2004 Kia Spectra recalls and problems

The 2004 Kia Spectra has 1 safety recall and 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

16 / 1

Injuries / deaths

9 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Kia Spectra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Kia Spectra recalls

Recall 11V-256: Fuel System, Other

Reported Apr 25, 2011 · 58,322 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Risk: The fuel tank can fall from the vehicle and strike the ground which could cause a fuel leak. Leaking fuel can create a fire hazard.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on june 6, 2011. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

2004 Kia Spectra problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	26
Power Train	17
Vehicle Speed Control	9
Engine and Engine Cooling	7
Electrical System	7
Seat Belts	5
Suspension	4
Steering	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	3
Seats	2
Structure	2
Equipment	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 13
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 6
Air Bags › Frontal — 6
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
Structure › Body — 2
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 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 2004 Kia Spectra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicle Speed Control · at 121,000 miles · reported Mar 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the cruise control feature was not operating properly. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving and approaching a traffic light, when depressing on the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated independently to 80 mph. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to stop the vehicle by using the emergency brakes and parked on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, they noticed the cruise…

Air Bags · reported Aug 6, 2017

Tamara recall; there was an accident about ten cars in front of me. I seen everyone start hitting there brakes so I started applying mine. Then I realized everyone had come to a stop so I applied on my brakes even harder and they locked up and I slid about 15 FT. And hit a truck in the rear end still going about 35 MPH. It shoved the front end of my car back quite a bit but yet my airbags never deployed.

Structure · at 56,150 miles · reported Dec 17, 2014

After parking my car I could not open the driver side (Left front) door. The inside door handle no longer opens the door. I now have to roll down the window and open the door using the outside door handle. I feel this is a safety issue. In an emergency I could become trapped inside. The electric windows won't work unless the car is running or the key is in the "on" position. Also it has a manual transmission with a stick shift so trying to exit through the passenger side really is not an option.

Seat Belts · at 140,000 miles · reported Dec 21, 2012

The contact owns a 2004 kia spectra. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact also stated months later the seat belt springs from the driver and passenger side exploded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000 and the current failure mileage 143,000.

Power Train · at 100,932 miles · reported Jul 20, 2012

I went into kroger's and picked up a few items. When I was done, I left the store and got back into my car to finish running some errands. I started my kia- spectra and she purred like a kitten- as usual. I put my car in reverse to back out of the parking space but my kia would move. I was pressing the peddle and my car did not move. I could hear the car revving up but I wasn't moving. To make a long story short- I had my kia towed to the dealership for an inspection and was told that I needed a new transmission and it would cost me between $2200-3600. I was devastated and shocked. My kia was…

Other Kia Spectra years

2009 2008 2007 2006 200520042003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Kia Spectra years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Kia Spectra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Kia Spectra: 11V-256 (fuel system, other). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Kia Spectra?

Owners report air bags problems most often (26 reports), followed by power train (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 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.