2003 KIA SPECTRA VIN: KNAFB121035244820

TBD
Condition
Run & Drive
Damage
Collision
Title
Salvage

VIN KNAFB121035244820 Decoding Kia Vin Decoder

Error Text

0 - VIN decoded clean. Check Digit (9th position) is correct

Make

KIA

Manufacturer Name

HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)

Model

Spectra

Model Year

2003

Plant City

WHASUNG

Vehicle Type

PASSENGER CAR

Plant Country

SOUTH KOREA

Body Class

Sedan/Saloon

Doors

4

Bed Type

Not Applicable

Cab Type

Not Applicable

Trailer Type Connection

Not Applicable

Trailer Body Type

Not Applicable

Engine Number of Cylinders

4

Displacement (CC)

1800.0

Displacement (CI)

109.84273937051

Displacement (L)

1.8

Fuel Type - Primary

Gasoline

Valve Train Design

Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)

Front Air Bag Locations

1st Row (Driver and Passenger)

Bus Floor Configuration Type

Not Applicable

Bus Type

Not Applicable

Custom Motorcycle Type

Not Applicable

Motorcycle Suspension Type

Not Applicable

Motorcycle Chassis Type

Not Applicable

2003 KIA SPECTRA Crash Test Score

0

Overall Rating

Overall Front Star Rating

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Front Driver Side
Front Passenger Side

Side Barrier

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Driver
Rear Passenger

Overall Side Pole Star Rating

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Rollover Star Rating

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Rollover Star Rating 4x4
Rollover Star Rating 4x2
Rollover Risk:
0%

2003 KIA SPECTRA Safety Features

Seat Belts and Head Restraints

Dynamic Head Restraints Not Available
Head Restraint Not Available
Advanced Belt Feature Not Available
Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage Not Available
Seat Belt Reminder System Not Available

Air Bags

Frontal Air Bag Driver, Front Passenger
Knee Not Available
Additional Air Bags Not Available
Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements Not Available

Child Passenger Features

LATCH Locations Not Available
Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) Not Available
Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations Not Available

Complaints Assosiated with VIN KNAFB121035244820

Components: SERVICE BRAKES

October 17, 2016
NHTSA ID Number: 10928686
Consumer Location: PULLMAN, WA
VIN: KNAFB121035****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

February 01, 2009
NHTSA ID Number: 10261629
Consumer Location: COLUMBIA, SC
VIN: KNAFB121035****

Summary of Complaint

BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAKING. *TR

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING POWER TRAIN VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

April 15, 2004
NHTSA ID Number: 10144843
Consumer Location: GRIDLEY, KS
VIN: KNAFB121035****

Summary of Complaint

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN OR WHILE BRAKING OR PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT VEHICLE REVVED AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 1/11/2006 - THE TRANSMISSION LINE HAD COME OFF AND CAUSE COOLANT TO LEAK. THE LINE WAS REPAIR AND TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED BUT TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THREE TIMES AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR THREE TIMES. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE DEALER REPLACED THE GENE PULSE ASSEMBLY. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE ENGINE RAN ROUGH INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IDLE SPEED ACTUATOR. *NM

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING AIR BAGS

August 26, 2005
NHTSA ID Number: 10134346
Consumer Location: Unknown
VIN: KNAFB121035****

Summary of Complaint

DT: 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN 2 ACCIDENTS AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DURING THE FIRST ACCIDENTCONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF BY SOMEONE IN FRONT. IN TURN A SUV HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE. DURING THE SECOND ACCIDENT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED A CAR IN FRON. THIS WAS A FRONT TO REAR COLLISION AT 25 T-30 MILES MPH. THERE WAS INJURIES IN THE SECOND ACCIDENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. ALSO, THERE THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH OIL CIRCULATION. ITHE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE OIL SENDING UNIT WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *AK

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

October 10, 2003
NHTSA ID Number: 10041615
Consumer Location: WATAUGA, TX
VIN: KNAFB121035****

Summary of Complaint

I BOUGHT A KIA SPECTRA 2003 ON 9/27/03 WITH MANUFACTURER'S DATE OF 11/4/02. IT WAS A USED CAR WITH 20,000 MILES ON IT. ON 10/09/03, THE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING AN EMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM. THE DEALER CHECKED IT AND REPLACED THE GAS CAP THAT THEY DISCOVERED WAS LEAKING. HOWEVER, ON 10/10/03, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE CHECK LIGHT BLINKED ON MOMENTARILY WHILE THE CAR LOST SPEED, AND WHEN THE LIGHT BLINKED OFF IT RESUMED ITS SPEED. IN REVIEWING TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS, IT APPEARS THAT KIA SPECTRAS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 5/4/01 AND 7/12/02 WERE TO BE HAVE THE ORVR VALVE REPLACED. I AM CONCERNED THAT MY CAR MAY HAVE THE SAME DEFECT BUT IS NOT COVERED BY THE TSB. I WOULD APPRECIATE RECEIVING FURTHER UPDATES ON THIS SITUATION FOR MY CAR IN CASE THE TSB IS EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE MANUFACTURE DATE OF MY CAR. *LA

