Most common 2005 Kia Spectra problems
Share of the 103 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Spectra complaints by model year
Best Spectra years: 2000, 2001, 2004. Years to avoid: 2007. Compare all years →
2005 Kia Spectra recalls (2)
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.
What 2005 Kia Spectra owners say
Air bags all 43 →
Another car cut in front of me causing the accident. I was driving, my husband was in the passenger seat. At the time of impact, the passenger side airbag deployed as it should with no problem but mine didn't. There was approximately 3-5 seconds late, then exploded sending hot shrapnel that injured me in several places on my face, chest, shoulders, stomach and arms causing cuts, burns, scrapes and bruises that my husband took pictures of after the accident. It was extremely tramatic & painful. I am still not completely healed.
Vehicle rear ended another vehicle. Airbags didn't deploy as they should have. My son received a concussion as a result (he was wearing his seatbelt). Kia has indicated that airbags would not deploy. Please help.
Speed control & acceleration
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 mentioned many times clearly there is some manufacturer defect. I am the only owner of the vehicle.
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 up to instrument cluster and nothing has fixed the issue.
Electrical system
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 up to instrument cluster and nothing has fixed the issue.
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.
2005 Kia Spectra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Kia Spectra a good car?
Based on 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Spectra rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Spectra at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Kia Spectra?
The air bags — 43 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal › sensor/control module. Next are the speed control & acceleration (12) and electrical system (11).
How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Spectra have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2005 Kia Spectra, the most recent from April 25, 2011 (mounting). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Spectra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 2001 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007. See the full Kia Spectra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Kia Spectra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.