2005 KIA Spectra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Spectra › 2005
These records cover every 2005 KIA Spectra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2005 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.
On certain passenger vehicles, the steering tie rods may have a manufacturing flaw that affects the metallurgy.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the rod cracks or fails, loss of vehicle steering control may occur which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering rack assembly, which includes the tie rod components free of charge. owners were notified by telephone on april 8, 2005. an additional letter was sent to owners who had not taken their vehicles in for repair. this letter was mailed may 20, 2005. owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
103 complaints23 involved a crash1 involved a fire17 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seats
Airbag warning light IS activated. Car has not sustained damage. Seat or sensor malfunction may cause airbag not to deploy in crash.
- Electrical system · 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.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
Bad shaking in steering wheel and sounds coming from front end. Only when driving on highway
- Air bags · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · 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…
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.
- Air bags · 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…
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.
- Air bags · Service brakes · 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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…
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). *tr
- Air bags · 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 *bf
- 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…
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.
- Engine · Exterior lighting · 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.
- 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…
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!
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owned a 2005 KIA spectra. While driving 45 mph, the contact noticed that the brake pedal was stiff when it was depressed. The brakes failed without warning and a crash occurred. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Air bags
Another car cut in front of me causing the accident. I was driving, my husband was in the passenger seat. At the time of impact, the passenger side airbag deployed as it should with no problem but mine didn't. There was approximately 3-5 seconds late, then exploded sending hot shrapnel that injured…
Another car cut in front of me causing the accident. I was driving, my husband was in the passenger seat. At the time of impact, the passenger side airbag deployed as it should with no problem but mine didn't. There was approximately 3-5 seconds late, then exploded sending hot shrapnel that injured me in several places on my face, chest, shoulders, stomach and arms causing cuts, burns, scrapes and bruises that my husband took pictures of after the accident. It was extremely tramatic & painful. I am still not completely healed.
- Air bags
My air bag IS off, I went to KIA and had it replace they said that I have to replace my car seat. My car seat IS okay, what I was complaining why my air bag IS off?
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA spectra. While driving at 20 mph, the steering wheel started to pull to the left. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,900.
- Air bags
Vehicle rear ended another vehicle. Airbags didn't deploy as they should have. My son received a concussion as a result (he was wearing his seatbelt). KIA has indicated that airbags would not deploy. Please help. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Drove to work the other morning and notice by lunch time that when I started to drive out of driveway it was not showing miles I was traveling. This had done it to me before in sc and the goodyear service man couldn't find the problem. But it started working again while they had it. He stated that…
Drove to work the other morning and notice by lunch time that when I started to drive out of driveway it was not showing miles I was traveling. This had done it to me before in sc and the goodyear service man couldn't find the problem. But it started working again while they had it. He stated that he'd heard that my car was known to do this. But now for 3 days I'm driving blind on the feel. Until I can get some one to look at it. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA spectra. While driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise emitted from the rear driver side of the vehicle without warning. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 11v256000 (fuel system, other). The failure mileage was 149,909.
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
While stopped on a small hill in traffic, I was rearended by a ford truck who was going about 35mph. My airbags did not deploy. I was taken to the hospital for injuries to my knees and my neck. I see there are many many many complaints regarding the deployment of airbags. There definitely IS a…
While stopped on a small hill in traffic, I was rearended by a ford truck who was going about 35mph. My airbags did not deploy. I was taken to the hospital for injuries to my knees and my neck. I see there are many many many complaints regarding the deployment of airbags. There definitely IS a major problem and a recall should be ordered. This IS a serious problem which could result in death. Also many times while driving my speedometer will go to zero while driving or jump to 100+, in addition the rpm gauge will do the same. This too IS also mentioned many times clearly there IS some manufacturer defect. I am the only owner of the vehicle. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA spectra. The contact stated while driving 70 mph attempting to accelerate to pass another vehicle, the vehicle made a loud popping noise and immediately decelerated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the crankshaft…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA spectra. The contact stated while driving 70 mph attempting to accelerate to pass another vehicle, the vehicle made a loud popping noise and immediately decelerated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the crankshaft position sensor total ring had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 114,702.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
One blinker light would flash faster then the other. The radio would randomly scan stations continuously. Battery would die. 9/28/2013 when vehicle was started, all the lights in the vehicle began flashing/blinking and the car made a buzzing sound. When key was removed the flashing and buzzing…
One blinker light would flash faster then the other. The radio would randomly scan stations continuously. Battery would die. 9/28/2013 when vehicle was started, all the lights in the vehicle began flashing/blinking and the car made a buzzing sound. When key was removed the flashing and buzzing continued for a minute longer. After a jump start the car started, but the blinker lever would no longer go down to turn on left blinker. Later that day aaa tested the battery which was no longer holding a charge and had to be replaced. within the first year of ownership: front spoiler fell off while driving on the highway and replaced by purchasing dealer at no charge. Electrical on windows was intermittent, KIA dealer in ontario (that IS no longer in service) refused to do repairs, which were under warranty, stating they could only do oil changes on the weekends and refused to provide a rental car for the repair to be done during the week. 5/5/2014: requested a warranty report for vehicle from KIA corporate and they stated they do no have record of that information. This particular vehicle was used by KIA for testing purposes on multiple occasions. *tr
- Electrical system
Window controls would not work intermittently. Vehicle was taken to a KIA dealer who refused to do repairs, stating they only do oil changes on weekends. Dealer would not provide rental car for repairs to be made during the week. At this time, the electrical system was still under warranty. Repairs were never made. As of 5/5/2014 windows will only open occasionally. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed control
Pulling out of a driveway to center lane and then merging with traffic, the vehicle would not accelerate. Rpms would flare, but car had no power as if engine was not getting fuel. This would happen intermittently. Vehicle was taken to dealer who stated gas had gotten into an emissions part in the…
Pulling out of a driveway to center lane and then merging with traffic, the vehicle would not accelerate. Rpms would flare, but car had no power as if engine was not getting fuel. This would happen intermittently. Vehicle was taken to dealer who stated gas had gotten into an emissions part in the fuel take, stating it was caused from over filling the tank. Vehicle owner told dealer that the tank had never been over filled or capped off while fueling the vehicle, so the part must be defective. Vehicle owner still had to pay to replace canister close valve. Dealer claimed that rpm flare up and loss of power was caused from the clutch slipping, although rpm flare up never occurred while dealer had the vehicle. At 100,000 estimated miles, the same fuel valve needs to be replaced again, and to date, the fuel tank has never been over filled. *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.
- 10016799Replacement of the evap canister hose vent elbow and the fuel tank (air) filter.
- 10016737Techline faqs. KIA technician times. Volume 8, issue 4.
- 10015749New name & maintenance schedule for evap canister vent filter. KIA technician times.
- 10015527Key gets stuck in the ignition lock cylinder. KIA tech times.
- 10015320Wiper fuse spec change.
- 10015315Intermittent trunk light operation.
Every KIA Spectra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.