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2003 Kia Spectra problems

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2003 Kia Spectra

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Common 2003 Kia Spectra problems

The Kia Spectra, produced between 2000 and 2011, is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability

. Here are the most frequently reported issues:

  1. Engine Noise and Short Service Life of High Voltage Wires, Spark Plugs, and Ignition Coils: The 1.6-liter s6d engine, which is a modified Mazda B6 engine, is prone to noisy operation due to hydraulic lifters. Additionally, the high voltage wires, spark plugs, and ignition coils have a relatively short lifespan, typically requiring replacement between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometers. After 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers, the starter and generator may also need repair .
  2. Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt in the Kia Spectra has been known to fail prematurely, leading to valve and piston contact. This issue is particularly prevalent in cars assembled in the Ajevsk plant, where a timing belt of too low quality was installed. Mechanics often recommend changing the timing belt every 40,000 kilometers to prevent this problem. After 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers, the valve cover gasket may start to leak, causing oil to appear in the spark plug wells. If antifreeze is found there, the cylinder head may have burst and will need replacement .
  3. Transmission Issues: Both the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions in the Kia Spectra have their drawbacks. Mechanics often report leakage of the input shaft seal and a growing howl or rumble over time. Howling in first and reverse gears is a common occurrence, and several automatic transmissions, including the F-4EAT, F4AEL, A4AF3, F4A42, and A4CF2, have been used in the Spectra's history. These transmissions are prone to premature wear of clutches and solenoids, requiring repairs closer to 100,000 kilometers .
  4. CV Joint Failure: The CV joints in the Kia Spectra are known to fail due to flimsy clamps or old age, typically around 100,000 kilometers. Dust and dirt can disable the CV joint, which may require replacement as an assembly with the drive ball bearings. Silent blocks of levers may also need to be replaced around this time .
  5. Steering Rack Leaks and Rattles: The steering rack in the Kia Spectra may leak or rattle as it approaches 100,000 kilometers. The ABS unit is also prone to failure due to moisture getting inside, leading to corrosion of the bearing and oxidation of the contacts of the rotor winding. This issue can be addressed with a simple restorative repair .
  6. Paintwork and Body Corrosion: The paintwork on the Kia Spectra is not very wear-resistant, with the hood and bumper quickly covered in chips. The body iron is not prone to corrosion, but rust spots may occur in places of poor-quality body repair. Water in the passenger compartment can appear due to clogged drains under the outer plastic lining at the bottom of the windshield or clogged drain holes in the sills .

In addition to these common problems, specific issues have been reported by owners, such as a loss of power in the 2003 Kia Spectra. This problem can be caused by various factors, including a clogged catalytic converter, worn fuel filter, or faulty coil pack.

2003 Kia Spectra engine

How many miles can a 2003 Kia Spectra last?

According to motorbiscuit.com, the Kia Spectra will last at least 200,000 miles if you maintain the vehicle. It's surprisingly dependable if you land on the correct year.

How much HP does a 2003 Kia Spectra have?

All 2003 Spectra trim variations have 124 horsepower.

Is a Kia Spectra a midsize car?

The Kia Spectra is a compact car produced by Kia Motors between 2000 and 2009.

Can Kia last 20 years?

It is much easier to keep a Kia SUV on the road with the help of an expert. An estimated average lifespan of 200,000 miles equates to about 13 to 17 years on the road.

2003 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:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Power train problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Kia Spectra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2003 Kia Spectra

The NHTSA has received 93 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Kia Spectra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Kia Spectra vehicles.

2019-02-18

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-05-05
  • VIN: KHAFB161035
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDERNEATH THE CAR I ALSO HAVE GAS FUMES IN MY CAR TOO, I AM LOSING A LOT OF GAS IN MY CAR.I HAVE STRANGERS POINTING OUT THAT MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS AND THE SMELL OF GAS WHEN I PARK MY CAR IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT WHEN I DO SHOPPING, I FEAR THAT MY CAR WILL GO UP IN FLAMES AND I HAVE MY CHILDREN RIDE IN THE CAR AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FUMES OF GAS I SEE THAT THERE WAS THE SAME RECALLS ON 2004 KIA SPECTRA. MINE IS IS A 2003 WHICH I HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEMS WITH A GAS LEAK . I NEED THIS TO BE ON A RECALL LIST TO GET REPAIR ASAP , FOR THE SAFETY OF ME AND MY KIDS.
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2017-09-12

