2001 Kia Spectra problems
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Common 2001 Kia Spectra problems
The 2001 Kia Spectra is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Engine Noise and Short Lifespan of Engine Parts: The 2001 Kia Spectra's engines, particularly the 1.6-liter s6d engine, are known for noisy operation and a short lifespan of high voltage wires, spark plugs, and ignition coils. The latter components typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometers, while the starter and generator may require repair after 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers .
- Timing Belt Failure: A common issue with the 2001 Kia Spectra is timing belt failure, which can lead to the valves meeting the pistons. This problem often occurs around 45,000 kilometers due to the use of a timing belt of too low quality during assembly. Many mechanics recommend changing the timing belt every 40,000 kilometers to prevent this issue .
- Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: After 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers, the valve cover gasket may start to leak, causing oil to appear in the spark plug wells. In some cases, antifreeze may also be found there, indicating a leaking head gasket, which would require cylinder head replacement .
- Transmission Issues: Both the manual and automatic transmissions in the 2001 Kia Spectra have their drawbacks. Manual transmissions often require bulkhead repairs, while automatic transmissions suffer from premature wear of clutches and solenoids. The F-4EAT and F4AEL automatic transmissions, used with the 1.8-liter engine, are particularly prone to these issues .
- CV Joint Problems: After 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers, the CV joints may become noisy or fail due to dust and dirt accumulation. This issue can be caused by flimsy clamps or old age, and requires replacement of the entire CV joint assembly with drive ball bearings .
- Steering Rack Leaks and Rattles: Closer to 100,000 kilometers, the steering rack may leak or rattle, while the ABS unit often fails due to moisture getting inside, leading to corrosion of the bearing and oxidation of the contacts of the rotor winding .
- Body Paint Durability: The paintwork on the 2001 Kia Spectra is not very wear-resistant, with the hood and bumper quickly becoming covered with chips. The body iron is not prone to corrosion, but rust spots can occur in places of poor quality body repair, and water may enter the passenger compartment due to clogged drains under the outer plastic lining at the bottom of the windshield or clogged drain holes in the sills .
These common problems with the 2001 Kia Spectra can help potential buyers be aware of potential issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
What is the fuel consumption of a 2001 Kia Spectra?
Kia Spectra 2001 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 2001 Kia Spectra is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Kia Spectra currently offers fuel consumption from 7.7 to 8L/100km. The Kia Spectra is available with the following fuel type: ULP.
Is a Kia Spectra a safe car?
The Kia Spectra is ideal if you need a cheap, safe option to get from one location to another. However, some poor models came to life in the ten years of production. It's critical to stay away from these during your hunt.
What type of car is a Kia Spectra?
compact car
The Kia Spectra is a compact car produced by Kia Motors between 2000 and 2009.
How many gears does a Kia Spectra have?
The Spectra is a compact four-door sedan that can seat up to five passengers. Spectra is available in three trims: LX, EX and SX. A 138-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a standard five-speed manual transmission send power to the front wheels. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional.
2001 Kia Spectra car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Spectra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Kia Spectra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2001 Kia Spectra
The NHTSA has received 40 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Kia Spectra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2001 Kia Spectra vehicles.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-02
- VIN: KNAFB161015
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR SMELLS HORRIBLY LIKE GAS FUMES WHEN TURNED ON, MORE SO IN THE COLDER TEMPERATURES. SO MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE, I'M SURPRISED KIA HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL. BREATHING GAS FUMES FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME CAN POSSIBLY CAUSE CANCER OR OTHER PROBLEMS...WOULD BE HORRIBLE IF KIA HAD A LAWSUIT ON THEIR HANDS FOR FAULTY EQUIPMENT CAUSING HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THEIR CAR OWNERS... *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNAFB161615
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2001 KIA SPECTRA 1.9 LT ENGINE [YES, SOME MODELS WERE MADE WITH THIS SIZE ENGINE.] CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVE WAY JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT. NEIGHBORS CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT AT 2:30 AM. CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. FIRE CHIEF FOUND NO EXTERNAL SOURCE OF IGNITION. FIRE CHIEF SAYS ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE TRAVELED DOWN FUEL LINES TO GAS TANK. ENTIRE CAR BURNED. CAR IS TOTALED. FIRE CHIEF CANNOT SAY IF THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL, WIRING OR WHAT TYPE OF PROBLEM IN ENGINE. BOUGHT CAR NEW IN OCT 2001, ONE OWNER CAR. PLEASE ADVISE IF ANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THIS OR ANY OTHER KIA MODELS. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB161715
