2004 KIA Spectra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Spectra › 2004
These records cover every 2004 KIA Spectra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2004 KIA Spectra. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on june 6, 2011. owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
71 complaints16 involved a crash1 involved a fire9 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the cruise control feature was not operating properly. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving and approaching a traffic light, when depressing on the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated independently to 80 mph.…
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the cruise control feature was not operating properly. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving and approaching a traffic light, when depressing on the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated independently to 80 mph. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to stop the vehicle by using the emergency brakes and parked on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, they noticed the cruise cable was not in place was separate from the box. The contact also stated she saw the area was black/burned. The contact called local dealer and them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
- Electrical system
Electrical - speedometer / odometer - functions intermittently due to possible short in wiring
- Air bags · Service brakes
Tamara recall; there was an accident about ten cars in front of me. I seen everyone start hitting there brakes so I started applying mine. Then I realized everyone had come to a stop so I applied on my brakes even harder and they locked up and I slid about 15 ft. And hit a truck in the rear end still going about 35 mph. It shoved the front end of my car back quite a bit but yet my airbags never deployed.
- Structure › Body
Metal around wheel wells rotting out.
- Air bags
Front end collision going around 30mph and no airbag deployment. Car IS totaled. *tr
- Structure › Body
After parking my car I could not open the driver side (left front) door. The inside door handle no longer opens the door. I now have to roll down the window and open the door using the outside door handle. I feel this IS a safety issue. In an emergency I could become trapped inside. The electric…
After parking my car I could not open the driver side (left front) door. The inside door handle no longer opens the door. I now have to roll down the window and open the door using the outside door handle. I feel this IS a safety issue. In an emergency I could become trapped inside. The electric windows won't work unless the car IS running or the key IS in the "on" position. Also it has a manual transmission with a stick shift so trying to exit through the passenger side really IS not an option. *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact also stated months later the seat belt springs from the driver and passenger side exploded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact also stated months later the seat belt springs from the driver and passenger side exploded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000 and the current failure mileage 143,000.
- Power train
I went into kroger's and picked up a few items. when I was done, I left the store and got back into my car to finish running some errands. I started my KIA- spectra and she purred like a kitten- as usual. I put my car in reverse to back out of the parking space but my KIA would move. I was…
I went into kroger's and picked up a few items. when I was done, I left the store and got back into my car to finish running some errands. I started my KIA- spectra and she purred like a kitten- as usual. I put my car in reverse to back out of the parking space but my KIA would move. I was pressing the peddle and my car did not move. I could hear the car revving up but I wasn't moving. to make a long story short- I had my KIA towed to the dealership for an inspection and was told that I needed a new transmission and it would cost me between $2200-3600. I was devastated and shocked. My KIA was working just fine. I never had any indicators that the vehicle was having problems. none of my dashboard indicator lights flash or light up. my car has been parked for the last three months because I could not afford to cover the repairs. I purchased my vehicle 4 years ago and have taken it to the dealer for all the regular scheduled maintenance to maintain a well-functioning vehicle. I was laid off from my job over 5 years ago. I paid $8,700 for my KIA using monies from my prophet sharing to cut down on living expenses so that I could stay on top of things between jobs. I was assured by the dealer that my vehicle was certified and would remain in great condition if I kept up with the necessary vehicle maintenance. I did everything I was suppose to and my vehicle IS no longer in service. the dealership I take my vehicle to for service, advised me to contact your organization and report my issues concerning my vehicle. my car should be on the recall list because this vehicle IS prone to defective transmissions. I am on a fixed income and I need my car repair. please let me know if I can get my car repaired under a recall. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling · Suspension
The warning light on the spectra 2005 4-door has been a problem from day 1. the light keeps going on and off. when I brought it back to the dealer on a number of occasions, the light went off so they were never able to determine the problem. now the light IS permanently 'on' and I don't know if…
