2007 Kia Spectra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 152 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Kia Spectra years to avoid. Which Kia Spectra years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
63,800 milesMedian miles at failure

122 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2007 Kia Spectra problems

50 of the 152 complaints (33%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags48
12013
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system14
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system14
010
Electrical System10
010
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches9
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration8
302
Service Brakes · brakes4
000
Power Train · transmission4
010
Unknown or Other3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes3
100

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting11V256000
Filed Apr 25, 201158,322 vehiclesKia Motors Corporation

Defect. 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, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH HOLD THE TANK MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY SEPARATE ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND POSSIBLY DISRUPT THE INTEGRITY OF THE TANK.

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.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2024GA

Passenger Air bag sensor light has come on and stayed on. Took to AutoZone and have them put it on the code reader and said it was something faulty in the sensor mat under the seat.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 11, 2023FL

I purchased my 2007 Spectra5 used with 155,000 miles on it. The engine had no codes or any stored codes. It ran fine until I filled it up with gas. I DO NOT overfill the tank because I understand EVAP issues. After filling up the vehicle would stall at idle and occasionally lose power (momentarily) at highway speeds (55 mph and up). Obviously this is an extremely dangerous situation! Once the gas level got below 1/2 tank the issues went away…but now I ONLY fill the tank to halfway and the problems arise again every so often. Since there are no codes present I cannot replicate the issue without possibly damaging components further and I already replaced the battery, plugs, IAC valve, MAF sensor, and oil to try to remedy this problem. From reading other’s comments about this same problem I do not want to keep pouring money into a problem that KIA itself seems unable, and unwilling, to fix. This is extremely frustrating and dangerous as occasionally the vehicle loses all power on the highway at speeds exceeding 55mph and I feel an accident is inevitable. I’m not financially well off enough to just eat the cost of this vehicle and get a new (used) vehicle though so KIA has really put me (AND OTHER DRIVERS) in a difficult and dangerous position. As others have stated from mechanics who have tried to diagnose this issue, there may be a serious issue with the EVAP system including, but not limited to, the charcoal canister and purge valve. I will try replacing the fuel filter in the

Air Bags
Filed Sep 22, 2022GA

I first noticed my air bag light (the one by the clock) coming on and off when my granddaughters weight went from under weight to appropriate weight to ride in the front seat. It would come on and off as she would adjust herself or move around in the seat. Sometimes it would stay on or sometimes it would stay off. When that light stopped coming on and off the one in the dash console where the speedometer is, that light has been coming on and staying on warning there's a problem with the airbag according to the manual. I entered my VIN number because I know Kia has had problems with some of there airbags but my VIN number was not listed. I did go by an auto parts house to make sure that was indeed the airbag warning light and I was told that the airbag may or maynot go off in a cash or it could go off at anytime. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS if I was told correctly and felt that this needed to be looked into further. Thank You

Unknown or Other
Filed May 15, 2022CA

I was drive my 2007 Kia Spectra EX in Bakersfield, CA. All of a sudden I parked my car at the gas station, I filled the car up, and I tried putting the transmission into drive but the car would not go forward. I went and searched why the car would not go forward, and I found out other Kia Spectra owners had the same problem. Is there any way to make Kia recall those cars and replace or repair the transmissions under a national recall.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 15, 2021FL

Doors LOCK and UNLOCK on their own. I have been locked out numerous times, some with the engine still running.I brought car to Kia numerous times, and was told there was nothing that could be done, it was a manufacturing defect. I feel this could prevent a very serious problem , both in a collision, or if a child were to be locked in the car. At times the car locks by itself so quickly, I cannot even turn the key fast enough to open the door. I have owned this car since 2009, and it has happened at least 50 or more times.

