Owners have filed 129 complaints
about the 2006 KIA Spectra with NHTSA between 2006 and 2023.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 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 — 53
Against the median year of the KIA Spectra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
50.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 58
34% 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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1110.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
109.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1211.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
76.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1716.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1615.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2120.6%
150,000+ miles
87.8%
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.
May 2006peak 6Sep 2023
Recalls on the 2006 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.
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).
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 96,000 milesRogersville, MOCrashFire1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER A MINOR ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR WENT IN THE DITCH OFF THE ROAD THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BECAME RAPIDLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MINOR ACCIDENT TURNED INTO A NEAR FATALITY BECAUSE OF AN AGGRESSIVE FIRE. THE DRIVER HAD A MEDICAL EMERGENCY WHEN PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE CAR CROSSED THE ROAD AND ENTERED THE DITCH DIRECTLY ACROSS THE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WALK AWAY ACCIDENT WITH MINOR OR NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR, BUT IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE BURNING TO DEATH AND THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO OTHER PASSENGERS. WE HAD THE CAR ONLY A FEW WEEKS AND DO NOT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF RECALLS BEING REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11364760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,307 milesHighland Springs, VACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE LEFT LANE; HOWEVER, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS IN THE LANE. THE DRIVER QUICKLY STEERED THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND TURNED OVER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND CUTS. THE PASSENGER ALSO INJURED THE LEFT HAND, WHICH REQUIRED STITCHES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 191201035 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,307.
NHTSA complaint #11288698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AREA AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO THE HEAD, A BRUISED LEFT SHOULDER, BRUISED RIBS, AND BLEEDING FROM THE BREAST, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10979055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesChilhowie, VACrash
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON IN MY CAR AND DIDN'T PASS INSPECTION WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC PROBABLY UNDER RECALL...ALSO MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVE IN A CRASH IN 2010 OR 2011 AND FRONT END WAS SMASHED IN AND NONE OF. THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF!
NHTSA complaint #10874246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesPrentiss, MSCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SPUN 360 DEGREES TWICE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED STITCHES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #10761101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesHorseshoe, IDCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED ON A DIRT ROAD, THE ROAD COLLAPSED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN A CLIFF AND INTO A RIVER. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND HEAD. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, LEGS, AND HIP. BOTH OCCUPANTS REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND FRONTAL AIR BAGS OPERATED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. ...UPDATED09/30/15
NHTSA complaint #10759802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fort Worth, TX
ENGINE
My car just stop on me. I think my engine is not working 😕 had to called a tow truck to take me home and car.
NHTSA complaint #11547352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that three of her interior door handles had become defective and the doors could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door and the front driver’s and passenger’s side door handles were defective. The contact called the local dealer and scheduled an appointment to have the door handles repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11491036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcata, CA
POWER TRAIN
While driving at freeway speeds vehicle suddenly slams down a gear or two causing moderate whiplash,and scaring the living crap out of myself and any passengers, upon having vehicle inspected by an ase certified repair technician he confirmed my complaint and stated that car seemed to be going into either second or third gear causing the vehicle to jerk and slow rapidly accompanied by loud bang or clunk noise and making me loose control of vehicle problem only occurs once vehicle is warmed up and at operating temperature, had transmission and electrical components inspected by professional transmission repair (atra) certified repair facility the owner of this shop told me specifically that he has seen this same problem with numerous kia spectra models ranging from about 2003 through 2009 yr models , kia denies that the vehicle has a problem that is manufacturer error related and stated and I quote that the vehicle possibly has a transmission control module failing however the kia technician who drove the vehicle refused to be identified by name for fear of repercussions at his place of employment from his supervisors, please note this is not an isolated incident as it occurs almost every time the car is driven .
NHTSA complaint #11477060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcata, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving at freeway speeds vehicle suddenly slams down a gear or two causing moderate whiplash,and scaring the living crap out of myself and any passengers, upon having vehicle inspected by an ase certified repair technician he confirmed my complaint and stated that car seemed to be going into either second or third gear causing the vehicle to jerk and slow rapidly accompanied by loud bang or clunk noise and making me loose control of vehicle problem only occurs once vehicle is warmed up and at operating temperature, had transmission and electrical components inspected by professional transmission repair (atra) certified repair facility the owner of this shop told me specifically that he has seen this same problem with numerous kia spectra models ranging from about 2003 through 2009 yr models , kia denies that the vehicle has a problem that is manufacturer error related and stated and I quote that the vehicle possibly has a transmission control module failing however the kia technician who drove the vehicle refused to be identified by name for fear of repercussions at his place of employment from his supervisors, please note this is not an isolated incident as it occurs almost every time the car is driven .
