2001 KIA Spectra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Spectra › 2001
These records cover every 2001 KIA Spectra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
40 complaints13 involved a crash1 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
Car smells horribly like gas fumes when turned on, more so in the colder temperatures. so many complaints online, I'm surprised KIA hasn't issued a recall. breathing gas fumes for long periods of time can possibly cause cancer or other problems...would be horrible if KIA had a lawsuit on their hands for faulty equipment causing health problems in their car owners... *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
2001 KIA spectra 1.9 LT engine [yes, some models were made with this size engine.] car was parked in drive way just after midnight. Neighbors called fire department at 2:30 am. Car was not running. Fire chief found no external source of ignition. Fire chief says engine caught on fire, fire traveled…
2001 KIA spectra 1.9 LT engine [yes, some models were made with this size engine.] car was parked in drive way just after midnight. Neighbors called fire department at 2:30 am. Car was not running. Fire chief found no external source of ignition. Fire chief says engine caught on fire, fire traveled down fuel lines to gas tank. Entire car burned. Car IS totaled. Fire chief cannot say if there was an electrical, wiring or what type of problem in engine. Bought car new in oct 2001, one owner car. Please advise if any other owners have had similar issue with this or any other KIA models. *tr
- Air bags
My daughter struck another vehicle from behind with her car. the upon impact the car air bags did not deploy. her chest hit the steering very hard. she ended up with chest, neck and shoulder severe pain. the front end was severely damage. radiator fluid was everywhere. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA spectra. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, he crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. the driver sustained bruising and severe pain from the seat belt restraining her neck and chest area. A police report was filed of the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA spectra. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, he crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. the driver sustained bruising and severe pain from the seat belt restraining her neck and chest area. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 140,000. updated 9/17/13*cn
- Power train · Service brakes
Trans all of a sudden started slipping with no prior issues. was reading a tcm code then codes for each gear replaced trans new trans drove 30 miles and IS doing the exact same thing have to drive like a stick 1ST 2ND and then can put in drive around 35mph. Also breaks come and go as they please. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The engine had a casting defect warranty would not cover which caused me to have to replace it I'm having to constantly replace sensors O2 and the sensors in the shifter the car IS breaking down every month since I bought the car. *Tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
The heater core in the car went out 4 times in 4 months for no reason, resulting in the window fogging with no way of seeing. *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
I have had the heating system in my car repaired 4 times since the day that I bought it. This IS an ongoing issue with this car and something needs to be done about it. I live in vermont where the weather gets extremely cold in the winter, meaning that you have to keep windows cleared at all times…
I have had the heating system in my car repaired 4 times since the day that I bought it. This IS an ongoing issue with this car and something needs to be done about it. I live in vermont where the weather gets extremely cold in the winter, meaning that you have to keep windows cleared at all times, if not, it could result in serious injury or death should there be an accident. I have had the dealer ship fix the problem before, though they have not been notified of it happening now. This will be the 5TH time that it has gone in for repaired on the same issue. Something needs to be done about this issue. The a/c blower and heater are working at the same time. The blower does not work and there IS no heat in the vehicle.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train · Visibility › Glass, side/rear
2001 KIA spectra transmission needed to be replaced 2 weeks after purchase. Fuel pump and tail light assembly was replaced, rear window fell out of vehicle into traffic. *ts ***no answer required*** the technician that replaced the rear window stated the glue that was used to install the window was defective. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the consumer tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the transmission needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Brake failure - master cylinder was replaced, mechanic said he had a hard time bleeding the brakes???? about a week after repaired brakes would not work properly and was almost involved in an accident because daughter could not stop. have to press the pedal almost through the floor to stop and…
Brake failure - master cylinder was replaced, mechanic said he had a hard time bleeding the brakes???? about a week after repaired brakes would not work properly and was almost involved in an accident because daughter could not stop. have to press the pedal almost through the floor to stop and seems to have no brakes. returned to shop, and brakes were bleed again, mechanic drove for about a week and vehicle was returned, daughter again tried to drive a couple days later and again no brakes!!!!!! checking if vehicle IS still under warranty and will bring to dealer. also, check engine light comes on all the time, idles rough etc., this has been an ongoing problem since car was purchased!*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Ignition
Six months after vehicle was purchased it experienced ignition problems. vehicle failed to start when the key was turned in the ignition to the on position. Dashboard component lights came on, but the engine failed to turn over. The main computer chip was replaced. since the replacement of the…
Six months after vehicle was purchased it experienced ignition problems. vehicle failed to start when the key was turned in the ignition to the on position. Dashboard component lights came on, but the engine failed to turn over. The main computer chip was replaced. since the replacement of the computer chip the failure occurred 4 times in which the dealership tightened a loose ignition wire, replaced the battery, and serviced a bad connection in the ignition. The vehicle IS currently at the dealership for this same issue.*ak
- Air bags · Seats
I was involved in a rear end collision causing my car to be slammed into another vehicle in front of me. my airbags did not deploy,the drivers seat back broke. I have received a lower back injury, shoulder and arm injury, and head injury. The car was totaled, so there are no repairs to be done.…
