2007 Kia Spectra recalls and problems

The 2007 Kia Spectra has 1 safety recall and 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
152
Crashes / fires
22 / 6
Injuries / deaths
20 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2007 Kia Spectra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2007 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.

2007 Kia Spectra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags58
Electrical System17
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Fuel System, Gasoline15
Vehicle Speed Control12
Latches/Locks/Linkages12
Power Train8
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Engine7
Structure6
Seat Belts5
Service Brakes5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 2
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,800 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 2007 Kia Spectra complaints

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

Air Bags · reported 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.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported 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 the problems arise again every so often. Since there are no codes present I cannot replicate the issue…
Air Bags · reported 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 according to the manual. I entered my VIN number because I know Kia has had problems with some of…
Unknown or Other · reported May 15, 2022
I was drive my 2007 Kia Spectra EX in Bakersfield, CA. All of a sudden I parked my car at the gas station, I filled the car up, and I tried putting the transmission into drive but the car would not go forward. I went and searched why the car would not go forward, and I found out other Kia Spectra owners had the same problem. Is there any way to make Kia recall those cars and replace or repair the transmissions under a national recall.
Electrical System · reported Oct 15, 2021
Doors LOCK and UNLOCK on their own. I have been locked out numerous times, some with the engine still running.I brought car to Kia numerous times, and was told there was nothing that could be done, it was a manufacturing defect. I feel this could prevent a very serious problem , both in a collision, or if a child were to be locked in the car. At times the car locks by itself so quickly, I cannot even turn the key fast enough to open the door. I have owned this car since 2009, and it has happened at least 50 or more times.

Other Kia Spectra years

Compare all Kia Spectra years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2007 Kia Spectra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2007 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 2007 Kia Spectra?

Owners report air bags problems most often (58 reports), followed by electrical system (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,800 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.