NHTSA complaint #11477060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesLa Crosse, WI
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V256000 (Fuel System, Other). The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The check engine and brake warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the recall and failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11424462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesLa Crosse, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V256000 (Fuel System, Other). The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The check engine and brake warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the recall and failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11424462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 193,000 milesSanta FE, NM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLES WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. *LN
NHTSA complaint #11373460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 193,000 milesSanta FE, NM
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLES WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. *LN
NHTSA complaint #11373460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesRogersville, MOCrashFire1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER A MINOR ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR WENT IN THE DITCH OFF THE ROAD THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BECAME RAPIDLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MINOR ACCIDENT TURNED INTO A NEAR FATALITY BECAUSE OF AN AGGRESSIVE FIRE. THE DRIVER HAD A MEDICAL EMERGENCY WHEN PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE CAR CROSSED THE ROAD AND ENTERED THE DITCH DIRECTLY ACROSS THE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WALK AWAY ACCIDENT WITH MINOR OR NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR, BUT IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE BURNING TO DEATH AND THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO OTHER PASSENGERS. WE HAD THE CAR ONLY A FEW WEEKS AND DO NOT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF RECALLS BEING REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11364760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,307 milesHighland Springs, VACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE LEFT LANE; HOWEVER, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS IN THE LANE. THE DRIVER QUICKLY STEERED THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND TURNED OVER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND CUTS. THE PASSENGER ALSO INJURED THE LEFT HAND, WHICH REQUIRED STITCHES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 191201035 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,307.
NHTSA complaint #11288698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,600 milesManassas, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS STALLING AND JOLTING THE CAR, WE CANNOT RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER AND IT ONLY RUNS WHEN IN 3RD GEAR. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND WE DON'T EVEN FEEL SAFE PUTTING OUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR, BECAUSE IT'S NOT SAFE, AND WE CANNOT RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER WITHOUT IT STALLING OR JOLTING AND NOT ACCELERATING PROPERLY. WE HAD THE TIMING BELT REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2018, WE'VE HAD MULTIPLE OIL CHANGES AND KEPT UP WITH MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER THE PROBLEMS HAVE ONLY GOTTEN WORSE, OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE 02/2019 AT LEAST AND WE'VE PUT STEERING FLUID IN, BUT THE PROBLEMS KEEP GETTING WORSE. WE CAN'T RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER, OUR FUSES KEEP BLOWING AND I WOULD LIKE OUR CAR CHECKED OUT AND FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11229779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,600 milesManassas, VA
ENGINE
THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS STALLING AND JOLTING THE CAR, WE CANNOT RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER AND IT ONLY RUNS WHEN IN 3RD GEAR. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND WE DON'T EVEN FEEL SAFE PUTTING OUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR, BECAUSE IT'S NOT SAFE, AND WE CANNOT RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER WITHOUT IT STALLING OR JOLTING AND NOT ACCELERATING PROPERLY. WE HAD THE TIMING BELT REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2018, WE'VE HAD MULTIPLE OIL CHANGES AND KEPT UP WITH MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER THE PROBLEMS HAVE ONLY GOTTEN WORSE, OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE 02/2019 AT LEAST AND WE'VE PUT STEERING FLUID IN, BUT THE PROBLEMS KEEP GETTING WORSE. WE CAN'T RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER, OUR FUSES KEEP BLOWING AND I WOULD LIKE OUR CAR CHECKED OUT AND FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11229779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,600 milesManassas, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE TRANSMISSION KEEPS STALLING AND JOLTING THE CAR, WE CANNOT RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER AND IT ONLY RUNS WHEN IN 3RD GEAR. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND WE DON'T EVEN FEEL SAFE PUTTING OUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR, BECAUSE IT'S NOT SAFE, AND WE CANNOT RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER WITHOUT IT STALLING OR JOLTING AND NOT ACCELERATING PROPERLY. WE HAD THE TIMING BELT REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2018, WE'VE HAD MULTIPLE OIL CHANGES AND KEPT UP WITH MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER THE PROBLEMS HAVE ONLY GOTTEN WORSE, OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE 02/2019 AT LEAST AND WE'VE PUT STEERING FLUID IN, BUT THE PROBLEMS KEEP GETTING WORSE. WE CAN'T RUN THE AIR CONDITIONER, OUR FUSES KEEP BLOWING AND I WOULD LIKE OUR CAR CHECKED OUT AND FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11229779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesWilmington, DE
STRUCTURE:BODY
WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF EACH OTHER, BOTH (LEFT AND RIGHT) REAR DOOR HANDLES BROKE UPON ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR USING NORMAL FORCE. THE DOOR HANDLES CAME OFF THE CAR AND THE REAR DOORS CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE
NHTSA complaint #11190932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 215,000 milesRocky Ridge MD, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND BEGAN TO HEAR A SCRAPING NOISE. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I LOOKED UNDER MY CAR AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED. I LOOKED ONLINE TO ORDER A NEW ONE AND FOUND A WEBSITE SAYING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11183923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesConshohocken, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL, THE GAS TANK ON MY 2006 SPECTRA IS LEAKING FUEL, THE CAR IS STATIONARY.
