2004 Kia Spectra problems
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Common 2004 Kia Spectra problems
The Kia Spectra, produced between 2000 and 2011, is a compact car that has been equipped with various gasoline engines, including 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0-liter units
. These engines have been developed based on Mazda engines, featuring a timing belt drive and hydraulic tappets. However, there are several common problems that Kia Spectra owners have reported, particularly with the 2004 model.
- Fuel tank problems: In rare cases, the fuel tank can fall from the vehicle and strike the ground, causing a fuel leak and creating a fire hazard.
These common problems with the Kia Spectra, particularly the 2004 model, highlight the importance of regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.
What kind of engine does a 2004 Kia Spectra have?
Used 2004 Kia Spectra - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 124 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
What is the fuel consumption of a 2004 Kia Spectra?
Kia Spectra 2004 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 2004 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.
What is the value of a 2004 Kia Spectra?
Used 2004 Kia Spectra Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan 4D | $13,320 | $2,242 |
| GS Hatchback 4D | $13,580 | $2,348 |
| LS Sedan 4D | $13,590 | $2,492 |
| LX Sedan 4D | $14,120 | $2,516 |
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.
2004 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Kia Spectra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2004 Kia Spectra
The NHTSA has received 71 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Kia Spectra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2004 Kia Spectra vehicles.
2022-03-28
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNAFB161645
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the cruise control feature was not operating properly. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving and approaching a traffic light, when depressing on the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated independently to 80 mph. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to stop the vehicle by using the emergency brakes and parked on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, they noticed the cruise cable was not in place was separate from the box. The contact also stated she saw the area was black/burned. The contact called local dealer and them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
2017-08-18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-07
- VIN: KNAFE121245
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL - SPEEDOMETER / ODOMETER - FUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO POSSIBLE SHORT IN WIRING
2017-08-06
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFE121245
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TAMARA RECALL; THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT ABOUT TEN CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I SEEN EVERYONE START HITTING THERE BRAKES SO I STARTED APPLYING MINE. THEN I REALIZED EVERYONE HAD COME TO A STOP SO I APPLIED ON MY BRAKES EVEN HARDER AND THEY LOCKED UP AND I SLID ABOUT 15 FT. AND HIT A TRUCK IN THE REAR END STILL GOING ABOUT 35 MPH. IT SHOVED THE FRONT END OF MY CAR BACK QUITE A BIT BUT YET MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED.
2016-01-29
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-25
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: METAL AROUND WHEEL WELLS ROTTING OUT.
2015-03-20
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFE121945
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONT END COLLISION GOING AROUND 30MPH AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. CAR IS TOTALED. *TR
2014-12-17
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-03
- VIN: KNAFE121745
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: AFTER PARKING MY CAR I COULD NOT OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE (LEFT FRONT) DOOR. THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE NO LONGER OPENS THE DOOR. I NOW HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR USING THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IN AN EMERGENCY I COULD BECOME TRAPPED INSIDE. THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS WON'T WORK UNLESS THE CAR IS RUNNING OR THE KEY IS IN THE "ON" POSITION. ALSO IT HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH A STICK SHIFT SO TRYING TO EXIT THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE REALLY IS NOT AN OPTION. *TR
2012-12-21
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-07
- VIN: KNAFB161X45
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED MONTHS LATER THE SEAT BELT SPRINGS FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT FAILURE MILEAGE 143,000.
