2003 Kia SpectraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 90 owner complaints about the 2003 Kia Spectra, most often about the power train. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 18, 2019. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Where the 2003 Kia Spectra has problems
90 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 16 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 14 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 14 | 3 |
| Air bags | 11 | 10 |
| Structure | 11 | 0 |
| Visibility | 10 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 9 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 30 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2003 Kia Spectra recalls and how many were fixed
No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.
2003 vs. every other Spectra year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Spectra median. How we score
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2003 Kia Spectra safety ratings
2003 Kia Spectra 4-DR in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
What Spectra owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2003 Spectra?
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