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Kia Spectra

2001–2005 only

145 classified complaints 1 recall

2001–2005 Kia Spectra models have 145 classified complaints on record for these years specifically, plus 1 recall. The most common issue in this range is Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically surfacing around 104,000 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 2001–2005 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Kia Spectra report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

2001–2005

2006–2009

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 2001–2005 only

Airbags, seatbelts and restraints · Body and interior 45 complaints

Median onset: 104,000 miles. 33.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 17 complaints

Median onset: 76,267 miles.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 16 complaints

Median onset: 88,088 miles. 6.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 15 complaints

Median onset: 94,500 miles.

More common in older model years.

Tank, lines and filler · Fuel system 10 complaints

Median onset: 93,367 miles.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 6 complaints

Median onset: 45,716 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →
Pads and rotors · Brakes 5 complaints

Median onset: 100,000 miles.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $330–$620 nationally.

Automatic transmission internals · Transmission 4 complaints

Median onset: 91,375 miles.

Typical repair: $2,910–$5,410 nationally.

Which other vehicles have automatic transmission problems? →

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 2001–2005 model years. See the full Kia Spectra report for every year and full specs/safety data.