Kia Spectra Recalls — All NHTSA Recall Campaigns

Q: How many recalls does the Kia Spectra have?

The Kia Spectra has 2 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, spanning model years 2004 through 2005. Individual vehicles may be subject to fewer recalls depending on their specific model year and production date.

Q: Is my Spectra under recall?

Whether your specific Spectra is subject to a recall depends on your vehicle's exact VIN, not just the model year. A recall may apply to a specific production date range or certain build configurations. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov/recalls to see which, if any, open recalls apply to your exact vehicle.

Q: What is the most recalled Spectra year?

Based on NHTSA recall data, the 2004 Kia Spectra has the most recall campaigns associated with it, with 1 campaign. However, this reflects recall campaigns for that model year — not necessarily the number of defects in vehicles built that year.

2 recall campaigns on record across 2 model years of the Kia Spectra. Data sourced directly from NHTSA and updated daily.

Check Your Specific VIN — Free All Kia Recalls

Recall Campaigns

653

Owner Complaints

108

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

2 affected model years152 crash-involved complaintsMost recalled year: 2004

Affected Model Years

20051R · 71C 20041R · 39C

R = recalls · C = complaints. Click a year to see the full problems report.

Recall Breakdown by Component Category

Engine1 campaign (50%)

Steering1 campaign (50%)

Most Common Owner Complaint Areas — Kia Spectra

AIR BAGS

150

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

POWER TRAIN

SEAT BELTS

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SERVICE BRAKES

Based on 653 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years. 4 deaths and 108 injuries reported.

All Kia Spectra Recall Campaigns

#11V2560002004 Kia SpectraEngine

Issued: Invalid Date

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 J…

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 CONTA…

#05V1830002005 Kia SpectraSteering

Issued: Invalid Date

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STEERING TIE RODS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT AFFECTS THE METALLURGY.

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…

Recalls by Component

1Engine Recalls

#11V256000MY 2004

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, CONNECTICU…

1Steering Recalls

#05V183000MY 2005

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STEERING TIE RODS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT AFFECTS THE METALLURGY.

Kia Spectra Recall — Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the Kia Spectra have?

The Kia Spectra has 2 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database, spanning model years 2004 through 2005.

Is my Spectra under recall?

Recall applicability depends on your specific VIN — not just the model year. Some recalls cover only certain production date ranges or trim levels. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov for an exact answer.

What is the most recalled Spectra year?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2004 Kia Spectra has the highest recall campaign count (1 campaigns). However, the total count of campaigns is not the same as the number of defects — some campaigns are issued as expansions of earlier recalls.

Does a Spectra recall mean my car is unsafe to drive?

Not necessarily. Recalls range from critical safety hazards — where NHTSA advises against driving — to minor inconveniences like a label error. Check the consequence field of each recall to understand the severity. If your specific VIN is subject to an open recall, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Who pays for recall repairs on a Spectra?

The manufacturer is legally required to pay for all recall repairs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer, regardless of whether you are the original owner or whether the vehicle is out of warranty.

Check Your Specific Kia Spectra for Open Recalls

Model-level recall data tells you what campaigns exist. A VIN-specific check tells you exactly which ones apply to your vehicle — based on production date, serial number, and configuration.

Free VIN Check — Check My Spectra

Kia Spectra Problems & Complaints All Kia Recalls All Makes — Recall Center