NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Spectra5

Data refreshed October 25, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Spectra5.

Complaints

636

Active records

Recalls

3

Active records

TSBs

42

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

4

Injuries

106

Crashes

117

Fires

15

Top reported issues — Kia Spectra5

Click a category to expand its values.

Safety restraint issue

413

Reporting mechanism

228

Operating state

143

Condition issue

112

Safety restraint behavior

111

Engine behavior

77

Access/entry issue

46

Braking behavior

35

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

32

Lighting behavior

27

Recent change

26

Performance issue

25

Thermal issue

23

Steering behavior

22

Noise

21

Vibration/harshness

17

Driver assistance issue

16

Electrical issue

16

Fluid issue

16

HVAC behavior

12

Ride/handling behavior

9

Smell

8

Infotainment behavior

6

Starting behavior

6

Powering on/off behavior

3

Communication/network issue

1

Wiper/washer behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2008 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Aug 20, 2026


The contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that all three brake lights failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the brake light switch assembly multi-connector wiring harness needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The contact found information on other Kia recalls for other years, makes, and models that described the same parts failure. The contact found information on SC077 (Brake Switch), SC298 (Light Assembly), and SC299…

2008 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Jul 15, 2024


After starting car, for first 15-20 mins, all normal. After speedometer go erratic (showing slower than actual speed - or - higher than actual speed) and soon after it just stops working. No check engine light. Dangerous to drive without knowing actual speed. Have to use mobile phone app like Waze or something which shows apx speed. Upon internet search, I found there are many Kia spectra Ex (from 05-09 models) reported similar issues. This situation is dangerous as driver may be…

2008 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Jan 30, 2024


I have tires sized 195/60r15. I was having problems with shaking at a certain speed. my mechanic checked all the options that could have been mechanical and directed me to a tire shop. I brought the car in for them to check for balance. rims, etc. During the inspection, they discovered that both rear tires, driver and passenger side were separating. I had never had problems with tires until I purchased these. The third attached photo was after I first purchased the tires. The piece was shaved…

2007 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Jan 22, 2024


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.

2009 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Nov 20, 2023


I am having a problem with my hazard turning signal lights it won't turn on.

2008 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Nov 19, 2023


195/60/15 I purchased four new tires From Prospect Tire and Wheels on September 23, 2022, with an alignment. In August of this year, 2023, I returned because of an issue with one of the tires, and the alignment. They told me after replacing the most serious issue that all four tires had bubbles. They weren't willing to do anything except to rotate the bad tires to the rear of the car and sell me one other that absolutely had to be replaced. They offered me the contact information…

2006 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Sep 29, 2023


My car just stop on me. I think my engine is not working 😕 had to called a tow truck to take me home and car.

2007 KIA SPECTRA

Filed May 11, 2023


I purchased my 2007 Spectra5 used with 155,000 miles on it. The engine had no codes or any stored codes. It ran fine until I filled it up with gas. I DO NOT overfill the tank because I understand EVAP issues. After filling up the vehicle would stall at idle and occasionally lose power (momentarily) at highway speeds (55 mph and up). Obviously this is an extremely dangerous situation! Once the gas level got below 1/2 tank the issues went away…but now I ONLY fill the tank to halfway and…

2006 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Oct 26, 2022


The contact owns a 2006 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that three of her interior door handles had become defective and the doors could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door and the front driver’s and passenger’s side door handles were defective. The contact called the local dealer and scheduled an appointment to have the door handles repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure…

2007 KIA SPECTRA

Filed Sep 22, 2022


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 would stay off. When that light stopped coming on and off the one in the dash console where the speedometer is, that light has been coming on and staying on warning there's a problem with the airbag…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated October 25, 2026. Refreshed nightly.