2012-07-20
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-10
- VIN: KNAFB161445
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WENT INTO KROGER'S AND PICKED UP A FEW ITEMS. WHEN I WAS DONE, I LEFT THE STORE AND GOT BACK INTO MY CAR TO FINISH RUNNING SOME ERRANDS. I STARTED MY KIA- SPECTRA AND SHE PURRED LIKE A KITTEN- AS USUAL. I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE BUT MY KIA WOULD MOVE. I WAS PRESSING THE PEDDLE AND MY CAR DID NOT MOVE. I COULD HEAR THE CAR REVVING UP BUT I WASN'T MOVING. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT- I HAD MY KIA TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULD COST ME BETWEEN $2200-3600. I WAS DEVASTATED AND SHOCKED. MY KIA WAS WORKING JUST FINE. I NEVER HAD ANY INDICATORS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. NONE OF MY DASHBOARD INDICATOR LIGHTS FLASH OR LIGHT UP. MY CAR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS BECAUSE I COULD NOT AFFORD TO COVER THE REPAIRS. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE 4 YEARS AGO AND HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FOR ALL THE REGULAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TO MAINTAIN A WELL-FUNCTIONING VEHICLE. I WAS LAID OFF FROM MY JOB OVER 5 YEARS AGO. I PAID $8,700 FOR MY KIA USING MONIES FROM MY PROPHET SHARING TO CUT DOWN ON LIVING EXPENSES SO THAT I COULD STAY ON TOP OF THINGS BETWEEN JOBS. I WAS ASSURED BY THE DEALER THAT MY VEHICLE WAS CERTIFIED AND WOULD REMAIN IN GREAT CONDITION IF I KEPT UP WITH THE NECESSARY VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. I DID EVERYTHING I WAS SUPPOSE TO AND MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER IN SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO FOR SERVICE, ADVISED ME TO CONTACT YOUR ORGANIZATION AND REPORT MY ISSUES CONCERNING MY VEHICLE. MY CAR SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL LIST BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE IS PRONE TO DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS. I AM ON A FIXED INCOME AND I NEED MY CAR REPAIR. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN GET MY CAR REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2012-01-23
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-20
- VIN: KNAFE122955
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE SPECTRA 2005 4-DOOR HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM DAY 1. THE LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF. WHEN I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, THE LIGHT WENT OFF SO THEY WERE NEVER ABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. NOW THE LIGHT IS PERMANENTLY 'ON' AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS WORKING OR NOT. IT IS DEFINITELY A CONCERN AND IT IS A DEFINITELY A PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE TIMING BELT KEEPS LOOSENING ON A CONTINUAL BASIS. I HAVE REPEATEDLY BOUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC TO GET IT TIGHTENED. THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE. THE TIMING BELT, ONCE FIXED, SHOULD REMAIN IN TACT AT LEAST FOR A LENGTH OF TIME (NOT A MONTH!). THAT THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, THE LIGHT REMAINS ON. WHATEVER, I HAVE BEEN VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE CAR. AM DISAPPOINTED. I REALIZE THE COST WAS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR UPON PURCHASE, BUT MY HYUNDAI AT THE SAME COST BREAK (ACTUALLY LOWER) PROVED TO BE A SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER CAR. I GAVE THE HYUNDAI TO A FRIEND OF MINE AND IT IS KEEPS ON TICKING. IT IS STILL IN SERVICE AND RUNS BETTER THAN THE KIA AT OVER TRIPLE THE MILEAGE. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION REPLACED AT 65,000 WHICH IS UNUSUAL AS I DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR HARD AND I AVOID BUMPS. *TR
2011-12-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-27
- VIN: KNASE121845
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THAT A SIZZLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
2011-08-26
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-25
- VIN: KNAFE121945
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: KIA SPECTRA EX 2004.5. CONSTANTLY STALLS AND ENGINE RACES AT ANY TIME AND ANY SPEED. I AM FORCED TO PLACE TRANSMISSION IN "N" WHEN I APROACH A STOP SIGN. I AVOID HIGHWAYS BEING AFRAID TO STALL AT A HIGH SPEED AND CAUSE A FATALITY TO MYSELF OR ANOTHER VEHICLE. PROBLEMS STARTED WHEN VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. IN A TYPICAL KIA FASHION I WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG.NOW OUT OF WARRANTY SITUATION HAS GOT WORSE.MY MECHANIC SAYS IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM OR THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE INTERNET IS FULL WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT FROM MANY SPECTRA AND ANOTHER KIA MODELS OWNERS. THIS DESERVE AN INVESTIGATION. A FATALITY MAY HAPPEN SOONER OR LATER. PLEASE, FORCE KIA TO COME FORWARD ABOUT THIS ISSUE. CERTAINLY THEY KNOW WHAT'S WRONG, BUT THEY ALWAYS SAY "NOTHING IS WRONG". *TT
2011-08-12
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFE121345