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-03
  • VIN: KNAFB121835
  • Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DIRT CHEAP CARS SOLD ME A CAR THAT WONT PASS INSPECTION
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2017-09-07

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-10-16
  • VIN: KNAFB121835
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: I BOUGHT A CAR FROM A USED DEALER AND I WAS INFORMED THAT IT HAD NO FRAME DAMAGE BUT I TOOK IT TO TWO GARAGES AND BOTH GARAGES INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS FRAME DAMAGE FRONT AND BACK AND THE ONE GARAGE I TOOK IT TO SAID THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FRAME DAMAGE
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2016-11-29

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-10-17
  • VIN: KNAFB121035
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID UNDERNEATH MY CAR ONE DAY AND CHECKED MY LEVEL TO FIND THAT THERE WAS BASICALLY NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR. TURNS OUT IT'S THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A TREND AND HAS CAUSED ACCIDENTS PREVIOUSLY. THE MECHANIC WAS SURPRISED THAT THIS WAS INDEED THE PROBLEM AFTER CALLING AND THEN GETTING THE CAR REPAIRED. THE LEAK CAME ON SUDDENLY AND WAS FAIRLY SEVER REQUIRING THAT I ADD BRAKE FLUID AFTER EVERY SHORT DRIVE. IF I HADN'T NOTICED THIS PROBLEM I LIKELY WOULD HAVE ENDED UP REAR-ENDING SOMEONE OR WORSE. IT ALSO SEEMS TO BE PREVALENT AMONGST THE 2000-2005 MODELS.
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2015-09-23

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-06-14
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,234. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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2014-09-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-08-11
  • VIN: KNAFB121235
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
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2014-06-20

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-01-01
  • VIN: KNAFB121735
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: AT MY COST I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE WHICH WAS CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON DANGEROUS SITUATION. PLEASE CREATE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE'S BRAKES COMPLETELY FAIL IN TRAFFIC. *TR
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2014-06-17

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-05-01
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE DASH, WHERE IT MEETS THE WINDSHIELD, HAS CURLED UP AND DETACHED FROM THE DEFROSTER VENT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE PLASTIC DEFROSTER VENT IS ALSO CRUMBLING FROM BEING EXPOSED TO THE SUN. I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW CHEAP OF MATERIALS WAS USED FOR THIS. *TR
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2014-06-17

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-06-01
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THE COVERING AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN HAS CRUMBLED AND IS COMING APART. I'M CONCERNED BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE IF THIS WILL AFFECT THE AIR BAG IF NEEDED. VERY POOR QUALITY OF MATERIAL WAS USED FOR THIS. *TR
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2013-11-15

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-11-08
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: WENT TO TURN ON MY HEATER TODAY AND THE SMELL OF GASOLINE FILLED MY CAR, 4-DOOR SEDAN. THE CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MANY OF THE OTHER OWNERS MENTIONED BEFORE E.G. A BRAKE FLUID LEAK, SQUEALING BRAKES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS ALWAYS SLOW TO KICK IN WHEN PULLING OFF FROM A STOP. NEVER EXPERIENCED A GAS LEAK PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER CAR I OWNED. *TR
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2013-01-17

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-12-19
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: THE BRAKE FLUID PROPORTIONING VALVE IS LEAKING FOR NO REASON. NOT A SERVICEABLE PART. MUST BE REPLACED. NOT A WEAR AND TEAR PART EITHER. VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH 2002 AND 2003 RESEARCH STATED. THANKS. *TR
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2012-10-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-10-04
  • VIN: KNAFB121435
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THE CAR ALL OF THE SUDDEN STARTED LOOSING BRAKE FLUID RAPIDLY. MY PERFECTLY GOOD BRAKES WERE GOING OUT AND I ALMOST WRECKED MY CAR BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN DICKINSON, TX IS CHARGING ME 300 DOLLARS + TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I SEE THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH A DEFECTIVE MANUFACTURE PART. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST PROPORTIONING VALVE HE HAS SEEN COMPLETELY DESTROYED LIKE THIS IN 10+ YEARS. THIS IS HAPPENING TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. I HAVE WROTE ALL NEWS STATIONS ABOUT THIS AND I AM PURSUING THIS AGGRESSIVELY. YOU ALL RECALLED THE 2004-2007 PROPORTIONING VALVES THEN IT SHOULD BE FOR THE EARLIER MODELS AS WELL. *TR
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2012-05-25

