2001 Kia Spectra: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (23% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
40
owner complaints
1
fire reports
33,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Spectra years (#9 of 9 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaignsWeak spot: air bags (23%)1 fire reportProblems reported early (median 33,000 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)23% · 9 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)15% · 6 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)13% · 5 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)13% · 5 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)8% · 3 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)8% · 3 complaints
“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. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 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... *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2013
“Tl* 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*cn”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“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. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 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. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2012
“The engine had a casting defect warranty would not cover which caused me to have to replace it I'm having to constantly replace sensors o2 and the sensors in the shifter the car is breaking down every month since I bought the car. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2007
“The heater core in the car went out 4 times in 4 months for no reason, resulting in the window fogging with no way of seeing. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2006
“While driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The consumer tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the transmission needed to be replaced. Please provide further details. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2004
“Six months after vehicle was purchased it experienced ignition problems. Vehicle failed to start when the key was turned in the ignition to the on position. Dashboard component lights came on, but the engine failed to turn over. The main computer chip was replaced. Since the replacement of the computer chip the failure occurred 4 times in which the dealership tightened a loose ignition wire, replaced the battery, and serviced a bad connection in the ignition. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for this same issue.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2004
“While coming around a bend into traffic vehicle's rear end commenced to jerk/pull, and rear end hit a sign. The cause of this problem was still undetermined. Neither dealer or manufacturer were notified. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Body stylesHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
How other years compare
Check your exact Spectra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Kia Spectra reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Kia Spectra. The most complained-about area is air bags (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Kia Spectra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 33,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.