Most common 2007 Kia Spectra problems
Share of the 152 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 →
2007 Kia Spectra recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2007 Kia Spectra:
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 embedded in the front passenger seat cushion and is intended to detect child seats and small statured occupants who could…
What 2007 Kia Spectra owners say
Air bags all 56 →
I first noticed my air bag light (the one by the clock) coming on and off when my granddaughters weight went from under weight to appropriate weight to ride in the front seat. It would come on and off as she would adjust herself or move around in the seat. Sometimes it would stay on or sometimes it would stay off. When that light stopped coming on and off the one in the dash console where the speedometer is, that light has been coming on and staying on warning there's a problem with the airbag according to the manual. I entered my VIN number because I know Kia has had problems with some of there airbags but my VIN number was not listed. I did go by an auto parts house to make sure that was indeed the airbag warning light and I was told that the airbag may or maynot go off in a cash or it could go off at anytime. …
I no longer have the car, so I cannot provide the VIN number at this time. (I can get it, with some work involved). I have pictures of the car after the crash. I live in rural iowa. Deer start their rut in October. I swerved to miss a deer, on a two lane road. Went down a 40 foot ditch, nose first. Because the bottom of the ditch was a gully, the front of the roof, the hood, the front lights, etc. Were all destroyed. Not one of their airbags deployed. They are not a part of the news round of airbags, but I want this on record. Again, I can supply pictures, and it will be obvious that at least one of the 8 airbags should have deployed. Please, look into the 2007 Kia Spectra's air bags. Look to see if others have had the same problem. I would appreciate it very much. …
Fuel & propulsion system all 34 →
I purchased my 2007 Spectra5 used with 155,000 miles on it. The engine had no codes or any stored codes. It ran fine until I filled it up with gas. I DO NOT overfill the tank because I understand EVAP issues. After filling up the vehicle would stall at idle and occasionally lose power (momentarily) at highway speeds (55 mph and up). Obviously this is an extremely dangerous situation! Once the gas level got below 1/2 tank the issues went away...but now I ONLY fill the tank to halfway and the problems arise again every so often. Since there are no codes present I cannot replicate the issue without possibly damaging components further and I already replaced the battery, plugs, IAC valve, MAF sensor, and oil to try to remedy this problem. …
The Kia Spectra 2007 engine stalls after refilling. I did not 'top it off' at the gas station, it was simply filled up by the clicking of the fuel pump. The car stalled three times (all engine lights, brake lights suddenly turned on), wheel had weak control in the middle of the road, driving home (roughly 3 mile range). Fortunately, I was at the light every time (with people behind me). If I had been driving 60 miles per hour, I probably would've died, unaware of loss of vehicle control. I turned on my vehicle warning light immediately, and the cars behind me were able to get around me. I just took some time to research this, and apparently it's happening to a bunch of other people as well. Here's a youtube video documenting what happens, you basically lose control of your vehicle. …
Electrical system
Doors LOCK and UNLOCK on their own. I have been locked out numerous times, some with the engine still running.I brought car to Kia numerous times, and was told there was nothing that could be done, it was a manufacturing defect. I feel this could prevent a very serious problem , both in a collision, or if a child were to be locked in the car. At times the car locks by itself so quickly, I cannot even turn the key fast enough to open the door. I have owned this car since 2009, and it has happened at least 50 or more times.
I was driving on the interstate about 65 MPH. All of sudden, the car lost all forward motion power. When I pressed the gas, the rpms increased, but the car did not get any power. The engine continued to run without problem. After stopping on the shoulder, I put the car in park and turned off the engine. After starting again, I put the car in drive, the forward power was working again and the car shifted fine. Transmission fluid was changed at 110,000 miles. Suspecting transmission, I took to a transmission specialist. I was given the following information: error code p0750 shift solenoid; error code p0755 shift solenoid b; error code p0760 shift solenoid c; error code p0765 shift solenoid d. Was given price quote to fix, but encouraged to contact Kia dealership about problem as they had seen this before on other similar Kia spectras. Called dealership to inform them of problem. …
2007 Kia Spectra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Kia Spectra a good car?
Based on 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 Spectra rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Spectra at the same age. It is one of the Spectra years we suggest avoiding. 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 2007 Kia Spectra?
The air bags — 56 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (34) and electrical system (16).
How many recalls does the 2007 Kia Spectra have?
There is 1 recall for the 2007 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 2007 Kia Spectra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 39% 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.