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY DAUGHTER STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND WITH HER CAR. THE UPON IMPACT THE CAR AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HER CHEST HIT THE STEERING VERY HARD. SHE ENDED UP WITH CHEST, NECK AND SHOULDER SEVERE PAIN. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGE. RADIATOR FLUID WAS EVERYWHERE. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB161715
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISING AND SEVERE PAIN FROM THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINING HER NECK AND CHEST AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 9/17/13*CN
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TRANS ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED SLIPPING WITH NO PRIOR ISSUES. WAS READING A TCM CODE THEN CODES FOR EACH GEAR REPLACED TRANS NEW TRANS DROVE 30 MILES AND IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING HAVE TO DRIVE LIKE A STICK 1ST 2ND AND THEN CAN PUT IN DRIVE AROUND 35MPH. ALSO BREAKS COME AND GO AS THEY PLEASE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-13
- VIN: KNAFB161015
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE HAD A CASTING DEFECT WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER WHICH CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO REPLACE IT I'M HAVING TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE SENSORS O2 AND THE SENSORS IN THE SHIFTER THE CAR IS BREAKING DOWN EVERY MONTH SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-23
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE HEATER CORE IN THE CAR WENT OUT 4 TIMES IN 4 MONTHS FOR NO REASON, RESULTING IN THE WINDOW FOGGING WITH NO WAY OF SEEING. *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-28
- VIN: KNAFB161015
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I HAVE HAD THE HEATING SYSTEM IN MY CAR REPAIRED 4 TIMES SINCE THE DAY THAT I BOUGHT IT. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. I LIVE IN VERMONT WHERE THE WEATHER GETS EXTREMELY COLD IN THE WINTER, MEANING THAT YOU HAVE TO KEEP WINDOWS CLEARED AT ALL TIMES, IF NOT, IT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH SHOULD THERE BE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE HAD THE DEALER SHIP FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE, THOUGH THEY HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF IT HAPPENING NOW. THIS WILL BE THE 5TH TIME THAT IT HAS GONE IN FOR REPAIRED ON THE SAME ISSUE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE A/C BLOWER AND HEATER ARE WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. THE BLOWER DOES NOT WORK AND THERE IS NO HEAT IN THE VEHICLE.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: 2001 KIA SPECTRA TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE. FUEL PUMP AND TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, REAR WINDOW FELL OUT OF VEHICLE INTO TRAFFIC. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE TECHNICIAN THAT REPLACED THE REAR WINDOW STATED THE GLUE THAT WAS USED TO INSTALL THE WINDOW WAS DEFECTIVE. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-02
- VIN: KNAFB161915
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-25
- VIN: KNAFB161715
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FAILURE - MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED, MECHANIC SAID HE HAD A HARD TIME BLEEDING THE BRAKES???? ABOUT A WEEK AFTER REPAIRED BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE DAUGHTER COULD NOT STOP. HAVE TO PRESS THE PEDAL ALMOST THROUGH THE FLOOR TO STOP AND SEEMS TO HAVE NO BRAKES. RETURNED TO SHOP, AND BRAKES WERE BLEED AGAIN, MECHANIC DROVE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND VEHICLE WAS RETURNED, DAUGHTER AGAIN TRIED TO DRIVE A COUPLE DAYS LATER AND AGAIN NO BRAKES!!!!!! CHECKING IF VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND WILL BRING TO DEALER. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON ALL THE TIME, IDLES ROUGH ETC., THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED!*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-20
- VIN: KNAFB161X15
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SIX MONTHS AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT EXPERIENCED IGNITION PROBLEMS. VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION. DASHBOARD COMPONENT LIGHTS CAME ON, BUT THE ENGINE FAILED TO TURN OVER. THE MAIN COMPUTER CHIP WAS REPLACED. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPUTER CHIP THE FAILURE OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN WHICH THE DEALERSHIP TIGHTENED A LOOSE IGNITION WIRE, REPLACED THE BATTERY, AND SERVICED A BAD CONNECTION IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS SAME ISSUE.*AK
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB161715
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION CAUSING MY CAR TO BE SLAMMED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK BROKE. I HAVE RECEIVED A LOWER BACK INJURY, SHOULDER AND ARM INJURY, AND HEAD INJURY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED, SO THERE ARE NO REPAIRS TO BE DONE. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE. THROUGH SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO, (SEAT BACK FAILURE) AND I DO KNOW THERE IS A SUIT PENDING IN THE STATE OF FL. I AM SURE THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE, ( SINCE THERE IS A SUIT PENDING) YET THEY HAVE NOT MADE STRIDES TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. *LA