The warning light on the spectra 2005 4-door has been a problem from day 1. the light keeps going on and off. when I brought it back to the dealer on a number of occasions, the light went off so they were never able to determine the problem. now the light IS permanently 'on' and I don't know if it IS working or not. it IS definitely a concern and it IS a definitely a problem. in addition, the timing belt keeps loosening on a continual basis. I have repeatedly bought it to my mechanic to get it tightened. this should not be the case. the timing belt, once fixed, should remain in tact at least for a length of time (not a month!). that the warranty has expired, the light remains on. Whatever, I have been very unhappy with the car. am disappointed. I realize the cost was a significant factor upon purchase, but my hyundai at the same cost break (actually lower) proved to be a significantly better car. I gave the hyundai to a friend of mine and it IS keeps on ticking. it IS still in service and runs better than the KIA at over triple the mileage. in addition, the entire suspension replaced at 65,000 which IS unusual as I do not drive the car hard and I avoid bumps. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. the contact stated that that a sizzling noise was heard coming from the dashboard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that there was an electrical failure. The failure vehicle was previously repaired for the same failure, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 11,000 and the current mileage was 13,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
KIA spectra EX 2004.5. Constantly stalls and engine races at any time and any speed. I am forced to place transmission in "n" when I aproach a stop sign. I avoid highways being afraid to stall at a high speed and cause a fatality to myself or another vehicle. Problems started when vehicle was still…
KIA spectra EX 2004.5. Constantly stalls and engine races at any time and any speed. I am forced to place transmission in "n" when I aproach a stop sign. I avoid highways being afraid to stall at a high speed and cause a fatality to myself or another vehicle. Problems started when vehicle was still under warranty. In a typical KIA fashion I was told nothing was wrong.now out of warranty situation has got worse.my mechanic says IS a design defect in the computer system or the fuel system. The internet IS full with this same complaint from many spectra and another KIA models owners. This deserve an investigation. A fatality may happen sooner or later. Please, force KIA to come forward about this issue. Certainly they know what's wrong, but they always say "nothing IS wrong". *tt
- Air bags › Frontal
Frontal impact at about 40 mph. None of the airbags deployed. Suffered strained neck. *tr
- Air bags · Seats
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the seat track on the passenger side was located where the air bags were. She assumed that because the wires for the air bags were run close to the seat track, the air bags were disconnected when the seat was moved back and forth…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. The contact stated that the seat track on the passenger side was located where the air bags were. She assumed that because the wires for the air bags were run close to the seat track, the air bags were disconnected when the seat was moved back and forth because the air bag light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the seat mechanism would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 140,000 and the failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a 2004 KIA spectra that has an issue sticking in third gear. it started a month after I bought the car brand new. I noticed it when I first pulled out of a side street on to a main road and when I pushed on the accelerator the car was barely moving. thank god no on coming traffic was…
I have a 2004 KIA spectra that has an issue sticking in third gear. it started a month after I bought the car brand new. I noticed it when I first pulled out of a side street on to a main road and when I pushed on the accelerator the car was barely moving. thank god no on coming traffic was coming, cause yes I would of caused an accident. when I took it in to KIA they said they could not find any issues. then a month or so later I was accelerating off an exit ramp and the transmission stuck in third gear. I had to pull off the side of the road. when I stepped on the brake it reset and I was off again. I again took it to KIA and they kept it all day, but still said they could not find an issue. it felt like the car was in park and I was pressing on the gas. this has happen 6 more times, but KIA says they have not found any issues on their computer. now the car has no warranty so I just live with it. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. The contact received a recall notice for recall 05v431000 (air bags) and the repair was performed. However, the air bag light illuminated again and stayed on. The passenger air bag sensor was non-functional. When someone sat in the passenger seat, the light…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. The contact received a recall notice for recall 05v431000 (air bags) and the repair was performed. However, the air bag light illuminated again and stayed on. The passenger air bag sensor was non-functional. When someone sat in the passenger seat, the light did not illuminate indicating that the air bag was activated. The dealer stated that the failure could result in the air bag not deploying in an accident or it deploying at any time. The failure mileage was approximately 57,800. The current mileage was approximately 58,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Latches/locks/linkages
Fuel tank straps rusting out. my fuel tank straps rusted out causing one to drag the ground making sparks! I looked over the car and nothing IS rusted like the straps, the exsust IS good the heat shield and the fuel lines are good just the fuel straps are so rusted to the point they snapped!