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONTAL IMPACT AT ABOUT 40 MPH. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SUFFERED STRAINED NECK. *TR
2011-04-14
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-13
- VIN: KNAFE121445
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT TRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS LOCATED WHERE THE AIR BAGS WERE. SHE ASSUMED THAT BECAUSE THE WIRES FOR THE AIR BAGS WERE RUN CLOSE TO THE SEAT TRACK, THE AIR BAGS WERE DISCONNECTED WHEN THE SEAT WAS MOVED BACK AND FORTH BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SEAT MECHANISM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
2010-08-29
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-16
- VIN: KNAFB121945
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 2004 KIA SPECTRA THAT HAS AN ISSUE STICKING IN THIRD GEAR. IT STARTED A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW. I NOTICED IT WHEN I FIRST PULLED OUT OF A SIDE STREET ON TO A MAIN ROAD AND WHEN I PUSHED ON THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR WAS BARELY MOVING. THANK GOD NO ON COMING TRAFFIC WAS COMING, CAUSE YES I WOULD OF CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO KIA THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES. THEN A MONTH OR SO LATER I WAS ACCELERATING OFF AN EXIT RAMP AND THE TRANSMISSION STUCK IN THIRD GEAR. I HAD TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE IT RESET AND I WAS OFF AGAIN. I AGAIN TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY KEPT IT ALL DAY, BUT STILL SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND AN ISSUE. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND I WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS. THIS HAS HAPPEN 6 MORE TIMES, BUT KIA SAYS THEY HAVE NOT FOUND ANY ISSUES ON THEIR COMPUTER. NOW THE CAR HAS NO WARRANTY SO I JUST LIVE WITH IT. *TR
2010-06-09
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-06
- VIN: KNAFE121945
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 05V431000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND STAYED ON. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL. WHEN SOMEONE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG WAS ACTIVATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN THE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT OR IT DEPLOYING AT ANY TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,800. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.
2010-04-02
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-02
- VIN: KNAFE121645
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTING OUT. MY FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED OUT CAUSING ONE TO DRAG THE GROUND MAKING SPARKS! I LOOKED OVER THE CAR AND NOTHING IS RUSTED LIKE THE STRAPS, THE EXSUST IS GOOD THE HEAT SHIELD AND THE FUEL LINES ARE GOOD JUST THE FUEL STRAPS ARE SO RUSTED TO THE POINT THEY SNAPPED!
2009-11-02
SEAT BELTS,CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS,CHILD SEAT
- Summary: EVENFLO TRIUMPH ADVANCE' LX CONVERTIBLE FAILS TO PERFORM BASIC CARSEAT FUNCTIONS. ACTUAL CARSEAT DAMAGES ITSELF VIA RAZOR SHARP PLASTIC OPENINGS WHERE THE LATCH SYSTEM STRAP OR VEHICLE RESTRAINT STRAP GOES THROUGH THE SEAT. WE HAVE BEEN PHYSICALLY CUT ON THIS PLASTIC ALONG WITH THE LATCH STRAP BEING FRAYED AND CUT BEYOND SAFE USE. WE HAVE DISCONTINUED USING THE LATCH SYSTEM BUT ARE CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY RESTRAINT STRAP WILL ALSO BE FRAYED AND BECOME UNSAFE ALONG WITH PERMANENT DAMAGE TO OUR VEHICLE. THIS PLASTIC ISSUES HAS RESULTED IN GROSS SAFETY ISSUES ON A CONSTANT BASIS. CHILD CAN EASILY GET OUT OF THE CARSEAT REGARDLESS OF STRAP TENSION EVERY SINGLE USE. THE CHEST CLIP SLIPS UP AND DOWN TOO EASILY AND CHILD CAN SIMPLY, WITH 1 FINGER, SLIDE THE CHEST CLIP THE TO 5 POINT HARNESS, WIGGLE ARMS AND LEGS OUT AND GET INTO A STANDING POSITION WITHOUT MUCH DIFFICULTY. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
2009-09-14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-11
- VIN: KNAFE122345
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT WHEN ENGAGED IT ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. OR IT TOLALLY DIS-ENGAGES ON ITS OWN. *TR
2009-07-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-14
- VIN: KNAFE122745
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY VEHICLE LOOSES POWER, SPUTTERS, AND HESITATES WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED. THIS HAS CAUSES ME TO ALMOST BE IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. THE SERVICE DEPT CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE, BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT EXISTS. I HAVE FILED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH KIA MOTORS AND HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ASSIST ME WITH ANY OTHER TYPE OF HELP WITH MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE, BUT SINCE KIA MOTORS CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM, THEN THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT LEAST ONCE A DAY WHILE DRIVING WHEN I AM COMING HOME FROM WORK AND EVEN ON SUNDAY'S WHEN I AM COMING HOME FROM CHURCH. THE SERVICE DEPT IS ALWAYS CLOSED WHEN THIS OCCURS SO I CAN'T TAKE IT IN. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING WITH MY VEHICLE FOR APPROX. 2 YEARS AND I HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS IS GETTING A RESOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM. *TR
