Owners have filed 130 complaints
about the 2005 KIA Spectra with NHTSA between 2005 and 2020.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the KIA Spectra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
43.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 65
38% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Sensor/Control Module
1236.4%
Frontal
515.2%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
412.1%
Body
412.1%
Automatic Transmission
39.1%
Side/Window
26.1%
Manual Transmission
26.1%
Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring
13.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
109.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1514.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
109.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1514.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
87.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2119.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2119.6%
150,000+ miles
76.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2005peak 6Nov 2020
Recalls on the 2005 KIA Spectra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V256000
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 SPECTRA LD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 6, 2007, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH HOLD THE TANK MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY SEPARATE ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND POSSIBLY DISRUPT THE INTEGRITY OF THE TANK.
Risk: THE FUEL TANK CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE THE GROUND WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. LEAKING FUEL CAN CREATE A FIRE HAZARD.
05V183000
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STEERING TIE RODS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT AFFECTS THE METALLURGY.
Risk: IF THE ROD CRACKS OR FAILS, LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201118021,780 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months, the fuel tank straps could corrode and fail. This could allow the fuel tank to contact the ground, which may compromise the tank's integrity and permit fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps with zinc coated versions.
Recall 20052889,420 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles equipped with an advanced airbag feature, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify a child restraint seat as an adult. This may occur if the child seat is installed after an adult has been seated in the right front seat and there has not been a key ON - key OFF cycle with the right front seat empty prior to installation of the child restraint. The possibility of misclassification of a child restraint as an adult may allow the right front airbag or side impact airbag to deploy in a crash and could result in injury to the right front occupant. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the vehicles OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
Recall 2005159271 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering tie rods may have a manufacturing flaw that affects the metallurgy. When subjected to stresses that arise in the normal operation of the vehicle, it is possible that a section of the steering tie rod may crack or fail, impairing steering ability. In certain conditions, this could lead to a loss of steering control which could result in a crash. Correction: Kia Canada Inc. will replace the steering rack assembly on all affected vehicles at the port of entry prior to distribution to dealers.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 160,000 milesHartford City, INCrash
WHEELS
BAD SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL AND SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT END. ONLY WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11282377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHartford City, INCrash
STEERING
BAD SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL AND SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT END. ONLY WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11282377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHartford City, INCrash
SUSPENSION
BAD SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL AND SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT END. ONLY WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11282377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scott City, MOCrash
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11120161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scott City, MOCrash
STEERING
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 complaint #11120161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scott City, MOCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11120161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 128,636 milesWinlock, WA
SEATS
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ACTIVATED. CAR HAS NOT SUSTAINED DAMAGE. SEAT OR SENSOR MALFUNCTION MAY CAUSE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY IN CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11376926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,636 milesWinlock, WA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ACTIVATED. CAR HAS NOT SUSTAINED DAMAGE. SEAT OR SENSOR MALFUNCTION MAY CAUSE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY IN CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11376926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,088 milesShow LOW, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 complaint #11319671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,088 milesShow LOW, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11319671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHartford City, INCrash
WHEELS
BAD SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL AND SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT END. ONLY WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11282377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHartford City, INCrash
STEERING
BAD SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL AND SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT END. ONLY WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11282377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesHartford City, INCrash
