There are no safety recalls for the 2001 Kia Spectra, but owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA.
2001 Kia Spectra problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Air Bags | 9 | |
| Power Train | 9 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 6 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Visibility | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 5
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 2
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Kia Spectra complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 31, 2014
Car smells horribly like gas fumes when turned on, more so in the colder temperatures. So many complaints online, I'm surprised kia hasn't issued a recall. Breathing gas fumes for long periods of time can possibly cause cancer or other problems...would be horrible if kia had a lawsuit on their hands for faulty equipment causing health problems in their car owners...
Electrical System · at 92,600 miles · reported May 27, 2014
2001 kia spectra 1.9 lt engine [yes, some models were made with this size engine.] car was parked in drive way just after midnight. Neighbors called fire department at 2:30 AM. Car was not running. Fire chief found no external source of ignition. Fire chief says engine caught on fire, fire traveled down fuel lines to gas tank. Entire car burned. Car is totaled. Fire chief cannot say if there was an electrical, wiring or what type of problem in engine. Bought car new in oct 2001, one owner car. Please advise if any other owners have had similar issue with this or any other kia models.
Air Bags · at 140,000 miles · reported Aug 26, 2013
The contact owns a 2001 kia spectra. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, he crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained bruising and severe pain from the seat belt restraining her neck and chest area. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 140,000. Updated 9/17/13
Air Bags · reported Aug 26, 2013
My daughter struck another vehicle from behind with her car. The upon impact the car air bags did not deploy. Her chest hit the steering very hard. She ended up with chest, neck and shoulder severe pain. The front end was severely damage. Radiator fluid was everywhere.
Power Train · at 100,000 miles · reported Aug 10, 2013
Trans all of a sudden started slipping with no prior issues. Was reading a TCM code then codes for each gear replaced trans new trans drove 30 miles and is doing the exact same thing have to drive like a stick 1st 2nd and then can put in drive around 35mph. Also breaks come and go as they please.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2001 Kia Spectra as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Kia Spectra?
Owners report air bags problems most often (9 reports), followed by power train (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.