2009-01-14
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-07
- VIN: KNAFE121345
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY FIANCE'S BOUGHT A KIA SPECTRA.... I HAVE NOTICED FOR AWHILE THAT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS ITS OK... GETTING TO AND COMING DOWN FROM FREEWAY SPEEDS HOWEVER IS A INTERESTING TIME... THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECS. REVS AND DOESN'T SLAM BUT SEEMS TO EASE INTO GEAR THEN JERKS FORWARD... PASSING OTHER VEHICLES IS NOT DONE OFTEN DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. AND WHEN GETTING ON THE OFF RAMP THE MOTOR DOWN SHIFTS AND REVS. WAY TO HIGH THEN SAME AS BEFORE EASES INTO GEAR AND JERKS BACKWARDS. THEN WHILE ON CITY STREETS THE TRANSMISSION HAS A MUCH LARGER STALL BEFORE GETTING INTO GEAR 4-5 SECS. AND THIS TIME IS SLAMS INTO GEAR PRODUCING TORQUE STEER. I HAD HER TAKE IT IN AND SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. SO I NEVER FURTHER PERSUADE IT.. BECAUSE NOTHING WAS GOING TO BE DONE. HAVE WORKED AT A DEALERSHIP BEFORE. THEY DID HOWEVER SEE THAT THE SPEEDO WOULD FLIP OUT AND NOT WORK AT SIT AT 40 MPH AT A DEAD STOP THEN AS YOU GOT TO 20 MPH IT WOULD CLIMB INSANELY THEN SIT THERE THEY HAVE FIXED IT 3 TIMES AND THE THIRD SEEMED TO BE THE CHARM. SO I AM WONDERING IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ABOUT THERE TRANSMISSIONS. I DON'T REMEMBER WHEN EXACTLY WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT MILEAGE WAS ABOUT 15K AND STILL HAPPENS TILL THIS DAY AT 58K. SO I DRIVE IT BECAUSE I WORRY FOR HER SAFETY AND MY SONS. *TR
2008-12-01
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-25
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BLACK ICE ON ROADS I ENDED UP TURNED UPSIDE DOWN IN A SIX FOOT DITCH. CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. UPSET THAT A CRASH LIKE THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY. WHAT IS THE PROTOCOL FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS? *TR
2008-11-28
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFE121745
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND ACCELERATES. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE FAILURES TO STOP. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN JANUARY OF 2008. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. ON NOVEMBER 9, 2008, WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE BODY SHOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000. UPDATED 12/17/08.*LJ UPDATED 12/18/08. *JB
2008-10-19
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-15
- VIN: KNAFE121445
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING. IT WILL ALSO LUNGE WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, FORWARD AND REVERSE. IT DOES NOT OCCUR EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE STARTS. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE 2ND TIME THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR RPM'S TO GO UP WHEN THE ENGINE IS COOL. WHEN THE CAR LUNGES, THE BRAKES HAVE TO BE DEPRESSED AS HARD AS POSSIBLE TO STOP THE CAR. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM THEY HAD WITH THE KIA AMANTI. *TR
2008-07-09
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY VEHICLE SPUTTERS WHILE DRIVING. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW INCIDENTS WHERE MY VEHICLE HAS ALMOST STALLED ON THE FREEWAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN FAST LANE. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIME IN A 2 MONTH WINDOW, AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE, SO THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX MY VEHICLE OR TAKE ALL OF THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT SINCE THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE, THEN THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO AND I AM JUST STUCK WITH A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, WHICH HAS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD. *TR
2008-07-03
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFB121845
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONT END COLLISION, AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. 2004 KIA SPECTRA. IT WAS HIT BY A TRUCK AT APPROX. 55 MPH IN THE LEFT FRONT CORNER PUSHING EVERYTHING INTO THE MOTOR AREA AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
2004 Kia Spectra recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2004 Kia Spectra.
2011-04-25
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
- Summary: 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, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH HOLD THE TANK MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY SEPARATE ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND POSSIBLY DISRUPT THE INTEGRITY OF THE TANK.