SUSPENSION
BAD SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL AND SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT END. ONLY WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11282377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesPortland, OR
SEATS
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 complaint #11185578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesPortland, OR
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11185578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,089 milesFresno, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 complaint #11151617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,089 milesFresno, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11151617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSeattle, WA
SEATS
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 complaint #11131858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSeattle, WA
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11131858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scott City, MOCrash
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11120161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scott City, MOCrash
STEERING
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 complaint #11120161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scott City, MOCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11120161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELK Grove, CA
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11048657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
AIR BAGS
THIS VEHICLE HAD AN AIR BAG RECALL AND WAS PERFORMED. OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT SENT THIS VEHICLE (WITH A AIR BAG LAMP ON) TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DIAGNOSIS FROM FERGUSON KIA AT TULSA OK TOLD ME THAT THE SAME COMPONENTS THAT WAS USED FOR THE RECALL ARE NOW DEFECTIVE AND CAUSING THE AIR BAG LAMP TO COME ON. I CONTACTED KIA HOTLINE 1-800-333-4542 AND FILED A CASE (CASE NO. [XXX]).A KIA REPRESENTATIVE CALLED BACK AND TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT GOING TO REPAIR OR PROVIDE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE AIR BAG. I REQUESTED FOR KIA TO RE-EVALUATE THIS CASE. KIA NEVER CALLED BACK. NOW THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS THREATEN TO HAUL THE VEHICLE AWAY OR FOR OUR DEPARTMENT TO COME AND GET THIS VEHICLE. KIA SPECTRA 5 VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11042904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesFT. Wayne, IN
SEATS
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON IN MY 2005 KIA SPECTRA EX. THE ERROR CODE SAVED INDICATES THE OCS SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS FAILED. THERE IS AN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER (PE15031) FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND MODEL CAR BUT FOR LATER PRODUCTION YEARS. IT INDICATES THAT THE ISSUE WILL BE REPAIRED FOR UP TO 15 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. WHY DOES THIS NOT COVER THE 2005 YEAR AS WELL?...UPDATED 04/20/17
NHTSA complaint #10927363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesFT. Wayne, IN
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON IN MY 2005 KIA SPECTRA EX. THE ERROR CODE SAVED INDICATES THE OCS SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS FAILED. THERE IS AN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER (PE15031) FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND MODEL CAR BUT FOR LATER PRODUCTION YEARS. IT INDICATES THAT THE ISSUE WILL BE REPAIRED FOR UP TO 15 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. WHY DOES THIS NOT COVER THE 2005 YEAR AS WELL?...UPDATED 04/20/17
NHTSA complaint #10927363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesBullhead City, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING MY SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. THEN IT WENT TO 25 MPH JUMPED TO 45 MPH. AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED AND THEN STARTED AGAIN, I WENT TO TURN LEFT AND IT LIST POWER FOR A SECOND ALMOST CAUSING ME TO BE HIT ON PASSENGER SIDE BUT REGAINED POWER AND MOVED ON. I WOULD PARK IN GARAGE AND NEXT DAY WORKING AGAIN. I WOULD PARK IN SUN AT WORK AFTER WORK SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT WORK. NOW SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK AT ALL I'M AFRAID OF GETTING A TICKET. I AM WORKING WITH A LOCAL MECHANIC THEY SCANNED IT NO CODES RELATING.
NHTSA complaint #10925278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHickory, NCCrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY SON WAS IN A COLLISION, HE REAR ENDED SOMEONE, THE WHOLE DRIVERS SIDE IN TOTALLY CAVED IN AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10917679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHickory, NCCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY SON WAS IN A COLLISION, HE REAR ENDED SOMEONE, THE WHOLE DRIVERS SIDE IN TOTALLY CAVED IN AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10917679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHickory, NCCrash1 injured
ENGINE
MY SON WAS IN A COLLISION, HE REAR ENDED SOMEONE, THE WHOLE DRIVERS SIDE IN TOTALLY CAVED IN AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10917679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesSouth Bend, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IN JANUARY 2016 THIS CAR WENT INTO A SUDDEN INVOLUNTARY ACCELERATION. FIRST TIME IN EXTREMELY COLD AND ICY WEATHER. TOOK TWO FEET ON BRAKE AND IT STILL MOVED INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN. SECOND AND THIRD TIMES, IN PARKING LOTS IN WARMER CONDITIONS, IT DID THE SAME SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL CAUSED EXTREMELY LOUD ROAR BEFORE IT SUDDENLY STOPPED. THESE ALL OCCURRED WHEN GOING FROM GAS PEDAL TO THE BRAKE. THESE WERE TERRIFYING. AND KIA DEALERSHIP MECHANICS SAY THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. SAID IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN EXTRA HEAVY BOOTS ON MY FEET OR MAYBE THE FLOOR MAT WEDGED UNDER PEDAL. THIS IS KIA LACK-OF-RESPONSIBILITY BULLSHIT!
NHTSA complaint #10836873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.