2007 Kia Spectra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Kia Spectra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags5628.1%
- Fuel system3417.1%
- Electrical178.5%
- Interior & seats168.0%
- Engine147.0%
- Driver assistance136.5%
- Brakes105.0%
- Powertrain (other)73.5%
- Body & structure63.0%
- Seat belts52.5%
- Visibility42.0%
- Exterior lighting42.0%
- Steering42.0%
- Suspension31.5%
- Other / unspecified31.5%
- Heating & air conditioning21.0%
- Transmission10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS if I was told correctly and felt that this needed to be looked into further. Thank You
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. From reading other’s comments about this same problem I do not want to keep pouring money into a problem that KIA itself seems unable, and unwilling, to fix. This is extremely frustrating and dangerous as occasionally the vehicle loses all power on the highway at speeds exceeding 55mph and I feel an accident is inevitable. I’m not financially well off enough to just eat the cost of this vehicle and get a new (used) vehicle though so KIA has really put me (AND OTHER DRIVERS) in a difficult and dangerous position. As others have stated from mechanics who have tried to diagnose this issue, there may be a serious issue with the EVAP system including, but not limited to, the charcoal canister and purge valve. I will try replacing the fuel filter in the gas tank but I do not have high hopes that this will fix this problem. Once again, there are no codes present before or after these stalling/power loss problems and live data from and OBD2 scanner is within parameters for this vehicle and it’s age. I need to report this now so everyone, ESPECIALLY KIA, is aware of this issue and information.
ENGINE 💡 CAME ON IMIDIATELY AFTER PULLING OUT OF DEALERSHIP. SO I CA"ED THEM AND THEY STATED IT WASNT ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WERE CALLING IN ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THEY SAID IT WAS JUST THE CHANGE IN WEATHER AND THE GAS CAP. THEY RESET ENGINE 💡 SEVERAL TIMES. NO SOONER THAN I WOULD PULL OFF THE LOT, IT WOULD COME BACK ON. THEN I ASK THEM FOR AN AUTO CHECK HISTORY REPORT SHOWING ODOMETER DESCIIPANCIES. ROLL BACK CALCULATIONS. THE RADIATOR IS CRACKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK, AND THE BRAKES AND STUFF ARE BAD.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE GONE HAYWIRE. THEY CLICK ON AND OFF AUTOMATICALLY WHETHER YOU ARE DRIVING OR IF THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. HAD TO BREAK THE LOCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN ORDER TO EXIT THE CAR. PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT OPEN AS WELL EVEN VIA USING A KEY IN THE DOOR LOCK. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD! CONTACTED KIA A MONTH AGO, THEY NEVER GOT BACK TO ME. I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET WHERE OTHER KIA OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH ALONG WITH THE "PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF" LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON DURING A 1 HOUR TRIP AS WE WERE MOVING TO OUR NEW APARTMENT. LUCKILY WE DID NOT HAVE VERY FAR TO MOVE WHEN THIS SUDDEN SAFETY HAZARD AROSE AS WE COULD NOT MOVE A PASSENGER TO THE BACK SEAT. THE SENSOR DID NOT RECOGNIZE MY WIFE AT A LITTLE OVER 110 LBS. NOR MYSELF AT OVER 175 LBS. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE OCS MAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A COST OF AROUND $1100 FOR PARTS AND $230 FOR THE LABOR. IT TOOK ABOUT A WEEK TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CUSHION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. From reading other’s comments about this same problem I do not want to keep pouring money into a problem that KIA itself seems unable, and unwilling, to fix. This is extremely frustrating and dangerous as occasionally the vehicle loses all power on the highway at speeds exceeding 55mph and I feel an accident is inevitable. I’m not financially well off enough to just eat the cost of this vehicle and get a new (used) vehicle though so KIA has really put me (AND OTHER DRIVERS) in a difficult and dangerous position. As others have stated from mechanics who have tried to diagnose this issue, there may be a serious issue with the EVAP system including, but not limited to, the charcoal canister and purge valve. I will try replacing the fuel filter in the gas tank but I do not have high hopes that this will fix this problem. Once again, there are no codes present before or after these stalling/power loss problems and live data from and OBD2 scanner is within parameters for this vehicle and it’s age. I need to report this now so everyone, ESPECIALLY KIA, is aware of this issue and information.