Components: STEERING

July 14, 2003
NHTSA ID Number: 10029581
Consumer Location: TUNNEL HILL, GA
VIN: KNAFB121035****

Summary of Complaint

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL IN EITHER DIRECTION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

May 05, 2018
NHTSA ID Number: 11180852
Consumer Location: FLORENCE, KY
VIN: KHAFB161035****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: SUSPENSION STRUCTURE

August 03, 2017
NHTSA ID Number: 11022793
Consumer Location: MIFFLINBURG, PA
VIN: KNAFB121835****

Summary of Complaint

DIRT CHEAP CARS SOLD ME A CAR THAT WONT PASS INSPECTION

Components: STRUCTURE

October 16, 2016
NHTSA ID Number: 11022089
Consumer Location: MIFFLINBURG, PA
VIN: KNAFB121835****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: AIR BAGS

June 14, 2014
NHTSA ID Number: 10775422
Consumer Location: TULLAHOMA, TN
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: POWER TRAIN

August 11, 2014
NHTSA ID Number: 10637618
Consumer Location: ARENA, WI
VIN: KNAFB121235****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: SERVICE BRAKES

January 01, 2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10604760
Consumer Location: GARLAND, TX
VIN: KNAFB121735****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: STRUCTURE

May 01, 2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10598800
Consumer Location: Unknown
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: STEERING

June 01, 2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10598803
Consumer Location: Unknown
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

November 08, 2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10552421
Consumer Location: BALTIMORE, MD
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SERVICE BRAKES

December 19, 2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10493319
Consumer Location: GARLAND, TX
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

October 04, 2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10481046
Consumer Location: WEBSTER, TX
VIN: KNAFB121435****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SERVICE BRAKES

May 01, 2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10459626
Consumer Location: SPRINGFIELD, OH
VIN: KNAFB121635****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: POWER TRAIN

February 05, 2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10449935
Consumer Location: LOXLEY, AL
VIN: KNAFB121435****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: POWER TRAIN

April 06, 2009
NHTSA ID Number: 10425111
Consumer Location: VANCOUVER, WA
VIN: KNAFB121935****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

June 01, 2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10422808
Consumer Location: FRISCO, TX
VIN: KNAFB161235****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

April 01, 2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10410306
Consumer Location: HARRISBURG, IL
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: AIR BAGS

January 23, 2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10378772
Consumer Location: LEXINGTON, KY
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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.

Components: VISIBILITY STRUCTURE

January 19, 2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10377946
Consumer Location: SAN ANGELO, TX
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

December 20, 2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10371249
Consumer Location: ERLANGER, KY
VIN: KNAFB121835****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

October 10, 2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10360347
Consumer Location: Unknown
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: VISIBILITY STRUCTURE

August 15, 2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10353778
Consumer Location: DELTONA, FL
VIN: KNAFB121335****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

October 08, 2009
NHTSA ID Number: 10344836
Consumer Location: AUSTIN, TX
VIN: KNAFB121535****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

January 01, 2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10314817
Consumer Location: SPANAWAY, WA
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

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

Components: SEAT BELTS

September 18, 2008
NHTSA ID Number: 10290930
Consumer Location: WEAUBLEAU, MO
VIN: KNAFB121835****

Summary of Complaint

FRONT SEATBELTS ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA UNLATCH. *TR

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

February 01, 2009
NHTSA ID Number: 10261627
Consumer Location: COLUMBIA, SC
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE LEAKING ON 2003 KIA SPECTRA. *TR

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

March 03, 2008
NHTSA ID Number: 10219973
Consumer Location: Unknown
VIN: KNASB121035****

Summary of Complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE RPM, SPEED, AND TEMPERATURE WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE INFORMATION AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS CONFIRMED, BUT APPEARS TO BE INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,100.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM EXTERIOR LIGHTING

August 16, 2007
NHTSA ID Number: 10199784
Consumer Location: POINT PLEASANT, NJ
VIN: KNAFB161935****

Summary of Complaint

I HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA, APPROX. 2 YEARS AGO I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND WHILE I CAME TO A STOP AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KIA AND THEY DID A TUNE UP AND REPLACED A PART THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY THE PROBLEM FOR THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF OR TO ACCELERATE WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT TAKES ALL YOU CAN DO TO KEEP THE CAR FROM LUNGING FORWARD. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN YOU TURN THE AIR CONDITIONER ON IT CAUSES THE CAR TO ACCELERATE WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CAR COULD RUN GREAT FOR DAYS, BUT THEN IT STARTS TO DO THE SAME THING AGAIN. ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS. I HAVE BEEN IN SOME SCARY SITUATIONS ON VERY BUSY HIGHWAYS, WHERE THE CAR SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING , FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAVE HAD MY CAR TO STS 3 TIMES TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND ON THOSE OCCASIONS THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO SIMULATE. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE LOW AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS APPROX 8 TIMES. I'VE HAD BOTH LOW BEAMS GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME. *JB

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

April 16, 2007
NHTSA ID Number: 10190326
Consumer Location: STRAFFORD, MO
VIN: KNAFB121235****

Summary of Complaint

THE 2003 KIA SPECTRA CAUGHT ON FIRE. THEREWAS NOTHING LEFT OF THE CAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRIAL FIRE. *AK

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

May 01, 2007
NHTSA ID Number: 10190020
Consumer Location: KNOXVILLE, IA
VIN: KNAFB121835****

Summary of Complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTROL WIRES WERE BURNED. THE VEHICLE NEEDS A WIRE HARNESS AND A CONTROL HEAD PART. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,206.