Steering
Filed Jan 28, 202185,106 milesNC

I WAS SHOPPING AT THE GROCERY STORE AND AS I AM BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY VERY STIFF AS I CUT THE WHEEL TO POSITION MY CAR TO MOVE FORWARD. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FORWARD, BUT WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY RESISTANT TO THE POINT THAT I ACTUALLY HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO RIGHT OR LEFT TO MAKE MY TURN.ON 3/10/2020, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND AT FIRST I WAS TOLD I NEED THE BELTS FOR A/C, ALT AND PS, REPLACED WHICH I AUTHORIZE AND PAID $171.60 TAX INCLUDED. ON 3/26/2020 I HAD TO RETURN MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC DUE TO SAME HARD TO STEER PROBLEM. I WAS THEN TOLD I NEEDED TO HAVE MY POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED WHICH I AUTHORIZED AND PAID $353.93 TAX INCL. NEXT ON 4/7/20 THE SAME PROBLEM OF STEERING HAPPENED. I TOOK IT BACK TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A RACK AND PINION (P/S RACK), AT A COST OF $848.63 TOTAL, WHICH I PAID. I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON 7/14/202 AND 8/17/2020 AND 9/16/2020. I WAS NOT CHARGED THE LAST THREE DATES OF REPAIR. I RECENTLY GOOGLE SEARCHED FOR RECALLS AND SAW THAT THE 2007 KIA SPECTRE HAD INDEED BEEN RECALLED. I CALLED 800-333-4542 AND WAS TOLD MY VIN NUM SHOWS NO SERVICE CAMPAIGN. I CONTEST THEIR FINDINGS I WOULD LIKE MY COMPLAINT TO BE INVESTIGATED. I AM ALSO REQUESTING A TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT OF $1374.16. THANK YOU, [XXX]. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 19, 2018140,000 milesCA

THE 2007 KIA SPECTRA WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MAJOR IMPACT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE KIA HIT ANOTHER CAR AND HAD MAJOR DAMAGES.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 6, 201879,000 milesFL

PASSENGER SIDE OCS SENSOR FAILING.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 23, 2018132,000 milesMN

WHEN STOPPED (FOR EXAMPLE AT A STOP SIGN), WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE AND THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE ENGINE WILL SOMETIMES GO FROM "IDLE" TO A HIGHER SPEED (IT ACCELERATES). MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME AND THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. (I KNOW BECAUSE I LOOKED.)

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 27, 2017IA

ENGINE 💡 CAME ON IMIDIATELY AFTER PULLING OUT OF DEALERSHIP. SO I CA"ED THEM AND THEY STATED IT WASNT ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WERE CALLING IN ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THEY SAID IT WAS JUST THE CHANGE IN WEATHER AND THE GAS CAP. THEY RESET ENGINE 💡 SEVERAL TIMES. NO SOONER THAN I WOULD PULL OFF THE LOT, IT WOULD COME BACK ON. THEN I ASK THEM FOR AN AUTO CHECK HISTORY REPORT SHOWING ODOMETER DESCIIPANCIES. ROLL BACK CALCULATIONS. THE RADIATOR IS CRACKED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK, AND THE BRAKES AND STUFF ARE BAD.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 12, 201758,000 milesHI

THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE GONE HAYWIRE. THEY CLICK ON AND OFF AUTOMATICALLY WHETHER YOU ARE DRIVING OR IF THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. HAD TO BREAK THE LOCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN ORDER TO EXIT THE CAR. PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT OPEN AS WELL EVEN VIA USING A KEY IN THE DOOR LOCK. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD! CONTACTED KIA A MONTH AGO, THEY NEVER GOT BACK TO ME. I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET WHERE OTHER KIA OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 15, 2017130,000 milesNE

BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AT APARTMENT COMPLEX AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WENT OFF AND SHATTERED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 7, 201742,500 milesPA