I was involved in a rear end collision causing my car to be slammed into another vehicle in front of me. my airbags did not deploy,the drivers seat back broke. I have received a lower back injury, shoulder and arm injury, and head injury. The car was totaled, so there are no repairs to be done. this IS not the only time this has happened in this model vehicle. through searching the internet, I have found others that this has happened to, (seat back failure) and I do know there IS a suit pending in the state of fl. I am sure the manufacturer IS aware of this problem in this model vehicle, ( since there IS a suit pending) yet they have not made strides to rectify the situation. *la
- Suspension › Rear
While coming around a bend into traffic vehicle's rear end commenced to jerk/pull, and rear end hit a sign. The cause of this problem was still undetermined. Neither dealer or manufacturer were notified. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Two weeks after the vehicle had an oil change performed engine made a tapping noise because oil was leaking through the engine motor seal. A fuel distributor assembly recall 04v179000 was issued on this problem, but this model vehicle was not included. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic
I got in a accident when my brakes went out that night and I couldn't stop. when my car was in the shop they told my that the brakes went out and I need the have the brake line checked out. I took my car back to the dealer and they told me that the kind of brakes they are the would squeak. They…
I got in a accident when my brakes went out that night and I couldn't stop. when my car was in the shop they told my that the brakes went out and I need the have the brake line checked out. I took my car back to the dealer and they told me that the kind of brakes they are the would squeak. They never took the time to really look at the brakes because that same day I had my brakes replaced. I have had transmission problems and alternator problems and a lot more.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Warped rotors and cheap brake pads
- Air bags › Frontal
On a front slightly left inpact to my vehicle, my air bag failed to deploy. I was wearing my seatbelt.i was traveling 55 mph, I hit my head on the steering wheel causing a rather large bump and bruise. I have pain turning my neck and in my shoulders and will seek medical attention for this.
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
While driving 65 mph driver's side wheel bearing sheared off. driver was able to maintain control and pulled over. driver notified roadside assistance, and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. mechanic informed the consumer that vehicle was not covered under warranty, and consumer was responsible for payment.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
While driving 55 mph a knocking noise was heard coming from underneath the vehicle. mechanic determined that upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak
- Tires
Rear right tire developed bubbles and made noise while driving. Name of tire: kumho, ecsta-hp4, tire size: p185/65r14 dot: number unknown. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Front seat belt buckles broke when consumer's vehicle was hit in the rear by another vehicle. Both driver and passenger sustained minor cuts and bruises, and were transported to the emergency room. they were later released. *ak
- Power train · Steering
After starting the vehicle, the gear would not move out of park. on another occasion while driving, the vehicle had gone into reverse by itself and the engine shut down completely. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for transmission repair. there was a severe vibration in the steering wheel upon getting the vehicle back from the dealer. *ak *scc *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Transmission module on original transmission failed causing transmission damage, local dealership replaced. second transmission blew a front pump seal within approximately 1000 miles while on our vacation/honeymoon. third transmission replaced while on vacation out of state. current (third)…
Transmission module on original transmission failed causing transmission damage, local dealership replaced. second transmission blew a front pump seal within approximately 1000 miles while on our vacation/honeymoon. third transmission replaced while on vacation out of state. current (third) transmission IS still slipping. have not sought out service for this failure yet as we do not trust the dealerships in our area. we have written KIA certified mail over a month ago to be reimbursed for excess expenses incurred due to these mechanical failures and travel interuption monies under their warranty, but to date have not received a response. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 2001 KIA spectra hatchback. I have 24,000 miles on this vehicle. it has started stalling while driving and I also have trouble starting it. I have taken it to the dealer for service and have been told it IS on a "call" list. I was given no further information. I was just told to give them a few days to "try" to fix the problem. *nlm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Refueling spit back
Based on the low rate of fuel spit-back incedents (14.3 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold), a low warranty claims rate of 0.02 percent, and the lack of engineering information that would support the presence of an engineering defect, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency…
Based on the low rate of fuel spit-back incedents (14.3 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold), a low warranty claims rate of 0.02 percent, and the lack of engineering information that would support the presence of an engineering defect, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL 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.
- 10183431TSB - 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
- 10133170PITSTOP - 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.
- 10109812TSB: 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.
- 10109777TSB: 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.?
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10028348KIA: doors locking intermittently without driver input from the rke transmitter or key switch may be caused by wear on switch contacts in door latch assembly resulting in high resistance.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10016840Charging system upgrade.
- 637374Subject regarding replacement repair supplier for pre-silencers.
- 632302A logic change in the transmission control module (tcm).
- 629469Automatic transaxle diagnosis. Certain models including all rios. *Slc
- 625934On certain models including spectra, leak detection pump heater IS inoperation.
Every KIA Spectra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.