Components: VISIBILITY

February 15, 2007
NHTSA ID Number: 10186539
Consumer Location: ASTORIA, NY
VIN: KNAFB121635****

Summary of Complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT REPORTED WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED TO REMOVE SNOW AND ICE FROM THE WINDSHIELD, BUT THEN BECAME INOPERABLE. AS THE TEMPERATURE CONTINUED TO DROP THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REMAINED MOTIONLESS. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ICE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 6,500.*AK UPDATE 4/25/07 *TR

Components: SEATS

February 20, 2007
NHTSA ID Number: 10183603
Consumer Location: OSHKOSH, WI
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY DURING MY TRIP TO WORK (ABOUT AN HOUR TRIP EACH WAY FROM MY HOME), AND MY SEAT SUDDENLY FLUNG BACK INTO THE BACK SEAT. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FOR A MOMENT AND LUCKILY SNAPPED BACK UP AND GOT THE VEHICLE BACK UNDER CONTROL. AFTER LOOKING AT WHAT HAD HAPPENED, THE METAL RAILING UNDER THE SEAT THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE FLOORBOARD HAD SNAPPED...THE FRONT PART OF THE RAILING STILL BOLTED DOWN, AND THEN AN INCH OR TWO BACK THE METAL IS JUST SIMPLY SNAPPED IN TWO. I CALLED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND WAS GIVEN A WEEK OUT APPOINTMENT AND WANRED I MAY HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS MYSELF. *JB

Components: SEATS

January 10, 2007
NHTSA ID Number: 10182972
Consumer Location: BRUSH PRAIRIE, WA
VIN: KNAFB121335****

Summary of Complaint

DRIVERS SEAT BRACKET ATTACHING SEAT TO CAR BROKE THREE TIMES, ONCE UNDER WARRANTY WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO ENTIRE SEAT, AND ONCE UNDER REPLACEMENT PARTS WARRANTY . THIRD TIME OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY PERIOD. *NM

Components: POWER TRAIN

September 25, 2006
NHTSA ID Number: 10174655
Consumer Location: BLACKSHEAR, GA
VIN: ****

Summary of Complaint

I BOUGHT MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA BRAND NEW,KEPT UP WITH OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE,MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 71,OOO MILES. I HAD THE SO CALLED 100,000 MILE WARRANTY ON IT. THEY DID NOT COVER ANY OF IT THEY SAID BECAUSE I LIVE IN GA IT GETS HOT,SO THE WARRANTY WONT COVER IT. ALSO,I WAS RECENTLY IN A FENDER BENDER AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,AND WE HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE KIA PLACE BECAUSE OF MINOR STUFF SUCH AS THE AIR NOT WORKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY STAYING ON. THE 2003 KIA SPECTRA'S ARE A JOKE AND IF YOU LIVE WERE IT GETS HOT OR TOO COLD YOUR WARRANTY IS OF NON EFFECT.

Components: SUSPENSION SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING POWER TRAIN EXTERIOR LIGHTING VISIBILITY TIRES

June 30, 2003
NHTSA ID Number: 10174576
Consumer Location: NORTH VERSAILLES, PA
VIN: KNAFB121835****

Summary of Complaint

PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY OF 2003, JUNE 30TH OF 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND HAD TO HAVE THE TPS REPLACED AND 3 MORE TIMES TO PRESENT. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED, HEATING PROBLEM, EXHAUST REPLACED. CAR IS NOW ON 46,000 HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED (THROUGH AN ATT. FROM LEMON LAW) AT 16,000 MILES HAD TO HAVE TIRES REPLACED. AND, NOW TO DATE TIRES WERE REPLACED FOR THE 5TH TIME, BRAKES WERE DONE 4 TIMES, NOW TO FIND OUT THE REASON TIRES AND BRAKES WERE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED SO MANY TIMES IS BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION IS WAY OUT OF ALIGNMENT WHICH SEEING I HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG I NOW BELIEVE IT WAS A DEFECT ALL ALONG. *JB

KIA SPECTRA Sold

kia spectra 2002 vin knafb121025137359
2002 KIA SPECTRA Collision Unknown
KNAFB121025137359
kia spectra 2002 vin knafb121325173062
2002 KIA SPECTRA Normal Run & Drive
KNAFB121325173062
kia spectra 2002 vin knafb121625190406
2002 KIA SPECTRA Collision Unknown
KNAFB121625190406