VEHICLE WILL STALL AFTER GAS TANK IS FILLED. GAS FUMES CAN BE SMELLED. CAR CAN STALL WHILE IDLING OR AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. WHEN IT STALLS POWER STEERING IS LOST, POSING A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK. THE KIA DEALERSHIP TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS MY FAULT - THAT I OVER FILLED THE GAS TANK. FROM 30 OTHER REPORTS I FOUND ON LINE, THE TANK ORVR IS NOT SEALING COMPLETELY AND IT ALLOWS FUEL TO SEEP INTO THE CHARCOAL CANISTER AND VACUUMED ALL THE WYA TO THE INTAKE VIA THE PURGE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE. DEALERSHIP'S THIRD ATTEMPT AT A REPAIR INCLUDES: REPLACING FUEL TANK, EVAP CANISTER, VENT SOLENOID, PURGE FLOW SOLENOID, AND CANISTER FILTER, WITH PARTS AND LABOR TOTALING OVER $1000. I HAVE EMAILED AND CALLED KIA HEADQUARTERS BUT THEY WILL DO NOTHING. HOW CAN SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM - A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE - AND KIA JUST IGNORES IT. SAYS ALOT ABOUT A COMPANY.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 21, 2016125,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG REMAINED ILLUMINATED, EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 13, 201690,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SCRAPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRAGGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 26, 2016GA

2007 KIA SPECTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT/REPAIRS OF DAMAGED VEHICLE SEAT BELTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD T PAY $500 TO GET THE REAR SEAT BELT REPLACED. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Jun 15, 201651,000 milesNM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SUDDENLY SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AND THE SPEED REDUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS TO THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 7, 2016PA

I BOUGHT THE CAR AT 50K MILES AND STARTED HAVING ISSUES. SEAL FOR WINDSHIELD POPPING OUT,AIRBAG LIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE STAYS ON CONSTANTLY TRANSMISSION JERKING,AND DOORS AUTO LOCKING IN PARK POSITION. BALL JOINTS NO GOOD AND HAD TO PAY PUT OF POCKET. REFUSED TO COVER WARRANTY BECAUSE I DIDN'T BUY THE CAR NEW. HAVE TO CALL LOCKSMITH TO GET KEYS OUT,CAUSE I REFUSE TO BRAKE WINDOWS,THAT ALSO ARE MISALIGNED ON DRIVERS SD CAUSING IT TO NOT CLOSE FULLY. SHAME THEY CAN'T WARRANTY THEIR CAR YET ONLY CONVENIENT COVER ONLY BUYER...SMH REFUSED

Air Bags
Filed Jun 1, 201690,000 milesFL

PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND REMAINS ON--APPARENTLY THIS INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE. WHY IS THIS NOT RECALLED WHEN SO MANY COMPLAIN OF THE SAME PROBLEM IN THIS YEAR AND MODEL CAR?

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 1, 2016FL

THE CAR DOORS LOCK RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING, WHILE PARKED, EVEN IN PARK WITH THE CAR RUNNING--I GOT LOCKED OUT WITH THE CAR RUNNING FOR OVER 2 HOURS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. I HAVE LEARNED TO HAVE A WINDOW OPEN IF I EXIT THE CAR WHILE IT IS RUNNING OR TO MAKE SURE THE KEYS ARE IN MY HANDS ANY TIME I EXIT THE CAR. THEY ALSO LOCK AND UNLOCK REPEATEDLY WHEN I AM TRYING TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. WITH SO MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, WHY IS THIS NOT BEING ADDRESSED?

Air Bags
Filed May 25, 2016124,606 milesVA

OWNER OF THE 2007 KIA SPECTRA BROUGHT THE CAR TO ME TO HAVE TO LOOKED AT DUE TO THE AIRBAG LIGHT BEING ON. UPON SCANNING THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR THE SRS SYSTEM CODED B1448 WHICH IS THE PASSENGER SIDE OCS MAT SENSOR FAILING. THIS PART SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES FOR THE PASSENGER RIDING IN THE CAR

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 6, 201660,000 milesOH

THE CAR LOCKS AND UNLOCKS REPEATEDLY ON ITS OWN WHEN I'M TRYING TO UNLOCKTHE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER DOOR. THE CAR IS ALWAYS STATIONARY WHEN I TRY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR(S), IT WILL SOMETIMES LOCK ON ITS OWN WHEN I'M DRIVING. THIS STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 22, 201664,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS REVVED VIOLENTLY. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 3, 2016100,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 8, 2016FL

