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2007 Kia SpectraProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 152 owner complaints about the 2007 Kia Spectra, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2007 Kia Spectra
43
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.4× the Spectra median · #1 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints15243 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage86kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 22, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2007 Kia Spectra has problems

152 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags5616
Fuel/propulsion system170
Electrical system161
Fuel system, gasoline151
Vehicle speed control123
Latches/locks/linkages120
Power train81
Engine72
Engine and engine cooling71
16 other systems4918

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2007 Kia Spectra recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Tank assembly: mounting

Recall 11V-256 · Apr 25, 2011 · 58,322 vehicles

Risk. THE FUEL TANK CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE THE GROUND WHICH COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.

Mileage at failure

When do air bags problems start?

86kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 47 air bags complaints. 62% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
10under 30k miles29under 100k miles18100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2007 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

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2007 Kia Spectra safety ratings

2007 Kia Spectra 5-DR w/SAB 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2007 Kia Spectra, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Occupant Classification SystemPE15031 · closed Feb 11, 2016
    No recall
In owners' words

What Spectra owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Passenger Air bag sensor light has come on and stayed on. Took to AutoZone and have them put it on the code reader and said it was something faulty in the sensor mat under the seat.
Complaint 11566976 · Jan 22, 2024
I first noticed my air bag light (the one by the clock) coming on and off when my granddaughters weight went from under weight to appropriate weight to ride in the front seat. It would come on and off as she would adjust herself or move around in the seat. Sometimes it would stay on or sometimes it…
Complaint 11485851 · Sep 22, 2022
THE 2007 KIA SPECTRA WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MAJOR IMPACT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE KIA HIT ANOTHER CAR AND HAD MAJOR DAMAGES.
Complaint 11162490 · Dec 19, 2018 · 140,000 miles

Own a 2007 Spectra?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.