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-27
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE COMING AROUND A BEND INTO TRAFFIC VEHICLE'S REAR END COMMENCED TO JERK/PULL, AND REAR END HIT A SIGN. THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WAS STILL UNDETERMINED. NEITHER DEALER OR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-31
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TWO WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL CHANGE PERFORMED ENGINE MADE A TAPPING NOISE BECAUSE OIL WAS LEAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE MOTOR SEAL. A FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY RECALL 04V179000 WAS ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS MODEL VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB161915
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON A FRONT SLIGHTLY LEFT INPACT TO MY VEHICLE, MY AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT.I WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH, I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING A RATHER LARGE BUMP AND BRUISE. I HAVE PAIN TURNING MY NECK AND IN MY SHOULDERS AND WILL SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THIS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WARPED ROTORS AND CHEAP BRAKE PADS
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-13
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING SHEARED OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND PULLED OVER. DRIVER NOTIFIED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-12
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB121515
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I GOT IN A ACCIDENT WHEN MY BRAKES WENT OUT THAT NIGHT AND I COULDN'T STOP. WHEN MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP THEY TOLD MY THAT THE BRAKES WENT OUT AND I NEED THE HAVE THE BRAKE LINE CHECKED OUT. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE KIND OF BRAKES THEY ARE THE WOULD SQUEAK. THEY NEVER TOOK THE TIME TO REALLY LOOK AT THE BRAKES BECAUSE THAT SAME DAY I HAD MY BRAKES REPLACED. I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS AND A LOT MORE.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-01
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE HAD GONE INTO REVERSE BY ITSELF AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION REPAIR. THERE WAS A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL UPON GETTING THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALER. *AK *SCC *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-05
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: REAR RIGHT TIRE DEVELOPED BUBBLES AND MADE NOISE WHILE DRIVING. NAME OF TIRE: KUMHO, ECSTA-HP4, TIRE SIZE: P185/65R14 DOT: NUMBER UNKNOWN. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB161715
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES BROKE WHEN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES, AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. THEY WERE LATER RELEASED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-06
- VIN: KNAFB161X15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION MODULE ON ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING TRANSMISSION DAMAGE, LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED. SECOND TRANSMISSION BLEW A FRONT PUMP SEAL WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES WHILE ON OUR VACATION/HONEYMOON. THIRD TRANSMISSION REPLACED WHILE ON VACATION OUT OF STATE. CURRENT (THIRD) TRANSMISSION IS STILL SLIPPING. HAVE NOT SOUGHT OUT SERVICE FOR THIS FAILURE YET AS WE DO NOT TRUST THE DEALERSHIPS IN OUR AREA. WE HAVE WRITTEN KIA CERTIFIED MAIL OVER A MONTH AGO TO BE REIMBURSED FOR EXCESS EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO THESE MECHANICAL FAILURES AND TRAVEL INTERUPTION MONIES UNDER THEIR WARRANTY, BUT TO DATE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-14
- VIN: KNAFB161515
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWN A 2001 KIA SPECTRA HATCHBACK. I HAVE 24,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS STARTED STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND I ALSO HAVE TROUBLE STARTING IT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS ON A "CALL" LIST. I WAS GIVEN NO FURTHER INFORMATION. I WAS JUST TOLD TO GIVE THEM A FEW DAYS TO "TRY" TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *NLM
Negative 2001 Kia Spectra car reviews
Positive 2001 Kia Spectra car reviews
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Congratulations on your recent purchase of a Kia Spectra 2000 yr. model! It's great to hear that you're impressed with the car, especially considering its affordable price. It's wonderful that you've found the car to be perfect for your needs, especially with its great gas mileage. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
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I noticed that Kia started making a hatchback in 2000, after I had been searching for used '94-98 VW Golfs. While it may not be as refined as a Honda or Toyota, it has an excellent 4-door hatchback layout and is a great value for the price.