I HAVE A 2007 KIA SPECTRA AND THE WIRES TO THE FAN CONTROLLER ARE MELTING. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SOME PROBLEM AND KIA DOES NOT HAVE A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM. THESE WIRES GET VERY HOT AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A FIRE HAZARD. SO AS IT IS NOW I HAVE NO AC NO HEAT.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 12, 201684,000 milesWA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AT AROUND 84,000 MILES AND THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" NO LONGER ILLUMINATES. DIAGNOSTIC TESTING SHOWS A CODE B1448 INDICATING THAT THE OCS, PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE ITEM TO REPLACE, AND IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS SAME ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED REPEATEDLY. BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH PASSENGER SAFETY, I FEEL THIS ITEM SHOULD BE RECALLED AND COVERED BY KIA.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 30, 201599,000 milesVA

OUR VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ON. WHEN DIAGNOSED, CODE B1448 WAS FOUND, INDICATING THAT THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR, PART OF THE SEAT SENSOR MAT (ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT), WAS FAULTY. WE ARE CONCERNED BOTH ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING OUR CAR, AND THE HIGH COST OF REPAIR. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, AND WE BELIEVE THAT KIA SHOULD RECALL THE PART. *JS

Air Bags
Filed Dec 4, 2015152,283 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCS MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,283.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 21, 2015147,000 milesNC

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON INDICATING A FAULT IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE PASSENGER SEAT OCS MAT SENSOR MAY BE DEFECTIVE. AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK IN ACCIDENT.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 8, 2015152,000 milesCT

I OWN A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CODE 1448 AND WAS TOLD THE OCS MAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED COSTED OVER $1400. THIS CAN CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IF THERES A CHILD SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000

Air Bags
Filed Oct 21, 2015MI

BECAUSE OF A DEFECT IN THE SEATS THE AIRBAGS DO NOT OPERATE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE SEATS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1400 PER SEAT.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 18, 2015108,000 milesFL

ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO OR MORE, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOCKING WHENEVER IT WANTED TO, SO I HAVE TO WEAR THE KEYS AROUND MY NECK ON A LANYARD. NOW, ABOUT 4 WEEKS AGO, THE VEHICLE STARTED NOT LETTING ME OUT OF THE CAR. THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON DOES NOT RELEASE THE MECHANISM. THE ONLY WAY OUT OF THE DRIVER SEAT IS TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW, OPEN THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE BY REACHING MY ARM THROUGH THE OPEN WINDOW, OPENING THE DOOR, ROLLING UP THE WINDOW AND TURNING THE CAR OFF. WERE I TO GO OFF THE ROAD INTO A BODY OF WATER, I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. IN READING ON THE INTERNET, I SEE THIS AS A PROBLEM WITH KIA OPTIMA MODELS.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 7, 2015162,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DETAILS OF THE DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 2015187,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 29, 201563,800 milesMD

THE KIA SPECTRA 2007 ENGINE STALLS AFTER REFILLING. I DID NOT 'TOP IT OFF' AT THE GAS STATION, IT WAS SIMPLY FILLED UP BY THE CLICKING OF THE FUEL PUMP. THE CAR STALLED THREE TIMES (ALL ENGINE LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS SUDDENLY TURNED ON), WHEEL HAD WEAK CONTROL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, DRIVING HOME (ROUGHLY 3 MILE RANGE). FORTUNATELY, I WAS AT THE LIGHT EVERY TIME (WITH PEOPLE BEHIND ME). IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING 60 MILES PER HOUR, I PROBABLY WOULD'VE DIED, UNAWARE OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. I TURNED ON MY VEHICLE WARNING LIGHT IMMEDIATELY, AND THE CARS BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO GET AROUND ME. I JUST TOOK SOME TIME TO RESEARCH THIS, AND APPARENTLY IT'S HAPPENING TO A BUNCH OF OTHER PEOPLE AS WELL. HERE'S A YOUTUBE VIDEO DOCUMENTING WHAT HAPPENS, YOU BASICALLY LOSE CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=KDMJJ_KQGDU HERE'S A LIST OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2007/KIA/SPECTRA/FUEL+SYSTEM THE CAR IS NOW A DEATH TRAP FOR ME, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START SINCE DRIVING ANYWHERE COULD POTENTIALLY GET ME KILLED.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 1, 2015111,000 milesNC

