Kia Spectra Problems and Repair Histories
Kia Spectra problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Kia Spectra
Kia Spectras for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the Kia Spectra problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For Kia Spectra problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the Kia Spectra problems and repair histories that follow it.
Kia Spectra Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2006 | Kia Spectra | 11 Spectras, 11.2 months of data per Spectra, average 76300 miles Small sample size. Join or 11 Spectras, 11.2 months of data per Spectra, average 76300 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten Kia Spectra problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2009 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 0 | Bushing in right front suspension bad from the factory, causing noise while driving. Part has to come from Korea, approximately one month wait. | |
2009 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 0 | drivers door unable to open from the inside of the vehicle | |
2008 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2012 | 22 | Removed rear wheel stud. Caused by tire shop that cross-threaded the lug, then torqued it with an air wrench. Took approx 4 hours | |
2008 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 0 | The fuel sensor caused the check light to be on. I think it is caused by filling the gas tank. Dealer kept it for 3 days to fix it. | |
2007 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 0 | Just purchased car, check engine light came on after 1 week. took to dealer, oil valve needs to be replaced. dealer replaced under 5yr/60Kmile warranty. gas tank door lever not opening serviced as well. | |
2007 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 0 | Power locks malfunctioning, lock randomly while driving and also lock themselves after the lock button is pressed on the key fob/interior door handle. Problem was found to be a malfunctioning door handle and was replaced under warranty. | |
| Nov | 2011 | 0 | Rattle coming from suspension up front. Suspension bushings replaced. Power locks malfunctioning since summer. Replaced door latch mechanism, locks still malfunction occasionally. Taking back to dealer soon. Wierd creaking/rattling coming from under dash. Not impressed. Love the car but come on.. | |
2006 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 83700 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 83700 | 0 | Replaced rear calipers recall Radio noise hum |
| Kia Spectra5 in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 0 | Warranty replacement of transmission. 2nd gear syncros went out. | |
| Sep | 2011 | 103000 | 0 | Broken piston ring, Engine short block replaced. |
| Dec | 2012 | 121000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Kia Spectra5 in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 200 | Rear bumper and rear spoiler (body molding) after hit and run accident. Covered under uninsured motorists coverage. | |
| Mar | 2013 | 91000 | 60 | Left rear brake pad wore out, metal to metal contact. Replaced both rear pads and the left rear rotor. After sitting overnight in cold weather, clutch engages abruptly instead of slipping to allow smooth engagement. After initial engagement, clutch operates properly. Believe throwout bearing and clutch disc is worn. No repair at this time. |
2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 0 | Warranty repair on leather finish on steering wheel. The leather finish is rubbing off due to cheap materials. Dealer is replacing steering wheel under warranty. | |
| Jan | 2009 | 0 | Dealer replaced brake pedal sensor due to it causing my cruise control to not engage under warranty. | |
| Mar | 2009 | 0 | Dealer replaced bank 1 O2 sensor due to malfunction under warranty. | |
| May | 2010 | 0 | Steering wheel replacement by dealer due to wear at the top of the wheel. Leather finish wearing off. Covered under warranty. | |
2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2007 | 105 | Changed spark plugs - problem solved. Misfire, Check Engine flashing, dealer confirmed misfires but blamed it on a dirty air filter, refused warranty. Tried to sell a $400 tune-up. Air filter looked ok. Told them to get lost, charged $90 diagnostics. | |
| Jul | 2009 | 0 | Speedometer gets stuck intermittently. Dealer inspected, found no problem | |
| Oct | 2009 | 0 | Speedometer got stuck again, was working by the time it got to the dealer. No fix. | |
| Jul | 2011 | 61040 | 60 | Hesitation under load, especially with A/C on. Replaced spark plugs - one of them seemed to have a worn out GND electrode. Fixed Minor break fluid leak in the wheel cylinder. |
| Sep | 2011 | 63240 | 0 | Timing belt and water pump replacement (regular maintenance) |
| Mar | 2013 | 77500 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2005 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2006 | 0 | Idle speed would sometimes stay high. Based on information from Kia forum, I cleaned the idle control valve and fixed the problem. | |
2005 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 116000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 133000 | 800 | AC not cooling. Was told the radiator was cracked and needed to be replaced. |
| Kia Spectra in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 235 | Found water pump noisy. Replaced it along with a new timing belt, although timing belt was not due for another 20,000 miles. Found water pump noisy. Replaced it along with a new timing belt, although timing belt was not due for another 20,000 miles. Water pump was under lifetime warranty from parts house when it was replaced at the last timing belt replacement. | |
| Apr | 2012 | 100000 | 13 | I changed the thermostat and gasket. Oil temp sensor wiring was cracked. I added new pig tail on it and plugged it back in. Works like a new one. |
| Kia Spectra in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 52700 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 65700 | 500 | Door locks stick when frozen; door refuses to open/close |
| Jan | 2013 | 66960 | 0 | Squeeky belts when cold - belts replaced - still squeek |
| Kia Spectra in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 48980 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 50220 | 60 | front pads worn to minimum replaced |
| Dec | 2011 | 60760 | 150 | Timing belt and drive belts replaced |
| Aug | 2012 | 68180 | 0 | Intermittant service engine light on. Code reader indicated pre-cat 02 sensor. Increased tension on terminals at plug in. So far ok. |
| Mar | 2013 | 74400 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004.5 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 6 | Headlight had to be replaced, first part that needed to be replaced. | |
2002 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
125-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2005 | 300 | Change both rear wheel cylinders | |
Expert Kia Spectra Repair Advice
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the Kia Spectra
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