- Child seat · Seat belts › Integrated child seat
Evenflo triumph advance' LX convertible fails to perform basic carseat functions. Actual carseat damages itself via razor sharp plastic openings where the latch system strap or vehicle restraint strap goes through the seat. We have been physically cut on this plastic along with the latch strap…
Evenflo triumph advance' LX convertible fails to perform basic carseat functions. Actual carseat damages itself via razor sharp plastic openings where the latch system strap or vehicle restraint strap goes through the seat. We have been physically cut on this plastic along with the latch strap being frayed and cut beyond safe use. We have discontinued using the latch system but are concerned that the vehicle's safety restraint strap will also be frayed and become unsafe along with permanent damage to our vehicle. This plastic issues has resulted in gross safety issues on a constant basis. Child can easily get out of the carseat regardless of strap tension every single use. The chest clip slips up and down too easily and child can simply, with 1 finger, slide the chest clip the to 5 point harness, wiggle arms and legs out and get into a standing position without much difficulty. No action has been taken by the manufacturer. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
The cruise control unit when engaged it accelerates on its own. or it tolally dis-engages on its own. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My vehicle looses power, sputters, and hesitates when the accelerator IS pressed. this has causes me to almost be in several accidents. the service dept cannot find a problem with my vehicle, but there IS a problem that exists. I have filed several complaints with KIA motors and have had no…
My vehicle looses power, sputters, and hesitates when the accelerator IS pressed. this has causes me to almost be in several accidents. the service dept cannot find a problem with my vehicle, but there IS a problem that exists. I have filed several complaints with KIA motors and have had no response and they have refused to assist me with any other type of help with my vehicle. my vehicle IS defective, but since KIA motors cannot find a problem, then they are claiming that there IS nothing that can be done. this problem occurs at least once a day while driving when I am coming home from work and even on sunday's when I am coming home from church. the service dept IS always closed when this occurs so I can't take it in. this problem has been occurring with my vehicle for approx. 2 years and I have had no success IS getting a resolution to my problem. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My fiance's bought a KIA spectra.... I have noticed for awhile that at freeway speeds its ok... Getting to and coming down from freeway speeds however IS a interesting time... The car for about 2-3 secs. Revs and doesn't slam but seems to ease into gear then jerks forward... Passing other vehicles…
My fiance's bought a KIA spectra.... I have noticed for awhile that at freeway speeds its ok... Getting to and coming down from freeway speeds however IS a interesting time... The car for about 2-3 secs. Revs and doesn't slam but seems to ease into gear then jerks forward... Passing other vehicles IS not done often due to this problem. And when getting on the off ramp the motor down shifts and revs. Way to high then same as before eases into gear and jerks backwards. Then while on city streets the transmission has a much larger stall before getting into gear 4-5 secs. And this time IS slams into gear producing torque steer. I had her take it in and said they couldn't find anything. So I never further persuade it.. Because nothing was going to be done. Have worked at a dealership before. They did however see that the speedo would flip out and not work at sit at 40 mph at a dead stop then as you got to 20 mph it would climb insanely then sit there they have fixed it 3 times and the third seemed to be the charm. So I am wondering if there has been a recall about there transmissions. I don't remember when exactly when this happened but mileage was about 15K and still happens till this day at 58K. So I drive it because I worry for her safety and my sons. *Tr
- Air bags
Black ice on roads I ended up turned upside down in a six foot ditch. Car has been totaled. No air bags deployed. Upset that a crash like that the air bags would not deploy. What IS the protocol for something like this? *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. while slowing down for a red light or stop sign at any speed, the vehicle makes a loud noise and accelerates. the contact had to turn off the vehicle in order for the failures to stop. the failure began in january of 2008. the vehicle was taken to the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA spectra. while slowing down for a red light or stop sign at any speed, the vehicle makes a loud noise and accelerates. the contact had to turn off the vehicle in order for the failures to stop. the failure began in january of 2008. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. on november 9, 2008, while driving 5 mph in reverse, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a tree. the contact was uninjured. the vehicle IS currently at the body shop. the failure mileage was 28,000 and current mileage was 37,000. updated 12/17/08.*lj updated 12/18/08. *Jb