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH ALONG WITH THE "PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF" LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON DURING A 1 HOUR TRIP AS WE WERE MOVING TO OUR NEW APARTMENT. LUCKILY WE DID NOT HAVE VERY FAR TO MOVE WHEN THIS SUDDEN SAFETY HAZARD AROSE AS WE COULD NOT MOVE A PASSENGER TO THE BACK SEAT. THE SENSOR DID NOT RECOGNIZE MY WIFE AT A LITTLE OVER 110 LBS. NOR MYSELF AT OVER 175 LBS. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE OCS MAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A COST OF AROUND $1100 FOR PARTS AND $230 FOR THE LABOR. IT TOOK ABOUT A WEEK TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 15, 2015117,500 milesMD

EACH TIME AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK, THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY DIE. AFTER A COMPLETE FILL UP, IT TAKES APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES FOR THE PROBLEM TO ABATE. THROUGH SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, I FIND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS ISSUE. IT'S A DEFINITE SAFETY CONCERN. THE CAR CAN DIE AT ANY SPEED, ANY TIME AND ANY DRIVING CONDITION. THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME. I KNOW THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD IT CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I WANT TO KNOW IF IT CAN BE FIXED. I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE MY CAR DIE WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 22, 201576,500 milesIA

I NO LONGER HAVE THE CAR, SO I CANNOT PROVIDE THE VIN NUMBER AT THIS TIME. (I CAN GET IT, WITH SOME WORK INVOLVED). I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AFTER THE CRASH. I LIVE IN RURAL IOWA. DEER START THEIR RUT IN OCTOBER. I SWERVED TO MISS A DEER, ON A TWO LANE ROAD. WENT DOWN A 40 FOOT DITCH, NOSE FIRST. BECAUSE THE BOTTOM OF THE DITCH WAS A GULLY, THE FRONT OF THE ROOF, THE HOOD, THE FRONT LIGHTS, ETC. WERE ALL DESTROYED. NOT ONE OF THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THEY ARE NOT A PART OF THE NEWS ROUND OF AIRBAGS, BUT I WANT THIS ON RECORD. AGAIN, I CAN SUPPLY PICTURES, AND IT WILL BE OBVIOUS THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THE 8 AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. PLEASE, LOOK INTO THE 2007 KIA SPECTRA'S AIR BAGS. LOOK TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR MONEY, I BOUGHT THE CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER (WHEN SHE WAS SIX, WITH THE TEN YEAR WARRANTY, I INTENDED TO PASS IT ON TO HER, WHEN SHE GOT HER LICENSE..... BOY AM I GLAD I WAS INVOLVED IN THE CRASH, AND NOT HER, SEEING IS HOW THAT IS THE EXACT REASON WHY I DECIDED TO BUY THE KIA.

