FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
2005 Kia Spectra
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 103 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Kia Spectra, most frequently naming the airbags, driver assistance and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 23 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2006 | 1 | 14 |
| Mar 2006 | 3 | 17 |
| Apr 2006 | 1 | 18 |
| May 2006 | 4 | 22 |
| Jul 2006 | 2 | 24 |
| Oct 2006 | 2 | 26 |
| Nov 2006 | 4 | 30 |
| Dec 2006 | 1 | 31 |
| Jan 2007 | 2 | 33 |
| Mar 2007 | 1 | 34 |
| May 2007 | 1 | 35 |
| Jun 2007 | 1 | 36 |
| Nov 2007 | 1 | 37 |
| Mar 2008 | 2 | 39 |
| Jul 2008 | 2 | 41 |
| Aug 2008 | 1 | 42 |
| Jan 2009 | 1 | 43 |
| May 2009 | 3 | 46 |
| Jun 2009 | 1 | 47 |
| Aug 2009 | 1 | 48 |
| Jan 2010 | 2 | 50 |
| Jun 2010 | 2 | 52 |
| Jul 2010 | 2 | 54 |
| Sep 2010 | 1 | 55 |
| Jan 2011 | 2 | 57 |
| Apr 2011 | 1 | 58 |
| May 2011 | 3 | 61 |
| Jun 2011 | 1 | 62 |
| Aug 2011 | 2 | 64 |
| Sep 2011 | 1 | 65 |
| Feb 2012 | 1 | 66 |
| Apr 2012 | 1 | 67 |
| May 2012 | 2 | 69 |
| Jun 2012 | 2 | 71 |
| Aug 2012 | 1 | 72 |
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 73 |
| Feb 2013 | 1 | 74 |
| May 2013 | 1 | 75 |
| Jun 2013 | 1 | 76 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 77 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 78 |
| May 2014 | 3 | 81 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 82 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 83 |
| Mar 2015 | 2 | 85 |
| Apr 2015 | 1 | 86 |
| Jun 2015 | 2 | 88 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 89 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 90 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 91 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 92 |
| Nov 2016 | 2 | 94 |
| Nov 2017 | 2 | 96 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 97 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 98 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 99 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 100 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 101 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 102 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 103 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags4334.1%
- Driver assistance129.5%
- Electrical118.7%
- Steering107.9%
- Brakes107.9%
- Transmission64.8%
- Body & structure64.8%
- Engine54.0%
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
2 campaigns 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.govSTEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ACTIVATED. CAR HAS NOT SUSTAINED DAMAGE. SEAT OR SENSOR MALFUNCTION MAY CAUSE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY IN CRASH.
- NHTSA ID
- 11376926
- Incident
- Nov 27, 2020
- Mileage
- 128,636 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11319671
- Incident
- Mar 28, 2020
- Mileage
- 88,088 mi
BAD SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL AND SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT END. ONLY WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
- NHTSA ID
- 11282377
- Incident
- Oct 1, 2019
- Mileage
- 160,000 mi
UPON PURCHASE, BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN 2005, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD WAS ALWAYS COMING ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING EVEN IF A PERSON WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR NOT. I NEVER REALLY UNDERSTOOD EXACTLY WHY OR HAD MONEY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT PROBLEM. WHEN I WOULD TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC, THEY WOULD ALWAYS SAY IT LOOKED NORMAL. WHEN I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS ISSUE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH NEEDING A NEW SEAT. I HAVE HAD MY KIA SPECTRA EX FOR SOME TIME NOW, SO I HAD TO HAVE THEM SALVAGE THE SEAT FROM A SALVAGE YARD. LUCKILY, THEY WERE ABLE TO LOCATE AN OLD SEAT IN A WRECKED KIA AND IT LOOKS NICE IN MY CAR, AND THIS LIGHT SO FAR HAS NOT COME BACK ON. THE TOTAL COST WAS AROUND $2,000 AND IT WAS SAD TO PUT OUT THE CASH BECAUSE I'M A STUDENT. AFTER SEARCHING, I NOTICED ON OTHER SITES THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11185578
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2016
- Mileage
- 100 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11151617
- Incident
- Jul 20, 2018
- Mileage
- 127,089 mi
MY PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR HAS GONE BAD AND KIA IS REFUSING TO REPLACE THE SENSOR MAT FOR 2005 KIA SPECTRAS, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE AGREED TO REPLACE THE MAT FOR THE SAME MODEL CAR FROM 2007 TO 2009 SEE THE NHTSA PDF ABOUT THE 2007 MODEL YEAR RECALL: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/INV/2015/INOT-PE15031-63613.PDF PLEASE SPEAK WITH KIA. THIS RECALL AGREEMENT SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO 2005 MODEL SPECTRAS. THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPLACE THE SENSOR MAT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11131858
- Incident
- Sep 26, 2018
- Mileage
- 105,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BRAKES SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE'S DIRECTION AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED ONE STEERING RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V183000 (STEERING) AND ONE TSB FOR THE AIR BAGS, BUT THERE WERE NO BRAKE OR AIR BAG RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11120161
- Incident
- Jul 31, 2018
TAKATA RECALL CONTACTED LOCAL KIA AND REFERRED TO NATIONAL PHONE 1-800-333-4542 WHERE A REPRESENTATIVE (JESSICA) STATED THAT KIA DOES NOT USE TAKATA AIRBAGS ON ANY OF THEIR VEHICLES; THEREFORE, NO NEED TO REPLACE. END OF CONVERSATION.
- NHTSA ID
- 11048657
- Incident
- Nov 27, 2017
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
"TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC122) - TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, KIA IS LAUNCHING THIS BULLETIN TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO VARIOUS VEHICLE UNDERBODY COMPONENTS OF SOME 2010~2013MY SOUL (AM), 2004~2009MY SPECTRA (LD), 2006~2010MY OPTIMA (MG), 2006~2011MY RIO (JB) AND 2007~2010MY RONDO (UN) VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY RETAILED OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS HEAVILY USED. THE STATES ARE: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV KS, KY, NE, ND, SD, UT, AND AK. KIA BELIEVES THAT SUCH ADDITIONAL PROTECTION CAN BE HELPFUL, ESPECIALLY IN VERY HIGH MILEAGE SITUATIONS. PLEASE REMIND ALL CUSTOMERS OF THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL, AS SHOWN BELOW, TO REGULARLY HAVE THE UNDERBODY OF THEIR VEHICLES WASHED WHEN ROAD SALT IS BEING USED IN THEIR AREA."
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.