FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
2004 Kia Spectra
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 71 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Kia Spectra, most frequently naming the airbags, transmission and driver assistance categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 27 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2004 | 1 | 1 |
| Aug 2004 | 2 | 3 |
| Sep 2004 | 6 | 9 |
| Oct 2004 | 2 | 11 |
| Nov 2004 | 4 | 15 |
| Jan 2005 | 2 | 17 |
| Feb 2005 | 1 | 18 |
| Mar 2005 | 2 | 20 |
| Apr 2005 | 1 | 21 |
| May 2005 | 1 | 22 |
| Jun 2005 | 1 | 23 |
| Jul 2005 | 2 | 25 |
| Sep 2005 | 1 | 26 |
| Oct 2005 | 4 | 30 |
| Dec 2005 | 1 | 31 |
| Feb 2006 | 2 | 33 |
| Apr 2006 | 2 | 35 |
| Jun 2006 | 1 | 36 |
| Oct 2006 | 1 | 37 |
| Feb 2007 | 1 | 38 |
| Aug 2007 | 1 | 39 |
| Oct 2007 | 1 | 40 |
| Jan 2008 | 1 | 41 |
| Mar 2008 | 2 | 43 |
| Apr 2008 | 2 | 45 |
| May 2008 | 1 | 46 |
| Jul 2008 | 2 | 48 |
| Oct 2008 | 1 | 49 |
| Nov 2008 | 1 | 50 |
| Dec 2008 | 1 | 51 |
| Jan 2009 | 1 | 52 |
| Jul 2009 | 1 | 53 |
| Sep 2009 | 1 | 54 |
| Nov 2009 | 1 | 55 |
| Apr 2010 | 1 | 56 |
| Jun 2010 | 1 | 57 |
| Aug 2010 | 1 | 58 |
| Apr 2011 | 1 | 59 |
| Aug 2011 | 2 | 61 |
| Dec 2011 | 1 | 62 |
| Jan 2012 | 1 | 63 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 64 |
| Dec 2012 | 1 | 65 |
| Dec 2014 | 1 | 66 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 67 |
| Jan 2016 | 1 | 68 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 70 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 71 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags2628.9%
- Transmission1415.6%
- Driver assistance910.0%
- Electrical77.8%
- Engine77.8%
- Seat belts55.6%
- Suspension44.4%
- Fuel system33.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the cruise control feature was not operating properly. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving and approaching a traffic light, when depressing on the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated independently to 80 mph. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to stop the vehicle by using the emergency brakes and parked on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, they noticed the cruise cable was not in place was separate from the box. The contact also stated she saw the area was black/burned. The contact called local dealer and them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11458700
- Incident
- Mar 24, 2022
- Mileage
- 121,000 mi
ELECTRICAL - SPEEDOMETER / ODOMETER - FUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO POSSIBLE SHORT IN WIRING
- NHTSA ID
- 11016112
- Incident
- Jun 7, 2016
- Mileage
- 193,946 mi
TAMARA RECALL; THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT ABOUT TEN CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I SEEN EVERYONE START HITTING THERE BRAKES SO I STARTED APPLYING MINE. THEN I REALIZED EVERYONE HAD COME TO A STOP SO I APPLIED ON MY BRAKES EVEN HARDER AND THEY LOCKED UP AND I SLID ABOUT 15 FT. AND HIT A TRUCK IN THE REAR END STILL GOING ABOUT 35 MPH. IT SHOVED THE FRONT END OF MY CAR BACK QUITE A BIT BUT YET MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.
- NHTSA ID
- 11013077
- Incident
- Aug 5, 2017
- Mileage
- 1,983,297 mi
METAL AROUND WHEEL WELLS ROTTING OUT.
- NHTSA ID
- 10822975
- Incident
- Sep 25, 2014
- Mileage
- 70,000 mi
FRONT END COLLISION GOING AROUND 30MPH AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. CAR IS TOTALED. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10700777
- Incident
- Mar 19, 2015
- Mileage
- 130,000 mi
AFTER PARKING MY CAR I COULD NOT OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE (LEFT FRONT) DOOR. THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE NO LONGER OPENS THE DOOR. I NOW HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR USING THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IN AN EMERGENCY I COULD BECOME TRAPPED INSIDE. THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS WON'T WORK UNLESS THE CAR IS RUNNING OR THE KEY IS IN THE "ON" POSITION. ALSO IT HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH A STICK SHIFT SO TRYING TO EXIT THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE REALLY IS NOT AN OPTION. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10667005
- Incident
- Dec 3, 2014
- Mileage
- 56,150 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.
- NHTSA ID
- 10489492
- Incident
- Nov 7, 2012
- Mileage
- 140,000 mi
I WENT INTO KROGER'S AND PICKED UP A FEW ITEMS. WHEN I WAS DONE, I LEFT THE STORE AND GOT BACK INTO MY CAR TO FINISH RUNNING SOME ERRANDS. I STARTED MY KIA- SPECTRA AND SHE PURRED LIKE A KITTEN- AS USUAL. I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE BUT MY KIA WOULD MOVE. I WAS PRESSING THE PEDDLE AND MY CAR DID NOT MOVE. I COULD HEAR THE CAR REVVING UP BUT I WASN'T MOVING. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT- I HAD MY KIA TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULD COST ME BETWEEN $2200-3600. I WAS DEVASTATED AND SHOCKED. MY KIA WAS WORKING JUST FINE. I NEVER HAD ANY INDICATORS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. NONE OF MY DASHBOARD INDICATOR LIGHTS FLASH OR LIGHT UP. MY CAR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS BECAUSE I COULD NOT AFFORD TO COVER THE REPAIRS. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE 4 YEARS AGO AND HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FOR ALL THE REGULAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TO MAINTAIN A WELL-FUNCTIONING VEHICLE. I WAS LAID OFF FROM MY JOB OVER 5 YEARS AGO. I PAID $8,700 FOR MY KIA USING MONIES FROM MY PROPHET SHARING TO CUT DOWN ON LIVING EXPENSES SO THAT I COULD STAY ON TOP OF THINGS BETWEEN JOBS. I WAS ASSURED BY THE DEALER THAT MY VEHICLE WAS CERTIFIED AND WOULD REMAIN IN GREAT CONDITION IF I KEPT UP WITH THE NECESSARY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. I DID EVERYTHING I WAS SUPPOSE TO AND MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER IN SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO FOR SERVICE, ADVISED ME TO CONTACT YOUR ORGANIZATION AND REPORT MY ISSUES CONCERNING MY VEHICLE. MY CAR SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL LIST BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE IS PRONE TO DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS. I AM ON A FIXED INCOME AND I NEED MY CAR REPAIR. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN GET MY CAR REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10466757
- Incident
- May 10, 2012
- Mileage
- 100,932 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING; STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
EQUIPMENT
OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2004-2009 KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.