Power Train
Filed May 17, 2015124,678 milesGA

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ABOUT 65 MPH. ALL OF SUDDEN, THE CAR LOST ALL FORWARD MOTION POWER. WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS, THE RPMS INCREASED, BUT THE CAR DID NOT GET ANY POWER. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN WITHOUT PROBLEM. AFTER STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER STARTING AGAIN, I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE FORWARD POWER WAS WORKING AGAIN AND THE CAR SHIFTED FINE. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED AT 110,000 MILES. SUSPECTING TRANSMISSION, I TOOK TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. I WAS GIVEN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: ERROR CODE P0750 SHIFT SOLENOID; ERROR CODE P0755 SHIFT SOLENOID B; ERROR CODE P0760 SHIFT SOLENOID C; ERROR CODE P0765 SHIFT SOLENOID D. WAS GIVEN PRICE QUOTE TO FIX, BUT ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT KIA DEALERSHIP ABOUT PROBLEM AS THEY HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE ON OTHER SIMILAR KIA SPECTRAS. CALLED DEALERSHIP TO INFORM THEM OF PROBLEM. LEFT MESSAGE, BUT NEVER GOT A RETURN CALL; AND THE ONE TIME I GOT A PERSON, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE SOMEONE FROM SERVICE CALL ME BACK. NEVER HEARD FROM ANYONE. ON MAY 16, 2015, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, ONLY THIS TIME TURNING THE CAR OFF DID NOT WORK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND RECONNECT, THEN THE CAR SHIFTED AGAIN. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM? IS THERE A RECALL? BEFORE I SPEND $2000, I WANT TO KNOW IF KIA IS AVOIDING MY CALLS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE IS PROBLEM? DID INTERNET SEARCH AND HAVE FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS.

Air Bags
Filed May 12, 2015118,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CUSHION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed May 6, 201528,000 milesCA

DEAR SIR/MADAM, THIS VEHICLE HAS THE PROBLEM OF LOCKING ITS DOOR AUTOMATICALLY. ON THE REPORTED INCIDENT DATE, INSIDE THE GARAGE THE DOOR LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY (ALSO HAPPENS WHEN I TRY TO OPEN BOTH DOORS) SECONDS AFTER BUCKLING UP MY 5 YEAR OLD SON. THE KEYS WERE INSIDE THE CAR AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER HAD I NOT LEFT THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN TO GET THE SPARE KEY FROM HOME. WHEN I REPORTED THIS ISSUE BACK IN 2008 AND 2011, KIA DIDN'T HAVE TECHNICIANS AND ASKED ME TO COME BACK LATER. I REPORTED THE SAME WHEN I WENT FOR SERVICE IN APRIL 2013 THEY TOLD THAT THEY WILL DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND PARTS WILL NEED TO BE PAID FOR IN ADDITION TO DIAGNOSTIC FEES. I REVIEWED ONLINE AND IT SEEMS KIA HAS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN CASE A CHILD GETS TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR IN WHICH CASE THE WINDOWS MAY NEED TO BE SHATTERED TO GET ACCESS TO THE CHILD (AND CAN CAUSE INJURY TO THE CHILD AS WELL). I WOULD APPRECIATE RECOMMENDING KIA TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR ALL AFFECTED PEOPLE THANKS AND BEST REGARDS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Seats
Filed Apr 16, 2015113,000 milesVA

MY INDICATOR ON MY DASH BOARD FOR AN AIRBAG PROBLEM CAME ON, UPON TAKING IT TO A MAINTENANCE SHOP THEY FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS DUE TO A SENSOR GOING BAD IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. AFTER THEY CALLED MULTIPLE PLACES, INCLUDING THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A RECURRENT ISSUE IN MY KIA MODEL, SO MUCH TO THE POINT THAT A SEAT MAY ONLY BE ATTAINED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WITH A PROLONG WAITING TIME BECAUSE OF THE HIGH DEMAND FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THEM DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, MANY DIFFERENT SOURCES HAVE CONFIRMED THIS TO BE TRUE, WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL? THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR MODULE CLEARLY HAS A FAULT, RENDERING IT TO HAVE A SHORT LIFE SPAN, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IF IT HAD GONE BAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND HAPPENED TO ENCOUNTER AN ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. NOT TO MENTION THAT THE SEAT MODULE ITSELF IS BY NO MEANS AN INEXPENSIVE PART, CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO PAY FOR A PROBLEM THAT WAS GUARANTEED TO GO BAD AFTER A SHORT TIME, IF THAT WAS THE CASE IT SHOULD BE STATED UPON THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 31, 201549,600 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,600.

