Worst 2004 Kia Spectra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbags
Automatic Transmission
Unintended Acceleration
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Kia Spectra.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 13 | 5 | — | 230,404 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 13 | 1 | — | 14,729 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 1 | 1 | 51,015 mi | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 6 | 6 | — | 38,355 mi | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module | 6 | — | — | 35,000 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | 47,520 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Software | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Integrated Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering:Linkages:Knuckle:Spindle:Arm | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Kia Spectra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2004 Kia Spectra
1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~58,322 vehicles.
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 SPECTRA LD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 6, 2007, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH HOLD THE TANK MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY SEPARATE ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND AND POSSIBLY DISRUPT THE INTEGRITY OF THE TANK.
Other Kia Spectra Years
2004 Kia Spectra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2004 Kia Spectra reliable?
What are common problems with the 2004 Kia Spectra?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Kia Spectra?
How safe is the 2004 Kia Spectra?
Does the 2004 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2004 Kia Spectra?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Spectra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2004 Kia Spectra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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