2005 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
- 103
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
42% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 103 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
42% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the brakes seized. The contact had no control over the vehicle's direction and crashed into another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-15
Also filed under Steering and service brakes
Vehicle rear ended another vehicle. Airbags didn't deploy as they should have. My son received a concussion as a result (He was wearing his seatbelt). Kia has indicated that airbags would not deploy. Please help.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-04-29
While stopped on a small hill in traffic, I was rearended by a Ford truck who was going about 35MPH. My airbags did not deploy. I was taken to the hospital for injuries to my knees and my neck.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-20
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Vehicle speed control
12% · 12 reportsElectrical system
12% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Steering
10% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing linkages and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
We bought a Kia Spectra 5 on 06/18/2005, a 2005 model.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-24
Power train
7% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005-05-20Steering05V183000 On certain passenger vehicles, the steering tie rods may have a manufacturing flaw that affects the metallurgy.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering rack assembly, which includes the tie rod components free of charge. Owners were notified by telephone on April 8, 2005. An additional letter was sent to owners…
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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
2005 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V183000 · Steering
- Recall 11V256000 · Fuel system, other
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Kia Spectra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Kia Spectra is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia Spectra?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Spectra have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.