- Consequence: THE FUEL TANK CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE THE GROUND WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. LEAKING FUEL CAN CREATE A FIRE HAZARD.
- 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 CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Negative 2004 Kia Spectra car reviews
Positive 2004 Kia Spectra car reviews
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Hi there! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your Kia! It sounds like it's been a reliable car for you, which is always a plus. It's great that you've noticed an improvement in gas mileage since moving to a more rural area. The comfort, interior, and storage space all sound like great features for a small car. It's also good to hear that the safety features are impressive for the price class. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with Kia, it's definitely a brand worth checking out!
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Hey there! I wanted to share that I recently purchased a car with the new body style and I'm really impressed with the changes they've made from the previous model.
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What a great car! It's fun, economical, practical, and sporty. I'm really pleased with it. The hatchback GSX allows me to throw whatever I need in there. Although I had a few electrical problems with the cruise control and dash lights, both are fixed now. The car warms up quickly in the winter and is very economical to drive (40+mpg) when driven nicely. I haven't had any transmission problems with the 5-speed!
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I completely understand that there are varying opinions about Kia, but personally, I believe that the Spectra is a great car for its price.
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The Kia Spectra is such a great car! It's been the most reliable car I've bought in a long time.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Kia Spectra problems:
2004 Kia Spectra Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2004-kia-spectra/problems
Top 2004 Kia Spectra Problems · Software Update Available to Correct Transmission Issues · Oxygen Sensor Code Due to Failed Electrical Connections at Sensor.
2004 Kia Spectra Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/spectra/2004/reliability/
THE FUEL TANK CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE THE GROUND WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. LEAKING FUEL CAN CREATE A FIRE HAZARD.
Kia Spectra Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/kia/spectra
Top Kia Spectra Problems · Software Update Available to Correct Transmission Issues · Oxygen Sensor Code Due to Failed Electrical Connections at Sensor · Kia ...
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 ...
Q&A: Kia Spectra 2007 Engine Issues - Common Problems ...
https://www.justanswer.com/kia/4q6zl-kia-spectra-2007-kia-spectra-engine-will-miss-stall.html
Mar 15, 2011 ... 2007 kia spectra: engine will miss and stall out when you come to a stop or when you are driving and let off throttle - Answered by a ...
Other years of Kia Spectra
Are you having problems with your 2004 Kia Spectra?
Hillard Keeling 2024-11-16
We have experienced significant issues with our Kia vehicle, including costly repairs and a delayed transmission replacement. The vehicle lacks power and the seats are uncomfortable. While it may serve as a temporary solution for a short commute, it falls short of our expectations for a reliable vehicle. As a result, we cannot recommend this car to others.
Burley Boyer 2024-10-09
Great warranty and excellent price! However, I noticed that the gas mileage in the first month was poor. Under regular conditions, the gas mileage is around 21-24 miles per gallon, even when not driving hard.
Kayden Murphy 2024-09-12
I still like this car! However, after 55,000 miles, the alternator failed, and at 67,000 miles, the AC compressor had to be rebuilt. Fortunately, the alternator repair was covered by the warranty, but I had to pay for the AC repair. I recently replaced the brakes for the first time, as well as the timing belt and engine belts. I've also had to replace the tires and battery twice. Other than that, I still like the car, but I will think twice before buying another Kia. The 60,000-mile warranty is there for a reason!
Prince Lubowitz 2024-09-04
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my 2001 vehicle. Unfortunately, I've had some issues with the rubber seals around the doors falling off just 3 months after purchasing it. Additionally, the plastic inside door handles have broken and I've had to replace the brakes around 10 times, and they still aren't performing as well as I'd like. While the initial price was good, I've ended up spending almost as much money on repairs as I did on the car itself. Overall, I wouldn't choose to buy this car again.
Axel Roob 2024-08-27
This car is very low to the ground and has bad gas mileage. Additionally, it may not have as much pickup as some other 4 cylinder cars.