0055 ON THE AIRBAG ISSUE, REPROGRAMMING THE SENSOR(S) AND REPLACING THE SEAT BOTTOM HAS NOT ELIMINATED THE PROBLEM OR FAILURES. 7 NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AND BALANCED, TO INCLUDE ROAD-FORCE BAL…

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,267 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10233653 · 45,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD OUR 2005 KIA SPECTRA STEERING LOCKED UP AS IF THE CAR WAS IN PARK. A KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN VICTORVILLE WAS UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG AND THEY RETURNED THE CAR TO US. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SAME EVENT HAPPENED AND THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR WAS IN PARK. THE CAR WAS UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY HOWEVER, THE SERVICE CENTER CLAIMED AN ADJUSTMENT WAS NEEDED WHICH WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND WE PAID $240 TO HAVE THE ADJUSTMENT MADE. YESTERDAY, THE STEERING LOCKED UP AGAIN A WI…

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ODI 10269635 · 63,533 mi

I OWN A 2005 KIA SPECTRA AND WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE IS SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE. MY PASSENGER AND I WERE BOTH WEARING OUR SEATBELTS AND ONLY HAD MINOR INJURIES BUT I'M VERY SURPRISED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS DRIVING SOUTH AND A CAR IN THE NORTHBOUND LEFT TURN LANE TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT HER. THE MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE IS ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE> THE HOOD CRUMPLED, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND RADIATOR ARE CRACKED, THERE IS WHEEL AND AXLE DAMAGE AND THE ENGINE WON'T START. *TR

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 63,533 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10269635 · 63,533 mi

I OWN A 2005 KIA SPECTRA AND WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE IS SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE. MY PASSENGER AND I WERE BOTH WEARING OUR SEATBELTS AND ONLY HAD MINOR INJURIES BUT I'M VERY SURPRISED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS DRIVING SOUTH AND A CAR IN THE NORTHBOUND LEFT TURN LANE TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT HER. THE MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE IS ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE> THE HOOD CRUMPLED, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND RADIATOR ARE CRACKED, THERE IS WHEEL AND AXLE DAMAGE AND THE ENGINE WON'T START. *TR

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10153313

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2005 KIA SPECTRA WHICH HAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION--A FACT NOT DISCLOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP LAST WEEK REVEALED OTHER KIA SPECTRAS HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH HARD SHIFTING AND THAT KIA HAS THE MATTER "UNDER INVESTIGATION". I NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *NM

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b