MYRModel Year Report

2004 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2004 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-09-16T18:06:08.737Z

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, 2004 highlighted. 2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 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
2004: 71 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.

AIR BAGS 37%

37% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
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, 20170806

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

FRONT END COLLISION GOING AROUND 30MPH AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. CAR IS TOTALED. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20150320

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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20041001

POWER TRAIN 24%

24% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.

CRASH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13%

13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the cruise control feature was not operating properly.

NHTSA ODI report, 20220328

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing software.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20110606 — fuel system, other

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, ILLINOI

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 CONTA

Campaign 11V256000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 11V256000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2003 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

◆ 2007 ● 2008 ● 2009

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