MYRModel Year Report

2001 Kia Spectra

▲ Better than typical
2001 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:21.865Z

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
40
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

23% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 23 complaints 2001: 40 complaints 2001 40 2002: 92 complaints 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2008: 120 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints
2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2001 40 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2007 2008: 120 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints 2009
2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2001 40 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2007 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% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASH

Air bags

23% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2013-08-26

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, 2013-08-26

Airbag malfunction resulted in severe neck & back damage causing immediate chiropractic care.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-05

Service brakes

18% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing engine.

CRASHFIRE

Suspension

13% · 5 reports

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, 2003-01-28

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2004-02-03Engineering analysisClosed 2004-07-29 Refueling spit back

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years1 year

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.