- Power train
The car will suddenly accelerate while driving. it will also lunge when shifting into gear, forward and reverse. it does not occur everytime the vehicle starts. we brought it to the dealership twice for this problem. the first time they said they couldn't duplicate the problem. the 2ND time…
The car will suddenly accelerate while driving. it will also lunge when shifting into gear, forward and reverse. it does not occur everytime the vehicle starts. we brought it to the dealership twice for this problem. the first time they said they couldn't duplicate the problem. the 2ND time they said that it IS normal for rpm's to go up when the engine IS cool. when the car lunges, the brakes have to be depressed as hard as possible to stop the car. it sounds like the same problem they had with the KIA amanti. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
My vehicle sputters while driving. there have been a few incidents where my vehicle has almost stalled on the freeway while I was driving in fast lane. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer at least 5 time in a 2 month window, and they claim that they cannot find anything wrong with my vehicle…
My vehicle sputters while driving. there have been a few incidents where my vehicle has almost stalled on the freeway while I was driving in fast lane. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer at least 5 time in a 2 month window, and they claim that they cannot find anything wrong with my vehicle, so they are refusing to fix my vehicle or take all of the precautionary measures to repair my vehicle. the dealer claims that since they cannot find anything wrong with my vehicle, then there IS nothing that they can do and I am just stuck with a defective vehicle, which has become unsafe to drive on the road. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Front end collision, airbag did not deploy. 2004 KIA spectra. it was hit by a truck at approx. 55 mph in the left front corner pushing everything into the motor area and the airbag did not deploy. *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.
- 10089668Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign sc122 underbody additional anti-corrosion treatment
- 10089667Owner notification letter (sc122) - dear KIA spectra owner: KIA motors america, inc. IS conducting a voluntary service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2004-2009 KIA spectra vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
- 10089642Dealer principal memo (sc122) - KIA motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, as a preventative measure, to add additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody of all 2006-2011 my rio, 2004-2009 my spectra, 2006-2010 my optima, 2010-2013 my soul, and 2007-2010 my rondo vehicles originally retailed and/or currently registered in one of the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
- 10089618"Tsb: voluntary service campaign - application of additional anti-corrosion material (sc122) - to improve customer satisfaction, KIA IS launching this bulletin to apply additional anticorrosion protection to various vehicle underbody components of some 2010~2013my soul (am), 2004~2009my spectra (ld), 2006~2010my optima (MG), 2006~2011my rio (jb) and 2007~2010my rondo (un) vehicles. The affected vehicles were originally retailed or are currently registered in states where road salt IS heavily used. The states are: ct, dc, de, ia, il, in, ma, md, me, mi, mn, mo, nh, nj, ny, oh, pa, ri, vt, wi, wv ks, ky, ne, nd, sd, ut, and ak. KIA believes that such additional protection can be helpful, especially in very high mileage situations. Please remind all customers of the instructions in their owners manual, as shown below, to regularly have the underbody of their vehicles washed when road salt IS being used in their area."
- 10058518KIA: an additional application of anti-corrosion protection will be applied on some vehicles underbody components to help prevent corrosion. Model 2004-09 spectra, 2006-10 optima, 2006-11 rio 2007-10 rondo and 2010-13 soul.
- 10037242KIA: on some 2004-2009 spectras the doors are locking intermittently without the driver commanding them to.
- 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.
- 10021561Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
- 10020041A second to third gear upshift shock after the vehicle IS at operating temperature. Also may be felt as a slip or flare followed by a shock while shifting from second to third gear.
- 10017975Airbag control unit (acu) logic reprogramming. KIA IS changing the acu logic to permit side curtain airbag deployment at all times.
- 10016840Charging system upgrade.
- 10016799Replacement of the evap canister hose vent elbow and the fuel tank (air) filter.
- 10016737Techline faqs. KIA technician times. Volume 8, issue 4.
- 10015573Mild driveline bump or shock while accelerating from a stop after the vehicle has been parked for more than one hour.
- 10015527Key gets stuck in the ignition lock cylinder. KIA tech times.
- 10015525Clutch switch p/n availability.
- 10015320Wiper fuse spec change.
- 10015315Intermittent trunk light operation.
- 10015260Advanced air bag occupant classification systems (ocs).
- 10009701Headlamp ground wire sealing to prevent moisture from entering the headlamp assemblies.
Every KIA Spectra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.