Engine
Filed Mar 6, 2015CA

AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 KIA SPECTRA OUT OF NOWHERE ALL MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS CAME ON AND MY CAR LOCKED UP AND TURNED OFF WHILE I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I COULD NOT TURN IT TO GET MY CAR OFF THE ROAD. I THEN HAD TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK TURN THE IGNITION OFF THEN RESTART IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 3 DIFFERENT TIMES. ALSO AS I AM DRIVING, MY CAR STARTS TO SLOW DOWN LIKE IT STARVES FOR GAS AND I HAVE TO STEP ON THE GAS AND PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN ALL THE WAY BEFORE IT WILL EVENTUALLY PICK UP AND GO. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 11, 201470,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATE (JULY 9, 2015): IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT OR NOT, THE LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. WHETHER THE PASSENGER IS 80LBS OR 200LBS IT DOESN'T GO OFF. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED BY SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS BUT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR SO THAT IS WHERE I GOT THE OCTOBER 1, 2010 DATE. SC THE CONSUMER STATED IT DID NOT MATTER WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ON. UPDATED 07/30/15

Air Bags
Filed Nov 25, 2014135,000 milesKY

STARTED CAR DRIVER SIDE AIR ILLUMINATED AND STAYED AN STILL ON AND DOESN'T GO OFF. AND BACK DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS LOCK AND WONT COME OUT SO NO ONE CAN RIDE ON THAT SIDE OF CAR BECAUSE SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 21, 2014140,063 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,063.

Power Train
Filed Nov 7, 20141,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING MY 2007 KIA SPECTRA- AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON 1/1/2008, DOWN THE ROAD AT 45MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT FROM HIGH GEAR TO LOW GEAR AND IT STAYED ON LOW GEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIX. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS SOME TYPE OF RELAY THAT NEEDED TO BE RESET. THEY RESET THE RELAY THAT DAY. SINCE THEN IT HAS HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES AT HIGHER SPEED, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM EACH TIME. SO THAT'S A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED. NOW, FOR A FOURTH TIME, IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN ON 11/01/2014. *TR

WheelsCrash
Filed Oct 27, 201497,963 milesNM

ON MY WAY TO WORK I TOOK THE SAME ROUTE THAT I ALWAYS TAKE. I WAS GOING ABOUT 25MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL OF THE LIGHTS CAME ON ( CHECK OIL, BATTERY, EMERGENCY BRAKE, TIRE PRESSURE, AIRBAG, AND CHECK ENGINE) THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP CAUSING MY CAR TO SWERVE RIGHT INTO A COMMUNITY MAIL BOX. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IS OFF AND THE TWO PASSENGER SIDE TIRES ARE BOTH FLAT. WHEN I GOT MY CAR IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR THREE DAYS AFTER I GOT IT IT HAD STARTED DOING THIS I TOOK IT BACK AND IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS. WHEN THEY HAD TOLD ME THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED I TRUSTED THAT THEY WERE RIGHT BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT LED ME TO THIS... THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RETURNED MY PHONE CALL AND MY INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER FOR A RENTAL CAR. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND MY JOB DOES NOT PAY ME ENOUGH TO JUST PAY AND GET A NEW CAR OR PAY AND HAVE THIS CAR FIXED. I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE RESPONSES ABOUT THIS CAR. WHY WOULD THESE CARS BE SOLD TO PEOPLE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 26, 201490,000 milesNC

THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS MY KIA HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES UPON REFUELING. I HAVE STOPPED TOPPING OFF WHILE REFUELING. THE CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WHILING IDLING. IT GIVES OFF AN AWFUL GAS SMELL. IT HAS SHUT OFF ON HIGHWAYS AND IN CITY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND FIND MANY KIA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM CONSTANTLY GIVEN DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTICS FROM KIA AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTERS. REPLACEMENTS FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM ASSEMBLE HAVE TOTALED IN THE THOUSANDS. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 152, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2009114012Fatalities reported
2008121031Fatalities reported
2007 — this page152161Fatalities reported
2006100130Routine
2005103210Routine
200471111Fatalities reported
200390010Routine
200292021Fatalities reported
200140010Routine
200023000Routine

Compare every Spectra year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 25, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.