NHTSA lists 90 complaints for the 2003 Kia Spectra, 15 of them mention a crash and 1 mention a fire. 10 complaints mention an injury, with 11 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as KIA SPECTRA.
Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.
| System | Complaints | Share of this vehicle's complaints |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 16 | 17.8% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 14 | 15.6% |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 14 | 15.6% |
| AIR BAGS | 11 | 12.2% |
| STRUCTURE | 11 | 12.2% |
| VISIBILITY | 10 | 11.1% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 9 | 10.0% |
| SEAT BELTS | 9 | 10.0% |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 7 | 7.8% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4 | 4.4% |
| System | Subsystem | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 12 |
| AIR BAGS | FRONTAL | 6 |
| VISIBILITY | WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | 6 |
| STRUCTURE | BODY | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ENGINE | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | EXHAUST SYSTEM | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | HEADLIGHTS | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS | FRONT | 2 |
| VISIBILITY | POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 2 |
One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
See new recalls and investigations this week.
0 recalls.
0 investigations; 0 open.
12 manufacturer communications.
| System | Count |
|---|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 2 |
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 1 |
Date: 2021-09-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models tha
Date: 2018-03-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
Date: 2017-01-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washe
Date: 2016-11-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other
Date: 2016-04-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cab
Date: 2013-12-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM/ REPAIR PROC
Date: 2008-11-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE.
KIA: DOORS LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT FROM THE RKE TRANSMITTER OR KEY SWITCH MAY BE CAUSED BY WEAR ON SWITCH CONTACTS IN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE. *PE
Date: 2008-08-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, PARKING BRAKE.
KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE
Date: 2004-09-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
CHARGING SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT
Date: 2003-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER.
SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE ORVR (ON-BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY) VALVE. *TT
None listed.
| NHTSA model label | Complaints |
|---|---|
| SPECTRA | 90 |
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