ENGINE 💡 CAME ON IMIDIATELY AFTER PULLING OUT OF DEALERSHIP. SO I CA"ED THEM AND THEY STATED IT WASNT ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WERE CALLING IN ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THEY SAID IT WAS JUST THE CHANGE IN WEATHER AND THE GAS CAP. THEY RESET ENGINE 💡 SEVERAL TIMES. NO SOONER THAN I WOULD PULL OFF THE LOT, IT WOULD COME BACK ON. THEN I ASK THEM FOR AN AUTO CHECK HISTORY REPORT SHOWING ODOMETER DESCIIPANCIES. ROLL BACK CALCULATIONS. THE RADIATOR IS CRACKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK, AND THE BRAKES AND STUFF ARE BAD.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN STOPPED (FOR EXAMPLE AT A STOP SIGN), WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE ENGINE WILL SOMETIMES GO FROM "IDLE" TO A HIGHER SPEED (IT ACCELERATES). MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME AND THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. (I KNOW BECAUSE I LOOKED.)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS REVVED VIOLENTLY. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE 💡 CAME ON IMIDIATELY AFTER PULLING OUT OF DEALERSHIP. SO I CA"ED THEM AND THEY STATED IT WASNT ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WERE CALLING IN ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THEY SAID IT WAS JUST THE CHANGE IN WEATHER AND THE GAS CAP. THEY RESET ENGINE 💡 SEVERAL TIMES. NO SOONER THAN I WOULD PULL OFF THE LOT, IT WOULD COME BACK ON. THEN I ASK THEM FOR AN AUTO CHECK HISTORY REPORT SHOWING ODOMETER DESCIIPANCIES. ROLL BACK CALCULATIONS. THE RADIATOR IS CRACKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK, AND THE BRAKES AND STUFF ARE BAD.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS REVVED VIOLENTLY. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. From reading other’s comments about this same problem I do not want to keep pouring money into a problem that KIA itself seems unable, and unwilling, to fix. This is extremely frustrating and dangerous as occasionally the vehicle loses all power on the highway at speeds exceeding 55mph and I feel an accident is inevitable. I’m not financially well off enough to just eat the cost of this vehicle and get a new (used) vehicle though so KIA has really put me (AND OTHER DRIVERS) in a difficult and dangerous position. As others have stated from mechanics who have tried to diagnose this issue, there may be a serious issue with the EVAP system including, but not limited to, the charcoal canister and purge valve. I will try replacing the fuel filter in the gas tank but I do not have high hopes that this will fix this problem. Once again, there are no codes present before or after these stalling/power loss problems and live data from and OBD2 scanner is within parameters for this vehicle and it’s age. I need to report this now so everyone, ESPECIALLY KIA, is aware of this issue and information.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SUDDENLY SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AND THE SPEED REDUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS TO THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE 2007 KIA SPECTRA WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MAJOR IMPACT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE KIA HIT ANOTHER CAR AND HAD MAJOR DAMAGES.
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. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR MONEY, I BOUGHT THE CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER (WHEN SHE WAS SIX, WITH THE TEN YEAR WARRANTY, I INTENDED TO PASS IT ON TO HER, WHEN SHE GOT HER LICENSE..... BOY AM I GLAD I WAS INVOLVED IN THE CRASH, AND NOT HER, SEEING IS HOW THAT IS THE EXACT REASON WHY I DECIDED TO BUY THE KIA.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 KIA SPECTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT/REPAIRS OF DAMAGED VEHICLE SEAT BELTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD T PAY $500 TO GET THE REAR SEAT BELT REPLACED. *JB
STARTED CAR DRIVER SIDE AIR ILLUMINATED AND STAYED AN STILL ON AND DOESN'T GO OFF. AND BACK DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS LOCK AND WONT COME OUT SO NO ONE CAN RIDE ON THAT SIDE OF CAR BECAUSE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BLOWER FAN MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE HEATING UNIT TO FAIL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE BLOWER FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE BLOWER FAN REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,106.
