10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
55,151 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #8

Nov 012015

Spectra

  • 103,000 miles
Dashboard airbag light illuminated, and nothing I tried--scanner, calling the dealer, and inspecting it myself--seems to be addressing the issue. I see multiple people are experiencing simpler symptoms. The light illuminates as usual upon ignition and shuts off as normal. It then comes back on around 10 to 20 seconds after the car starts, and it does not shut off until I turn off the car. The it sounds like a warranty issue.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #7

Apr 182014

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 23,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the air bag light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the passenger front seat belt sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000. Updated 06/10/14 the consumer was advised that there was a recall for 2007 and 2006 models for the same failure. Updated 06/11/2014

- Arlington, WA, USA

problem #6

Jun 052013

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the rear seat belts failed to lock. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

- Del Balle, TX, USA

problem #5

Mar 022013

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
Ever since buying the car in 2010, the rear seat belts would intermittently lock-up for no reason. Now, neither rear outboard retractor will unwind. The center seatbelt still works fine.

- Franklin, TN, USA

problem #4

Mar 102011

Spectra 4-cyl

  • miles
I started to have issues with my seat belt's and I called the dealer and took it in and they said they couldn't find an issue I continue to have problem's took it back several time's and they said the same thing now my seat belt's in the back of my car do not work at all I took it back and they said it was out of warranty that I would have to pay for it. Then after that I started having an issue with my passenger side seat and air bag the light on the dash next to the clock wouldn't go off or it just flickered and the air bag icon with the person on it came on and hasn't went off I told them about this issue as well and the said they couldn't find a problem but now that the light next to the clock has gone out and the person icon with the air bag on my dash just stay's on I took it to them and they said I would have to buy a passenger seat for $1,900 because my warranty for that part was up. I feel that they should fix these issues because they are a safety issue and I Transport small children in my car.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #3

Feb 022012

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 103,207 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. While traveling 40 mph, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy and the seat belt failed. As a result, the contact sustained two fractured collar bones. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and had not been inspected for the failure nor repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 103,207. Updated 03/05/12 updated 03/08/12

- Pleasant Garden, NC, USA

problem #2

Sep 272011

Spectra

  • miles
The rear seat belts lock up when you start to pull then around you and they will not turn loose so you can get then on.

- Florence, SC, USA

problem #1

Dec 082008

Spectra

  • 10,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. Ever since the vehicle was purchased, the air bag indicator remains illuminated when an occupant is seated in the passenger seat. The dealer tested the air bag sensor by placing a 200 lbs. Mechanic in the seat. The indicator dimmed; therefore, the dealer stated that the air bag was fine. While driving 70 mph on the interstate, the contact swerved to avoid a deer and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The seat belt tensioner failed when the crash occurred. Kia replaced the air bag computer, sensor, and seat belt. The contact suffered a concussion and a police report was filed. The components in the vehicle were labeled as defective and after all the repairs were made, the air bag indicator continued to illuminate inappropriately. Recently, the contact attempted to avoid a deer and another crash occurred. The air bags failed to deploy again. The vehicle has not yet been repaired and is currently at an auto body shop waiting to be appraised. The failure and current mileages were 10,000.

- Manchester, TN, USA