2004 Kia Spectra
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.
- Complaints
- 71
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 71 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 23 |
| 2001 | 40 |
| 2002 | 92 |
| 2003 | 90 |
| 2004 | 71 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 100 |
| 2007 | 152 |
| 2008 | 120 |
| 2009 | 114 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
37% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tamara recall; there was an accident about ten cars in front of me. I seen everyone start hitting there brakes so I started applying mine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-06
Also filed under Service brakes
Front end collision going around 30MPH and no airbag deployment. Car is totaled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-20
On an impact with another vehicle on the front end of this new car at approximately 40 miles and hour, the air bag on the drivers side failed to deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-01
Power train
24% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
Vehicle speed control
13% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the cruise control feature was not operating properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-28
Electrical system
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing software.
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2011-06-06Fuel system, other11V256000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V256000 · Fuel system, other
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Kia Spectra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Kia Spectra is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Spectra?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Spectra have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.