THE RUBBER STRIPPING THAT HOLDS THE WINDSHIELD IN PLACE CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE RUBBER STRIP BROKE AWAY FROM THE GLASS AND BEGAN SLAPPING HARD AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. WE HAD TO TAPE THE RUBBER IN PLACE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DRIVE. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED DOWN THE CENTER FROM THE RUBBER SLAPPING AGAINST THE GLASS AND/OR THE RATTLING OF THE GLASS. SINCE THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AS WELL AS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE - WE ARE REQUESTING THAT KIA TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR WAS PARKED, IN MY DRIVEWAY, AND HAD RAN FINE THE DAY BEFORE. I WENT OUT AND STARTED THE CAR BUT COULD NOT GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE. I WAS UNABLE TO EVEN ROLL THE CAR A LITTLE BY PUSHING IT, WHICH INDICATES THE CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK WITH FORCE. I HAD MY NEIGHBOR COME OVER AND HE MANAGED TO, WITH A TON OF PRESSURE, PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. SEEMS TO NOT BE AS HARD ON A FLAT SURFACE BUT MY DRIVEWAY HAS A SLANT TO IT. PUT CAR BACK IN DRIVEWAY AND TRIED TO LEAVE A COUPLE HOURS LATER AND SAME ISSUE. I HAD TO PURCHASE AAA AND HAVE SOMEBODY COME OUT TO PULL OUT OF PARK. LOOKED ON LINE AND THERE'S A TON OF RECALLS BIG MINE THE 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHICH IS THE ONLY YEAR NOT BEING RECALLED. I WAS TOLD, BY KIA DEALERSHIP IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE BUT PET MY RESEARCH, NO IT'S NOT. THEY WANT TO CHANGE FOR REPAIR YET EVERY OTHER KIA MAKE IS RECALLED. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT ALL FOUR BULBS HAD BURNED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 11/12/13*CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS SHOPPING AT THE GROCERY STORE AND AS I AM BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY VERY STIFF AS I CUT THE WHEEL TO POSITION MY CAR TO MOVE FORWARD. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FORWARD, BUT WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY RESISTANT TO THE POINT THAT I ACTUALLY HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO RIGHT OR LEFT TO MAKE MY TURN.ON 3/10/2020, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND AT FIRST I WAS TOLD I NEED THE BELTS FOR A/C, ALT AND PS, REPLACED WHICH I AUTHORIZE AND PAID $171.60 TAX INCLUDED. ON 3/26/2020 I HAD TO RETURN MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC DUE TO SAME HARD TO STEER PROBLEM. I WAS THEN TOLD I NEEDED TO HAVE MY POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED WHICH I AUTHORIZED AND PAID $353.93 TAX INCL. NEXT ON 4/7/20 THE SAME PROBLEM OF STEERING HAPPENED. I TOOK IT BACK TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A RACK AND PINION (P/S RACK), AT A COST OF $848.63 TOTAL, WHICH I PAID. I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON 7/14/202 AND 8/17/2020 AND 9/16/2020. I WAS NOT CHARGED THE LAST THREE DATES OF REPAIR. I RECENTLY GOOGLE SEARCHED FOR RECALLS AND SAW THAT THE 2007 KIA SPECTRE HAD INDEED BEEN RECALLED. I CALLED 800-333-4542 AND WAS TOLD MY VIN NUM SHOWS NO SERVICE CAMPAIGN. I CONTEST THEIR FINDINGS I WOULD LIKE MY COMPLAINT TO BE INVESTIGATED. I AM ALSO REQUESTING A TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT OF $1374.16. THANK YOU, [XXX]. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *CC
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. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR MONEY, I BOUGHT THE CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER (WHEN SHE WAS SIX, WITH THE TEN YEAR WARRANTY, I INTENDED TO PASS IT ON TO HER, WHEN SHE GOT HER LICENSE..... BOY AM I GLAD I WAS INVOLVED IN THE CRASH, AND NOT HER, SEEING IS HOW THAT IS THE EXACT REASON WHY I DECIDED TO BUY THE KIA.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER PASSED OUT MAKING LEFT TURN GOING 5 MPH AND HIT THE CONCRETE POLE FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT ON THE EAST SIDE OF U.S. 19. *TR
