Kia

Spectra

Midsize Cars · model years 2002 to 2009

See all 14 Spectra trims All Kia cars

The verdict

Best year: 2003. complaints: 90, below this model's typical 103; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 2007. complaints: 152, above this model's typical 103; recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Kia Spectra
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Top complaints
2002	2Gas	23	$2,725	0	92	AIR BAGS 19%, POWER TRAIN 10%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%
complaints: 92, below this model's typical 103 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 19 complaints reporting a fire: 2 Score: 52 of 100, where higher is better.
2003	2Gas	23	$2,725	0	90	POWER TRAIN 12%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 11%
complaints: 90, below this model's typical 103 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 11 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 67 of 100, where higher is better.
2005	2Gas	25	$2,500	2	103	AIR BAGS 34%, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%
complaints: 103, in line with this model's typical 103 recalls: 2, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 17 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 35 of 100, where higher is better.
2006	2Gas	25	$2,500	1	100	AIR BAGS 37%, STRUCTURE 7%, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 6%
complaints: 100, below this model's typical 103 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 32 complaints reporting a fire: 3 Score: 55 of 100, where higher is better.
2007	2Gas	26	$2,400	1	152	AIR BAGS 28%, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%
complaints: 152, above this model's typical 103 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 20 complaints reporting a fire: 6 Score: 26 of 100, where higher is better.
2008	2Gas	26.5	$2,350	0	121	AIR BAGS 37%, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%
complaints: 121, above this model's typical 103 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 21 complaints reporting a fire: 3 Score: 45 of 100, where higher is better.
2009	2Gas	26.5	$2,350	0	114	AIR BAGS 51%, SEATS 7%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%
complaints: 114, above this model's typical 103 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 2 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 10 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 32 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median2002: 23 to 2009: 26.5

Owner complaints2002: 92 to 2009: 114

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Kia Spectra to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.