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-05-01
  • VIN: KNAFB121635
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: MY BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON ( THOUGHT IT WAS PARKING BRAKE STUCK OR BRAKE MAINTENANCE TIME ) , AFTER SPENDING OVER $400 TO GET EVERYTHING REPLACED .... IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT MY PROPORTIONING VALVE WENT BAD ! LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ( HAD TO REPLACE EVERY OTHER DAY ) . WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ? *TR
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2012-03-01

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-02-05
  • VIN: KNAFB121435
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: MY MOTHER BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW COUPLE YEARS BACK. HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS TILL NOW. ON MY WAY TO WORK IM GOING AROUND A CURVE AND TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THOUGHT FOR A SECOND I ACCIDENTALLY PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. MY TRANSMISSION NEVER SLIPPED, SHIFTED HARD OR ANY OTHER SIGNS OF PROBLEMS. THIS IS CRAZY, NOT SURE YET IF KIA IS COVERING THEY PROMISED WARRANTY.. I REALLY HOPE SO.. *TR
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2011-09-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-04-06
  • VIN: KNAFB121935
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: IN APRIL OF 2009 MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING RIGHT IN THE CENTER LANE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC AS I WAS LEAVING MY HOME, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP JUST TO FIND OUT THAT KIA WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY AND THE COSTS ($1550) CAME OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. THE REPAIRMAN TOLD ME THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS QUITE OFTEN WITH THE 2003 KIA SPECTRA BUT THERE WAS NO SAFETY RECALL. NOW IT IS SEPTEMBER OF 2011 AND THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT AGAIN! WITH THIS VEHICLE AT LESS THAN 70,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT BE GOING OUT TWICE ALREADY! *TR
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2011-08-31

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-06-01
  • VIN: KNAFB161235
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 2003 KIA SPECTRA; BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE STARTED LEAKING AROUND 90K MILES. CONTACTED THREE LOCAL DEALERS, ALL THREE STATED THAT THIS IS COMMON FOR THIS MODEL. *TR
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2011-07-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-04-01
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 2003 KIA SPECTRA 99,000 MILES. I AM HAVING TO FILL UP WITH BRAKE FLUID ONCE OR TWICE A DAY. BRAKE PROPORTION VALVE IS LEAKING. SEVERAL SITES AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. WHY NO RECALL WHEN THIS IS NOT A PART THAT SHOULD ORDINARILY NEED TO BE REPLACED? *TR
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2011-01-26

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-01-23
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE RIDING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER BLACKED OUT, CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM AND MULTIPLE BRUISES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE BRUISES TO THE BODY AND A TOOTH WAS KNOCKED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. A POICE REPORT WAS FILED.
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2011-01-19

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-01-19
  • Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: 2003 KIA SPECTRA. NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. POWER WINDOWS FAIL TO WORK. A COUPLE MONTHS AGO, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW CAME OFF THE TRACK, AND THE IN-DOOR ASSEMBLY HAD CRUMBLED WITHIN THE DOOR. TOOK GETTING AN ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TO REPAIR THE WINDOW. TODAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT OPEN. MOTOR STILL WORKS. A CLICKING SOUND CAN BE HEARD AS IT RUNS, BUT IT IS NOT GRIPPING THE WINDOW TO LOWER IT. (STILL NOT REPAIRED). *TR
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2010-12-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-20
  • VIN: KNAFB121835
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS LOW ? ADDED FLUID. LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. MECHANIC STATED BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS LEAKING ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA; POTENTIAL FOR BRAKE FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR
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2010-10-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-10-10
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAKING ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WHILE BACKING UP AND RESULTED IN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THIS HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY. HOW LONG UNTIL SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *TR
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2010-09-03

