MYRModel Year Report

2001 Kia Spectra

▲ Better than typical
2001 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:11.203Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Spectra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2001 highlighted. 2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2001 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2008: 120 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints 2009
2001: 40 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200023
200140
200292
200390
200471
2005103
2006100
2007152
2008120
2009114

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 23%

23% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASH
AIR BAGS 23%

23% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY DAUGHTER STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND WITH HER CAR. THE UPON IMPACT THE CAR AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HER CHEST HIT THE STEERING VERY HARD. SHE ENDED UP WITH CHEST, NECK AND SHOULDER SEVERE PAIN. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130826

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130826

AIRBAG MALFUNCTION RESULTED IN SEVERE NECK & BACK DAMAGE CAUSING IMMEDIATE CHIROPRACTIC CARE.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020905

SERVICE BRAKES 18%

18% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.

CRASH FIRE
SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND DIDN'T CHANGE GEARS. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO FULL THROTTLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030128

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20040203 — EA (closed 20040729)

REFUELING SPIT BACK

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 2004 ● 2003 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

◆ 2007 ● 2008 ● 2009

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2001 Kia Spectra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Kia Spectra is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Spectra?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Kia Spectra have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.