2007 Kia Spectra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2007 Kia Spectra has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 3rd-worst out of 5 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Owners reported 152 complaints, led by airbag non-deployment issues (37% of complaints), plus one fuel system recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #3 of 5 Spectra years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 152
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 22
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 20
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 20 / 1
Top 2007 Kia Spectra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags56 (37%)
- Fuel System34 (22%)
- Engine26 (17%)
- Structure & Body21 (14%)
- Electrical System19 (13%)
- Brakes11 (7%)
- Other9 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (5%)
- Seat Belts5 (3%)
- Steering4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during crashes, including rollovers and collisions with guardrails or trees, sometimes at highway speeds.
- Engine compartments caught fire without warning, in one case while the car was stopped at a red light.
- Fuel system leaks produced strong gasoline odors that led to engine fires after the vehicle was pulled over.
- Steering reportedly failed to respond correctly during turns, in one case causing the vehicle to flip over at low speed.
- Brakes reportedly stopped working during normal driving, forcing pedal to the floor with no braking response.
- Rear-end collisions caused sun visor covers to detach from ceiling-mounted rods.
2007 Kia Spectra recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
2007 Kia Spectra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,500
- 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.
2007 compared with other Spectra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Kia Spectra reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 152 complaints for the 2007 Spectra with a Complaint Index of 50, ranking it Caution, the 3rd-worst of 5 model years for this model.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2007 Kia Spectra?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 37% of complaints (56 total), including reports of failure to deploy during crashes.
- Does the 2007 Kia Spectra have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 11V256000) covers the fuel system, addressing fuel tank straps and attaching hardware on certain 2004-2007 Spectra vehicles.
- How does the 2007 Kia Spectra compare to other years?
- The 2007 model (Complaint Index 50) ranks better than 2008 (75, Avoid) and 2009 (100, Avoid) but worse than 2005 (0, Good) and 2006 (25, Good).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2007 Kia Spectra?
- The 2007 Spectra gets 26 mpg combined (23 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500.