2003 KIA Spectra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › KIA › Spectra › 2003
These records cover every 2003 KIA Spectra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
90 complaints15 involved a crash1 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
My car IS leaking gas on the passenger side underneath the car I also have gas fumes in my car too, I am losing a lot of gas in my car.i have strangers pointing out that my car IS leaking gas and the smell of gas when I park my car in a public parking lot when I do shopping, I fear that my car will…
My car IS leaking gas on the passenger side underneath the car I also have gas fumes in my car too, I am losing a lot of gas in my car.i have strangers pointing out that my car IS leaking gas and the smell of gas when I park my car in a public parking lot when I do shopping, I fear that my car will go up in flames and I have my children ride in the car and complain about the fumes of gas I see that there was the same recalls on 2004 KIA spectra. Mine IS IS a 2003 which I having the exact problems with a gas leak . I need this to be on a recall list to get repair asap , for the safety of me and my kids.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Dirt cheap cars sold me a car that wont pass inspection
- Structure › Body
I bought a car from a used dealer and I was informed that it had no frame damage but I took it to two garages and both garages informed me that there was frame damage front and back and the one garage I took it to said that they were aware of the frame damage
- Service brakes
I noticed brake fluid underneath my car one day and checked my level to find that there was basically no brake fluid in the reservoir. Turns out it's the brake proportioning valve. After looking online it seems like this IS a trend and has caused accidents previously. The mechanic was surprised…
I noticed brake fluid underneath my car one day and checked my level to find that there was basically no brake fluid in the reservoir. Turns out it's the brake proportioning valve. After looking online it seems like this IS a trend and has caused accidents previously. The mechanic was surprised that this was indeed the problem after calling and then getting the car repaired. The leak came on suddenly and was fairly sever requiring that I add brake fluid after every short drive. If I hadn't noticed this problem I likely would have ended up rear-ending someone or worse. It also seems to be prevalent amongst the 2000-2005 models.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,234. The vin was not available.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
- Service brakes
At my cost I had to replace the brake proportioning valve which was causing a brake fluid leak. Apparently this IS a common dangerous situation. Please create a recall before someone's brakes completely fail in traffic. *tr
- Steering
The covering around the steering column has crumbled and IS coming apart. I'm concerned because I'm not sure if this will affect the air bag if needed. very poor quality of material was used for this. *tr
- Structure
The dash, where it meets the windshield, has curled up and detached from the defroster vent on the driver side. the plastic defroster vent IS also crumbling from being exposed to the sun. I can't believe how cheap of materials was used for this. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Went to turn on my heater today and the smell of gasoline filled my car, 4-door sedan. The car had the same problems as many of the other owners mentioned before e.g. A brake fluid leak, squealing brakes and the transmission IS always slow to kick in when pulling off from a stop. never experienced a gas leak problem with any other car I owned. *tr
- Service brakes
The brake fluid proportioning valve IS leaking for no reason. not a serviceable part. Must be replaced. Not a wear and tear part either. very common issue with 2002 and 2003 research stated. thanks. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The car all of the sudden started loosing brake fluid rapidly. My perfectly good brakes were going out and I almost wrecked my car because of this problem. The KIA dealership in dickinson, tx IS charging me 300 dollars + to fix this problem. I see that thousands of people have had this problem with…
The car all of the sudden started loosing brake fluid rapidly. My perfectly good brakes were going out and I almost wrecked my car because of this problem. The KIA dealership in dickinson, tx IS charging me 300 dollars + to fix this problem. I see that thousands of people have had this problem with a defective manufacture part. My mechanic said that this was the first proportioning valve he has seen completely destroyed like this in 10+ years. This IS happening to thousands of people. I have wrote all news stations about this and I am pursuing this aggressively. You all recalled the 2004-2007 proportioning valves then it should be for the earlier models as well. *Tr
- Service brakes
My brake light went on ( thought it was parking brake stuck or brake maintenance time ) , after spending over $400 to get everything replaced .... It was discovered that my proportioning valve went bad ! Leaking brake fluid ( had to replace every other day ) . Why IS there no recall ? *tr
- Power train
