Kia Spectra recalls and complaints by year
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Kia Spectra, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Kia Spectra. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Kia Spectra, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 2000–2009 with 5 recall campaigns and 1210 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 2005 (2), 2007 (1), and 2006 (1).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 2007 (206), 2008 (162), and 2009 (152).
- Top recall themes: Fuel and emissions and Steering and suspension.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Air bags, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Fuel and emissions
1 campaign · Years: 2004–2007These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
- 11V256000 · Fuel system, other: Mounting
Steering and suspension
1 campaign · Years: 2005These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
- 05V183000 · Steering: Tie rod assembly
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Kia Spectra in NHTSA complaint data are Air bags, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 0 | 152 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Seats, Electrical system. |
| 2008 | 0 | 162 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2007 | 1 | 206 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Electrical system. |
| 2006 | 1 | 129 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Fuel system, gasoline. |
| 2005 | 2 | 130 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2004 | 1 | 92 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Power train:automatic transmission, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2003 | 0 | 132 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling. |
| 2002 | 0 | 121 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Air bags, Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 2001 | 0 | 56 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Power train, Air bags. |
| 2000 | 0 | 30 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Fuel system and Steering
Other Kia Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Kia models.
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- Telluride 2020–2027
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.