Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 114 of 114 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 90 of 114 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
78 complaint records1 fire report17 crash reports
"AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON. CAR HAS ONLY 25,000 MILES BUT OUT OF WARRANTEE. DEALER WANTS $109. JUST TO SCAN IT. MULTI COMPLAINTS ONLINE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Seats
11 complaint records
"AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON EVEN IF SEAT IS OCCUPIED. IN ADDITION THE AIRBAG "OFF" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED NEXT TO THE CLOCK AND IS ALWAYS IN THE 'OFF', POSITION. BOTH LIGHTS REMAIN IN THAT CONDITION WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY MODE (IN PARK) OR DRIVING IN MOTION...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seats parts in the directory →
Electrical system
10 complaint records1 crash report
"THE BACK SEAL BELTS STOP WORKING. THEY WILL NOT COME OUT NO MATTER WHAT I TRY. THEY HAVE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I GOT THE CAT IN 2012. BUT NOW THEY WON'T COME OUT AT ALL. ALSO THE BLOWER FOR THE A/C OR HEAT STOPPED WORKING...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE15031 opened Sep 2015 | closed Feb 2016 | Air Bags | Occupant Classification System The subject vehicle population is MY 2007-2009 Kia Spectra vehicles.Consumers report that the SRS (air bag) warning light is illuminated in their vehicle.The focus of the investigation was the failure of the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 2021 | Exterior Lighting | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| PS539 Mar 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. | |
| TSB-GEN085R1 Jan 2017 | Equipment | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? | |
| TSB-GEN085 Nov 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. | |
| WTY001OWNERR1 Jun 2016 | Equipment | "REVISION: OWNER LETTER: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICAS HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. |
Show 23 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTY001DEALERPSMR Jun 2016 | Air Bags | REVISION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS IS RE-NOTIFYING THE OWNERS OF THE 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES OF THE WARRANTY COVERAGE EXTENSION ON THEIR VEHICLES AND... | |
| WTY001R1 Jun 2016 | Equipment | REVISION: WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES REVISED INFORMATION RELATED TO BOTH THE CUSTOMER AND DEALER NOTIFICATION LETTER THAT WAS SENT IN RELATION TO THIS WARRANTY... | |
| PS443 Apr 2016 | Electrical System | TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. | |
| WTY001OWNER Feb 2016 | Equipment | OWNER LETTER: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICAS HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. | |
| TSB-BOD-130 Feb 2016 | Equipment | FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT IN 2007~2009MY SPECTRA (LD) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 THROUGH APRIL 6,... | |
| WTY001 Feb 2016 | Equipment | WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - THIS WARRANTY BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE EXTENSION OF WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT... | |
| WTY001D Feb 2016 | Equipment | DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. | |
| WTY001DEALERPSM Feb 2016 | Equipment | DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. | |
| WTY001FORM Feb 2016 | Equipment | REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM: WTY001 - IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCS REPLACED, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR SOME OR ALL OF THAT EXPENSE. | |
| WTY001QA Feb 2016 | Equipment | Q AND A: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION Q & A | |
| TSBSC122 Jul 2015 | Equipment | "TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC122) - TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, KIA IS LAUNCHING THIS BULLETIN TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO VARIOUS VEHICLE UNDERBODY COMPONENTS OF SOME 2010~2013MY SOUL (AM),... | |
| DEALERPSC122 Jul 2015 | Equipment | DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. WILL BE CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA, 2010-2013 MY SOUL,... | |
| DEALERPSMSC122 Jul 2015 | Equipment | DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA, 2010-2013 MY SOUL,... | |
| OWNERSC122SPECTR Jul 2015 | Equipment | OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2004-2009 KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR ARE CURRENTLY... | |
| QASC122 Jul 2015 | Equipment | QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 UNDERBODY ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT | |
| SC-122 Jul 2015 | Structure | KIA: AN ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION WILL BE APPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES UNDERBODY COMPONENTS TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION. MODEL 2004-09 SPECTRA, 2006-10 OPTIMA, 2006-11 RIO 2007-10 RONDO AND 2010-13 SOUL. *PE | |
| TSBTRA046 Dec 2013 | Power Train | TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. | |
| TSBBOD095 Mar 2013 | Visibility/Wiper | TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. | |
| TSB-015 Jun 2011 | Electrical System | KIA MOTORS: INSTALLING AN ADDITIONAL GROUND CABLE TO THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE SENSOR PROBLEMS. *RM | |
| PS-150 Oct 2010 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | KIA: ON SOME 2004-2009 SPECTRAS THE DOORS ARE LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT THE DRIVER COMMANDING THEM TO. *RM | |
| TSB-022 May 2009 | Equipment | KIA: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY LABEL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY (LCC) WHEN CERTAIN ACCESSORIES ARE ADDED TO A COMPLETED VEHICLE PRI0R TO FIRST RETAIL SALE. *PE | |
| TSB-046 May 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | KIA MOTORS: RELATING TO OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) USED IN CONSTANT VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (CVVT). IF AT ANY TIME OCV IS SUSPECTED AS A CAUSE OF ROUGH IDLING, POOR ACCELERTION, CAMSHAFT TIMING MISALIGNMENT RELATED TROUBLE CODES, MISFIRE RELATED TROUBLE CODES ETC., ON THE VEHICLE... | |
| KT-2008110606 Nov 2008 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | KIA: DOORS LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT FROM THE RKE TRANSMITTER OR KEY SWITCH MAY BE CAUSED BY WEAR ON SWITCH CONTACTS IN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE. *PE |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Spectra →