My mother bought this car brand new couple years back. Haven't had any problems till now. On my way to work im going around a curve and transmission went out. Thought for a second I accidentally put it in neutral. My transmission never slipped, shifted hard or any other signs of problems. This IS crazy, not sure yet if KIA IS covering they promised warranty.. I really hope so.. *tr
- Power train
In april of 2009 my transmission went out without warning right in the center lane of heavy traffic as I was leaving my home, I had to have the car towed to a transmission shop just to find out that KIA would not honor the warranty and the costs ($1550) came out of my own pocket. The repairman told…
In april of 2009 my transmission went out without warning right in the center lane of heavy traffic as I was leaving my home, I had to have the car towed to a transmission shop just to find out that KIA would not honor the warranty and the costs ($1550) came out of my own pocket. The repairman told me that this problem occurs quite often with the 2003 KIA spectra but there was no safety recall. Now it IS september of 2011 and the transmission IS going out again! With this vehicle at less than 70,000 miles the transmission should not be going out twice already! *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2003 KIA spectra; brake proportioning valve started leaking around 90K miles. Contacted three local dealers, all three stated that this IS common for this model. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2003 KIA spectra 99,000 miles. I am having to fill up with brake fluid once or twice a day. brake proportion valve IS leaking. several sites and complaints about this. why no recall when this IS not a part that should ordinarily need to be replaced? *tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact was a passenger in a 2003 KIA spectra. While riding at approximately 30 mph, the driver blacked out, causing her to crash into a telephone pole head. The air bags did not deploy. Both the dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact sustained a fractured sternum and…
Tl*the contact was a passenger in a 2003 KIA spectra. While riding at approximately 30 mph, the driver blacked out, causing her to crash into a telephone pole head. The air bags did not deploy. Both the dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact sustained a fractured sternum and multiple bruises. The driver sustained multiple bruises to the body and a tooth was knocked out. the vehicle was destroyed. The current and failure mileages were approximately 110,000. The vin was unavailable. A poice report was filed.
- Structure · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
2003 KIA spectra. never been in a wreck. power windows fail to work. a couple months ago, the passenger side window came off the track, and the in-door assembly had crumbled within the door. took getting an entire assembly to repair the window. today, the driver's side window does not open.…
2003 KIA spectra. never been in a wreck. power windows fail to work. a couple months ago, the passenger side window came off the track, and the in-door assembly had crumbled within the door. took getting an entire assembly to repair the window. today, the driver's side window does not open. motor still works. a clicking sound can be heard as it runs, but it IS not gripping the window to lower it. (still not repaired). *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake warning light illuminated. Brake fluid reservoir was low ? Added fluid. Light came on again after driving a short distance. Mechanic stated brake proportioning valve was leaking on 2003 KIA spectra; potential for brake failure that could result in fatal accident. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake proportioning valve leaking on 2003 KIA spectra, brake pedal went to floor while backing up and resulted in accident. this IS a very serious problem, we could have been killed had this happen on the freeway. How long until someone does something about it. *Tr
- Structure · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Driver's door window regulator fails causing window to slide down track into the door. the power regulator raises and lowers the window with a metal wire running through plastic guides on a metal track. the ends of the wire are capped inside a plastic bracket to which the window IS attached. these plastic parts wear and crack causing the wire to come loose thus preventing the window from being held up. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I have a 2003 KIA spectra that has been running out of brake fluid on a weekly basis. had to buy new proportioning valve from the dealer. I've read several stories about these valves leaking. why has there not been a recall. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
We have been having a problem with our KIA spectra 2003, I have also heard from several others and a car repair store to report the same thing. When we pump gas into the KIA. It will not start up you have to try and start it a few times before it will. That seems more then dangerous to me. *Tr
- Seat belts
Front seatbelts on 2003 KIA spectra unlatch. *Tr
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.
- 10002194Steering wheel noise.
- 10001680Service campaign to replace orvr (on-board refueling vapor recovery) valve.
- 10001438Cold engine hard start. *Scc
Every KIA Spectra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.