2005 Kia Spectra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Kia Spectra has 103 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 0, and ranks 5th (best) of 5 model years, earning a Good verdict. Its top problem area is Airbags, with 43 complaints and a median failure mileage of 26,732.5.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #5 of 5 Spectra years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 103
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 23
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 17
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21.5 city / 30.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 0
Top 2005 Kia Spectra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags43 (42%)
- Engine16 (16%)
- Electrical System13 (13%)
- Structure & Body11 (11%)
- Brakes10 (10%)
- Steering10 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (7%)
- Seat Belts5 (5%)
- Fuel System4 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags and side curtain bags sometimes failed to deploy in moderate-to-severe crashes, including rear-end and broadside impacts.
- Passenger airbag sensor lights reportedly stayed on incorrectly even after a recall reflash was performed.
- Some drivers described a sudden loss of steering control, with the wheel pulling left despite steering input, after grinding noises and vibration.
- Owners reported the parking brake failing to hold the vehicle, letting it roll away and strike objects.
- Brake pedals were described as becoming stiff before the brakes failed without warning at higher mileage.
- One owner reported the transmission failing shortly after purchase, with the car unable to complete a turn.
2005 Kia Spectra recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V256000Apr 25, 2011Fuel System58,322 vehicles
Fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:mounting
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 05V183000Apr 28, 2005Steering368 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
On certain passenger vehicles, the steering tie rods may have a manufacturing flaw that affects the metallurgy.
Risk: If the rod cracks or fails, loss of vehicle steering control may occur which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering rack assembly, which includes the tie rod components free of charge. Owners were notified by telephone on april 8, 2005. An additional letter was sent to owners who had not taken their vehicles in for repair. This letter was mailed may 20, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
2005 Kia Spectra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Spectra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Kia Spectra reliable?
- Among the five Spectra model years with data, 2005 has the lowest complaint index (0) and ranks best overall, earning a Good verdict.
- What problems does the 2005 Kia Spectra have?
- NHTSA complaints center on airbags (43 complaints, 42% share), followed by engine issues (16 complaints) and electrical system problems (13 complaints).
- Does the 2005 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: a fuel system recall covering the tank straps (campaign 11V256000) and a steering tie rod recall (campaign 05V183000) for a manufacturing flaw.
- Why is the 2005 Spectra capped at Good instead of Best?
- NHTSA data notes that complaint records for model years 2005-2009 are less complete, so the verdict is capped to Good even though the complaint index is 0.
- Which Spectra years should be avoided?
- Based on complaint index, the 2008 and 2009 model years rank worst with Avoid verdicts, while 2005 and 2006 rank best with Good verdicts.