NHTSA complaint #11171724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesVancouver, WA
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN MY DAUGHTERS 2006 KIA SPECTRA AT 112,000 MILES. WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER AND HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED. . I PAID $163.96 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP. . I WAS TOLD THE ERROR CODE WAS B1448 OCS MAT DEFECTIVE. I WAS TOLD THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE FAULTY SENSOR AT A COST OF MORE THAN $1600. THIS IS THE SAME DEFECT FOR WHICH THE 06-08 KIA RIOS WERE RECALLED - NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 12V244000. THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE SIMILAR MODEL YEAR KIA SPECTRAS AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOUND. I WROTE 7 LETTERS TO KIA CORPORATE, I SPECIFICALLY WROTE TO THEIR DIRECTORS AND THOSE IN HIGHER MANAGEMENT POSITIONS LISTED ON THEIR WEBSITE. NO ONE CARED TO RESPOND BACK. THE 1-800 NUMBER LISTED FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS CLOSED MY CASE AND SAID THAT AFTER THE 5 YEARS 60,000 MILES THE WARRANTY IS OVER AND VOID AND SAFETY ISSUES SUCH AS AN AIR BAG THAT DOESN'T DEPLOY FALLS ON THE CUSTOMER AND IS CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY. MY 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER DRIVERS THIS CAR. WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER AND HAVE HAD IT FOR 5 MONTHS. I'VE BEEN ACTIVELY WORKING TO GET THIS SAFETY CONCERN ACKNOWLEDGED BY KIA FOR A MONTH AND A HALF. CUSTOMER SAFETY ISN'T A CONCERN FOR THEM AFTER THE WARRANTY IS UP. THIS IS FRIGHTENING. . THEY OFFERED ME $150 TO GO TOWARDS THE COST OF REPAIRS. HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT IN BOTH THE CAR AND THE COMPANY. KIA NEEDS TO MAKE RIGHT ON THEIR VEHICLES. A LIFESAVING FEATURE SUCH AS AN AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE. THIS IS NOT A MATTER OF CONSUMER MAINTENANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11149812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesMary Esther, FL
POWER TRAIN
PROBLEM IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON/OFF AND ON AGAIN. FAULT CODES WERE P0700 AND P0748 AS DONE AT AUTOZONE. SOME TYPE OF FAULT WITH THE TRANSAXLE (P0700) OR FAILED TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULE/FAILED LINEAR SOLENOID VALVE/OPEN OR SHORT CICUIT CONDITION IN THE LINEAR SOLENOID CONTROL. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SHUTTERS HARD CAR SHIFTS FINE WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. WHEN ENGINE WARMS UP (AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES) WHILE CRUISING IN 4TH GEAR, A LURCH IS FELT FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN AND THE TRANS DOWN SHIFTS TO 3RD GEAR. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE DOESN'T HELP. THE TRANS STAYS IN 3RD GEAR. SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND LET IT COOL DOWN AND IT IS BACK TO WORKING NORMAL AGAIN. THINKING ABOUT REPLACING THE SHIFT CONTROL MODULE. FIX LINK.... HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=URUT3T8UUCW HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/CERATO-2003-2008-SPECTRA5-2004/72381-2006-SPECTRA-P0750-P0765-P0755-P0760-2.HTML THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ON ALL KIA SPECTRAS PLEASE ADVISE
NHTSA complaint #11080071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesMary Esther, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PROBLEM IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON/OFF AND ON AGAIN. FAULT CODES WERE P0700 AND P0748 AS DONE AT AUTOZONE. SOME TYPE OF FAULT WITH THE TRANSAXLE (P0700) OR FAILED TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULE/FAILED LINEAR SOLENOID VALVE/OPEN OR SHORT CICUIT CONDITION IN THE LINEAR SOLENOID CONTROL. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SHUTTERS HARD CAR SHIFTS FINE WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. WHEN ENGINE WARMS UP (AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES) WHILE CRUISING IN 4TH GEAR, A LURCH IS FELT FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN AND THE TRANS DOWN SHIFTS TO 3RD GEAR. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE DOESN'T HELP. THE TRANS STAYS IN 3RD GEAR. SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND LET IT COOL DOWN AND IT IS BACK TO WORKING NORMAL AGAIN. THINKING ABOUT REPLACING THE SHIFT CONTROL MODULE. FIX LINK.... HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=URUT3T8UUCW HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/CERATO-2003-2008-SPECTRA5-2004/72381-2006-SPECTRA-P0750-P0765-P0755-P0760-2.HTML THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ON ALL KIA SPECTRAS PLEASE ADVISE
NHTSA complaint #11080071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSouthfield, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT CALLED A FAMILY MEMBER WHO RECOMMENDED THE FUEL SHUT OFF VALVE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11065038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AREA AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO THE HEAD, A BRUISED LEFT SHOULDER, BRUISED RIBS, AND BLEEDING FROM THE BREAST, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10979055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,144 milesSavanah, GA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OCS MAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,144.
NHTSA complaint #10925081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DEFECTIVE LOCKING SYSTEM ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR. HAD IT REPLACED/REPAIRED IN NOV OF 2014 AND AGAIN NOV OF 2015 AND THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WANTED ME TO PAY AGAIN TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM. I SAID NO. ALREADY PAID FOR THIS REPAIR AND IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH 15 MODELS OF KIA VEHICLES FROM 2001-2004 AND MORE.
NHTSA complaint #10918543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesGreensboro, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2006 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE EVEN WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #10908399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OLD Orchard Beach, ME
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT ON, CAR FAILED STATE INSPECTION. CAUSED BY FAULTY SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #10888560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.