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-08-15
  • VIN: KNAFB121335
  • Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DRIVER'S DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS CAUSING WINDOW TO SLIDE DOWN TRACK INTO THE DOOR. THE POWER REGULATOR RAISES AND LOWERS THE WINDOW WITH A METAL WIRE RUNNING THROUGH PLASTIC GUIDES ON A METAL TRACK. THE ENDS OF THE WIRE ARE CAPPED INSIDE A PLASTIC BRACKET TO WHICH THE WINDOW IS ATTACHED. THESE PLASTIC PARTS WEAR AND CRACK CAUSING THE WIRE TO COME LOOSE THUS PREVENTING THE WINDOW FROM BEING HELD UP. *TR
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2010-07-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-10-08
  • VIN: KNAFB121535
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: I HAVE A 2003 KIA SPECTRA THAT HAS BEEN RUNNING OUT OF BRAKE FLUID ON A WEEKLY BASIS. HAD TO BUY NEW PROPORTIONING VALVE FROM THE DEALER. I'VE READ SEVERAL STORIES ABOUT THESE VALVES LEAKING. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL. *TR
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2010-02-27

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WE HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH OUR KIA SPECTRA 2003, I HAVE ALSO HEARD FROM SEVERAL OTHERS AND A CAR REPAIR STORE TO REPORT THE SAME THING. WHEN WE PUMP GAS INTO THE KIA. IT WILL NOT START UP YOU HAVE TO TRY AND START IT A FEW TIMES BEFORE IT WILL. THAT SEEMS MORE THEN DANGEROUS TO ME. *TR
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2009-11-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-09-18
  • VIN: KNAFB121835
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT SEATBELTS ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA UNLATCH. *TR
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Negative 2003 Kia Spectra car reviews

  1. Gonzalo Gibson 2025-01-05

    Although I initially liked the look of this car, unfortunately, it has caused me quite a bit of trouble since I purchased it. I wish the sellers had been more honest with me, as it seems that the car had been in an accident and was not detailed very well. Despite the issues, I have put quite a bit of money into it and will have it paid off in October. However, it now requires a new catalytic converter, and I have decided that it's time to part ways with it. I hope to sell it for a decent price, as I am not looking to take on a car payment. Thank you.

  2. Jay Gutmann 2024-11-06

    Although the experience with this vehicle was challenging, it provided an opportunity to learn about the importance of proper maintenance and care. The issues that arose were addressed promptly and with the help of knowledgeable professionals. While there were some design elements that could be improved, the overall performance of the car was satisfactory. It is important to note that every car has its own unique set of challenges and this one was no exception. With proper attention and care, any car can provide reliable transportation.

  3. Jackson Ruecker 2024-09-12

    I really like the way the engine accelerates. It's been a blast racing other people in much faster cars. They're always surprised when I manage to keep at least a whole car length ahead of them for a quarter mile. The high red line sure helps out a lot. While the fit and finish may not be as good as a Honda or Toyota, I still think this is a wonderful car for $13,000 loaded. Let's see how it lasts!

  4. Jaylan Lind 2024-06-26

    Back in June 2003, I mistakenly gave this vehicle a good rating. Unfortunately, just six months later, I had to take it in for a warranty repair for the second time. The brake Master Cylinder went bad in November 2003, and now the Power Steering unit is leaking. Fortunately, all repairs are covered under the warranty. However, I was disappointed with the local service center's poor rating, as it took them four days to get and replace the Master Cylinder. They suggested that I take my car somewhere else for future warranty work. It's unfortunate that a major car dealer can be so bad. I have decided not to buy a Kia again and should have stuck with a Toyota.

  5. Wilburn Kilback 2024-04-12

    We purchased our Spectra in January 2003 and have unfortunately experienced a number of issues with it. These include problems with the tires, stereo, paint, front seat, glovebox, mirrors, gas tank, and check engine light. Additionally, the car tends to shake at certain speeds and lacks sufficient storage space. While our experience has been challenging, we remain confident in our ability to address these issues and improve the overall performance of our vehicle.