2007 KIA SPECTRA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG AND SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OUT WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER 4 MONTHS OF COMPLAINING AND FINALLY CALLING CORPORATE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IN SEPTEMBER 2008, THE PROBLEM RESURFACED AGAIN. THE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN DEC 2008, THE PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG RESURFACED AGAIN. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON DIAGNOSIS, THE SWAY BAR LINKS WERE FAULTY, THE WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE SPEAKER IN THE FRONT DOOR HAD BLOWN. THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED SPORADICALLY. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON MY WAY TO WORK I TOOK THE SAME ROUTE THAT I ALWAYS TAKE. I WAS GOING ABOUT 25MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL OF THE LIGHTS CAME ON ( CHECK OIL, BATTERY, EMERGENCY BRAKE, TIRE PRESSURE, AIRBAG, AND CHECK ENGINE) THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP CAUSING MY CAR TO SWERVE RIGHT INTO A COMMUNITY MAIL BOX. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IS OFF AND THE TWO PASSENGER SIDE TIRES ARE BOTH FLAT. WHEN I GOT MY CAR IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR THREE DAYS AFTER I GOT IT IT HAD STARTED DOING THIS I TOOK IT BACK AND IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS. WHEN THEY HAD TOLD ME THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED I TRUSTED THAT THEY WERE RIGHT BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT LED ME TO THIS... THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RETURNED MY PHONE CALL AND MY INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER FOR A RENTAL CAR. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND MY JOB DOES NOT PAY ME ENOUGH TO JUST PAY AND GET A NEW CAR OR PAY AND HAVE THIS CAR FIXED. I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE RESPONSES ABOUT THIS CAR. WHY WOULD THESE CARS BE SOLD TO PEOPLE. *TR
AFTER I FILLUP GAS TANK CAR SHAKE AND DIE ON THE HIGHWAY ORLANDO FL KIA DEALER CHANGE THE CANSTAR IN THE TANK STEEL DOING THE SAME THING. IT IS VERY DANGERES NEEDS TO BE CK BY THE GOV. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING MOTOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA SX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE START-UP, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED MY 2007 KIA SPECTRA BRAND NEW...IT ONLY HAD 55 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS IT STARTED TO GRIND IN 2ND GEAR, I TOOK THE KIA TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORMED ME THAT SOME SCREWS HAD COME LOOSE AND THAT IS WHERE THE GRINDING WAS COMING FROM, I WAS DRIVING WITH SCREWS IN THE CLUTCH! THEY GAVE ME A RENTAL AND PUT THE SCREWS BACK IN THE CLUTCHING SYSTEM. I GOT THE CAR BACK AND IT DID GOOD FOR A WHILE AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED, AGAIN THEY SAID SCREWS WERE LOOSE AGAIN! I QUESTIONED HOW THE SCREWS KEPT COMING LOOSE, THEY HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS TIME THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME A RENTAL, I HAD TO GET MY OWN AND THEY HAD TO LEAVE WORK EARLY. GOT THE CAR BACK AND IT DID FINE FOR A SHORT WHILE AND AGAIN THE SAME PROBLEM! I TOOK IT TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THIS TIME IT WAS SOME PLASTIC PIECE THAT HAD COME LOOSE AND THAT WAS MAKING IT GRIND IN 2ND GEAR. AGAIN, I WAS WITHOUT MY VEHICLE AND AGAIN, NO RENTAL. GOT THE CAR BACK AND DROVE FINE FOR A FEW DAYS THEN THE SAME PROBLEM. CONSIDERING HOW LONG THEY KEPT MY CAR EACH TIME AND HOW LONG I WAS WITHOUT A VEHICLE EACH TIME...I CALLED KIA AND TOLD THEM THE SAME PROBLEM WAS HAPPENING AGAIN. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT UP THERE AND THEY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT IT...I COULDN'T BE WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR THAT LONG AGAIN AND MISS WORK AGAIN AND FIND WAYS FOR MY CHILDREN TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL. THINKING IT WAS THE PLASTIC PIECE AGAIN, I JUST KEPT DRIVING IT BECAUSE OF ALL THE PAST PROBLEMS, I ASSUMED IT WOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY. I WAITED LONGER THIS TIME DUE TO THE LENGTH OF TIME THEY KEPT IT EACH TIME AND I REALLY NEED MY VEHICLE. SO BECAUSE I WAITED TOO LONG, THEY ARE QUESTIONING THE FACT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL BE UNDER WARRANTY AND WANT ME TO SIGN A PAPER SAYING THAT IF THEY TEAR IT DOWN AND DON'T FIND ANY MANUFACTURING DEFECTS, THEN I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TEAR DOWN AND ANY REPAIRS! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .