NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia Spectra
Data refreshed May 30, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Spectra.
Complaints
912
Active records
Recalls
3
Active records
TSBs
56
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
6
Injuries
158
Crashes
186
Fires
19
Top reported issues — Kia Spectra
Click a category to expand its values.
Safety restraint issue
Reporting mechanism
Operating state
Condition issue
Safety restraint behavior
Engine behavior
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Access/entry issue
Braking behavior
Performance issue
Noise
Fluid issue
Lighting behavior
Thermal issue
Recent change
Electrical issue
Vibration/harshness
Steering behavior
Driver assistance issue
HVAC behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Starting behavior
Smell
Powering on/off behavior
Infotainment behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2008 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Jul 15, 2024
After starting car, for first 15-20 mins, all normal. After speedometer go erratic (showing slower than actual speed - or - higher than actual speed) and soon after it just stops working. No check engine light. Dangerous to drive without knowing actual speed. Have to use mobile phone app like Waze or something which shows apx speed. Upon internet search, I found there are many Kia spectra Ex (from 05-09 models) reported similar issues. This situation is dangerous as driver may be…
2008 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Jan 30, 2024
I have tires sized 195/60r15. I was having problems with shaking at a certain speed. my mechanic checked all the options that could have been mechanical and directed me to a tire shop. I brought the car in for them to check for balance. rims, etc. During the inspection, they discovered that both rear tires, driver and passenger side were separating. I had never had problems with tires until I purchased these. The third attached photo was after I first purchased the tires. The piece was shaved…
2007 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Jan 22, 2024
Passenger Air bag sensor light has come on and stayed on. Took to AutoZone and have them put it on the code reader and said it was something faulty in the sensor mat under the seat.
2009 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Nov 20, 2023
I am having a problem with my hazard turning signal lights it won't turn on.
2008 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Nov 19, 2023
195/60/15 I purchased four new tires From Prospect Tire and Wheels on September 23, 2022, with an alignment. In August of this year, 2023, I returned because of an issue with one of the tires, and the alignment. They told me after replacing the most serious issue that all four tires had bubbles. They weren't willing to do anything except to rotate the bad tires to the rear of the car and sell me one other that absolutely had to be replaced. They offered me the contact information…
2006 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Sep 29, 2023
My car just stop on me. I think my engine is not working 😕 had to called a tow truck to take me home and car.
2007 KIA SPECTRA
Filed May 11, 2023
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…
2006 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that three of her interior door handles had become defective and the doors could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door and the front driver’s and passenger’s side door handles were defective. The contact called the local dealer and scheduled an appointment to have the door handles repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure…
2007 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Sep 22, 2022
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…
2006 KIA SPECTRA
Filed Aug 1, 2022
While driving at freeway speeds vehicle suddenly slams down a gear or two causing moderate whiplash,and scaring the living crap out of myself and any passengers, upon having vehicle inspected by an ase certified repair technician he confirmed my complaint and stated that car seemed to be going into either second or third gear causing the vehicle to jerk and slow rapidly accompanied by loud bang or clunk noise and making me loose control of vehicle problem only occurs once vehicle is warmed up…