2005 Kia Spectra — Model Year Report: verdict, complaints & recalls

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

AIR BAGS 23%

23% of complaints: air bags — 24 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20180815

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20150429

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, 20141120

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12%

12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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, 20141120

AIR BAGS 12%

12% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20180815

WE BOUGHT A KIA SPECTRA 5 ON 06/18/2005, A 2005 MODEL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050824

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

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

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20050520 — steering

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 WHO

Campaign 05V183000 — check if this car was fixed

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

2005 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for air bags issues (24 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 05V183000 (steering) has been completed.
Verify recall 11V256000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2004 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

◆ 2007 ● 2008 ● 2009

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 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Kia Spectra have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.