Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 114 | 1.3× | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2008 | 121 | 1.3× | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2007 | 152 | 1.7× | 1 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2006 | 100 | typical | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2005 | 103 | typical | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2004 | 71 | −18% | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2003 | 90 | typical | — | Brake | Average |
| 2002 | 92 | typical | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2001 | 40 | −56% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2000 | 23 | −70% | — | Airbag | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Spectra year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Spectra problems
Latest Kia Spectra recalls
Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
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,…
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.
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
On certain passenger vehicles, the steering tie rods May have a manufacturing flaw that affects the metallurgy.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Spectra should you avoid?
2007 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Spectra years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2007.
What is the best year for the Kia Spectra?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other Spectra years at the same age, followed by 2001 and 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Spectra problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (359), brakes (88) and engine & cooling (86). Airbag complaints peak in the 2009 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Spectra had?
2 recalls across 2000–2009. The model year with the most is 2005.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.