Positive 2003 Kia Spectra car reviews

  1. Skylar Cartwright 2024-11-25

    I just picked up this car and I'm pretty happy with it! The engine is a little weak, but that's to be expected from an economy car. It's fine with the 5 speed, and while the shifter is a little hard, I'm sure it will smooth out once I put some miles on it. Overall, it's a great car for a first-time buyer, and the price is fantastic. I paid $8200 cash with rebates and loyalty rebates, and there's even a military rebate available. This is actually my second Kia (the first one was a Sedona, a great minivan), and I'm loving them both!

  2. Fern Huels 2024-11-14

    This is a great car!

  3. Tracey Strosin 2024-11-01

    I bought this car brand new back in 2003 and I still absolutely love it! Despite one review claiming that it doesn't have child locks, I can confirm that it does! With only a couple of repairs, this car has been driven to death with very little maintenance. I had to take it to the dealer early on, but I forget what it was for. However, they fixed it at no charge, which was a pleasant surprise. At 100K miles, I just replaced the belt. I've needed to replace five or six headlights, brake pads at 60-70K, a new battery earlier this year, and I've only fully replaced the tires once due to wear and tear. Unfortunately, my sun visor is broken, but other than that, I've had no trouble whatsoever. I give it a dependable rating of 10! Thank you for reading.

  4. Randal Reichert 2024-10-23

    I'm really happy with my Kia Spectra. It's been very reliable and I haven't had any problems with it. When I'm ready to purchase another vehicle, I'm planning on getting a Kia Optima SEV6. With four daughters and a wife, it's important to have a car that's both fuel-efficient and dependable, and Kia definitely delivers on both fronts. Don't be fooled by those who say Kia cars are unreliable - they wouldn't still be in business if that were the case. Just take a look at the quality workmanship that went into the new Sorento, and the price is unbeatable. What more could you ask for?

  5. Willard Stark 2024-10-23

    I bought the Kia Spectra a couple of months ago and I absolutely love it! It's so comfortable for both me and my husband to drive, even though he's a foot taller than me. I noticed that some reviews mention poor brakes, but I haven't experienced any issues with them. Sure, it may not be the most expensive car out there, but for the price (especially after the 2k rebate), it's definitely worth it. Plus, it has some really thoughtful features and an excellent warranty!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Kia Spectra problems:

2003 Kia Spectra Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
2003 Kia Spectra Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2003-kia-spectra/problems

Top 2003 Kia Spectra Problems · Software Update Available to Correct Transmission Issues. 181 people have reported this · Oxygen Sensor Code Due to Failed ...

2003 Kia Spectra issues?? | Kia Forum
2003 Kia Spectra issues?? | Kia Forum
https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/2003-kia-spectra-issues.61105/

Jul 10, 2010 ... perhaps whats left of it is rubbing on the rotor / or drum and makeing the car feel some what sluggish.. due to the fact it might have adjusted ...

Q&A: 2003 Kia Spectra TNS Relay Clicking - Battery & Common ...
Q&A: 2003 Kia Spectra TNS Relay Clicking - Battery & Common ...
https://www.justanswer.com/kia/c2zwa-2003-kia-spectra-tns-relay-keeps-clicking-even.html

Feb 21, 2019 ... Hello. I know that it can be frustrating when your vehicle has a problem. I will be able to assist you. I will need to ask some questions to ...

Problems in Kia Spectra | Kia Forum
Problems in Kia Spectra | Kia Forum
https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/problems-in-kia-spectra.25755/

Sep 17, 2004 ... Problems in Kia Spectra · 1) When on Idle, the rpm tends to fluctuate up and down. This happens very often sometimes when the car is cold and ...

2003 Kia Spectra Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2003 Kia Spectra Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/kia/spectra/2003/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2003 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

kia spectra 2004 photo
Spectra 2004
Kia

71

1

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia spectra 2005 photo
Spectra 2005
Kia

103

2

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia spectra 2006 photo
Spectra 2006
Kia

118

1

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia spectra 2007 photo
Spectra 2007
Kia

162

1

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia spectra 2008 photo
Spectra 2008
Kia

136

0

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia spectra 2009 photo
Spectra 2009
Kia

114

0

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2003 Kia Spectra photo