MYRModel Year Report

2003 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2003 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:03:15.557Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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, 2003 highlighted. 2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2008: 120 complaints 2008 2009: 114 complaints 2009
2003: 90 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200023
200140
200292
200390
200471
2005103
2006100
2007152
2008120
2009114

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

THE CAR ALL OF THE SUDDEN STARTED LOOSING BRAKE FLUID RAPIDLY. MY PERFECTLY GOOD BRAKES WERE GOING OUT AND I ALMOST WRECKED MY CAR BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN DICKINSON, TX IS CHARGING ME 300 DOLLARS + TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121018

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2004 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

◆ 2007 ● 2008 ● 2009

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Kia Spectra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Kia Spectra is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Spectra?

The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Spectra have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.