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your KIA Spectra! It sounds like it performs really well and has some great sporty features. Plus, the styling is really nice - it's amazing how many people don't realize it's a 4-door at first glance. It's great that you're getting the best of both worlds with the performance of a 2-door and the practicality of a 4-door.
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This car is 18 years old, but I've only had it for a few months. After replacing the spark plugs and coils, it runs great! The only issue is that the air conditioning doesn't work. It's very comfortable - I can put my seat back and just fall asleep. I've had some issues with the engine and tires, but after fixing them, it works great! It's definitely a car built to last!
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Overall, I have found this to be a great car. I bought it in 2000 and 44,000 miles later, it still looks brand new with no issues. I always receive compliments on its sporty look. It's a fantastic car for families just starting out, and it comes with a great warranty!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2001 Kia Spectra problems:
2001 Kia Spectra Fuel problem | Kia Forum
Feb 24, 2014 ... 2001 Kia Spectra Fuel problem ... VERY, VERY, VERY, common problem in early Sportages... If you haven't replaced the MAIN and FUEL PUMP relays...
Common Electrical Problems in 2007 Kia Spectra - Q&A
Mar 13, 2012 ... I have a 2007 Kia Spectra that I suspect is having electrical problems. It began with the locks engaging with no - Answered by a verified ...
KIA Spectra clutch problem | Kia Forum
Jul 6, 2014 ... The car has been amazingly reliable but yesterday a clutch problem suddenly made itself known... I drove away from the post office yesterday ( ...
2001 Kia Spectra Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2001 Kia Spectra? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Kia Spectra.
2001 Kia Spectra Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2001 Kia Spectra? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Kia Spectra
Are you having problems with your 2001 Kia Spectra?
Brando Kreiger 2024-10-07
From the outside, you might expect a sporty ride, but unfortunately, the 125hp 5-speed manual is quite disappointing. I have driven automatics with smaller engines that are peppier. Going up a hill with the A/C on is a struggle. While I understand that this is not a sports car, Kia could have done better with the gas mileage, especially considering the weight of the car. On the bright side, the interior is decent and clean. However, if you are over 6 ft tall, you might find it uncomfortable. After 40k miles, nothing major has happened. Overall, this is a great car for a college student who just needs to get from point A to point B. That is all you should expect, but it's still a good option.
Keaton Eichmann 2024-08-29
I have experienced several issues with the engine, including loud noises, as well as malfunctions with the air conditioning and radio. Additionally, the plastic components of the vehicle, such as the seat recliners, trunk and gas openers, and air conditioning vents, have been prone to breaking. Unfortunately, Ancira, the dealership where I purchased my Kia, has not been very efficient in addressing these issues. Despite Kia's warranty claims, I have not found it to be very helpful. In fact, within the first year of owning my new Kia Spectra, I had to replace the tires and brakes, which were not covered by the warranty as they are considered maintenance parts. Overall, my experience with this car has been quite frustrating.
Arno Lockman 2024-08-21
I purchased this Kia brand new and it was a good car, although it did have some problems. However, Kia was able to fix them. I took it to Harold Chev, where they had Kia mechanics. Unfortunately, a few years later, the car started to have problems again. When it reached around 70,000 miles, it started to sound bad. Although the Kia dealers tried to fix it every time, the problem kept coming back and it seemed like Kia had given up. My other daughter also has a Kia from 2000 and after 7 years, her car has fallen apart. It has been in the shop many times and just runs poorly. They now say it has a bad cylinder. On the other hand, I have a Kia Sedona that I bought new in 2003 and have had no major problems. Kia has been good to me. When I told my daughter how good Kia has been to me, she said she will never buy one. Neither will I.
Karson Conn 2024-05-25
This car has been a constant source of frustration for me. I have had to replace numerous parts including the rear brakes, battery, rear brake lights, compressor, starter, plugs, and right axle. Unfortunately, the air conditioner cannot be used when going up hills and the car is quite loud when trying to accelerate quickly. Additionally, the dashboard has folded due to sun damage. Despite these challenges, I am confident in my ability to handle any issues that may arise with this car in the future.
Perry Schulist 2024-04-26
It's not the smoothest ride, but it handles hills well. Turning off the air conditioning can help. We purchased it for the hatchback and to commute to college. Overall, I would definitely buy another one. It's a fantastic value for the price.