| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Kia Spectra repairs by problem area
Engine (42%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)
Brakes and Traction Control (11%)
Suspension and Steering (11%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (15%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)
Other (8%)
Chart based on 132 repairs.
Kia Spectra repair cost distribution
$2500+ (0%)
$1000 - $2499 (1%)
$500 - $999 (13%)
$100 - $499 (42%)
< $100 (45%)
Chart based on 110 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2009 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Missouri, United States - Feb 2009 | |||
| Feb 20091500 mi | Bushing in right front suspension bad from the factory, causing noise while driving. Part has to come from Korea, approximately one month wait. | ||
2009 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Texas, United States - May 2010 | |||
| May 201019000 mi | drivers door unable to open from the inside of the vehicle | ||
| Kia Spectra in Pennsylvania, United States Jun 2015 - Dec 2020 | |||
| Sep 201585000 miUS $265 | Original owner new FT tires Idiot installer broke TPMS stems only KIA parts work and Must go to KIA to Have programmed First garage replaced with Not OEM parts they finally went KIA for parts 65.00 TO REPROGRAM TOTAL BILL $275.00 Idiots who installed new tires broke TPMS parts had to buy OEM KIA parts and then program at KIA Dealer total 265.00 | ||
| Apr 201689000 miUS $50 | ccvt part threw P0011 codes Changed oil removed code , worked for 3750 miles, again code , changed oil 300 miles later coded, KIA Said replace with KIA oil filter, removed code , 1k miles still no code | ||
| May 201694500 miUS $80 | widow track bent and had to fix | ||
| Jul 201693000 miUS $170 | CVVT solenoid bought OEM metal sensor-eBayfrom Korea was made of metal, redesigned part Old part made check engine light go on when oil was slightly dirty,small shavings got stuck,etc. New design has oil screen and larger ports Timing solenoid could have bought sensor on eBay OEM for 30.00 and installed easily | ||
| May 2017102000 miUS $250 | rear pads | ||
| Sep 2017105400 miUS $155 | Bushings | ||
| Jun 2020126000 miUS $136 | After 11yrs, ac started to go on off know it s/b charge mechanic took all 134r out, added leak dection section refilled. Expensive but the $$ right way to do it A/C was coming on off again after 3 weeks. Noticed I was overheating. Refilled with 2.5 gal. of water and noticed a pin hole leak ar the top of the radiator. Repaired by shop, getting to old to do the work 350.00 lifetime guarantee on radiator, new antifreeze and all is well | ||
| Dec 2020128000 miUS $350 | Radiator replacement | ||
| Kia Spectra in California, United States - Jan 2015 | |||
| Jan 201577500 miUS $685 | Radiator exchange | ||
2008 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Indiana, United States - Sep 2012 | |||
| Sep 201265000 miUS $22 | Removed rear wheel stud. Caused by tire shop that cross-threaded the lug, then torqued it with an air wrench. Took approx 4 hours | ||
2008 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Virginia, United States - May 2010 | |||
| May 201017100 mi | The fuel sensor caused the check light to be on. I think it is caused by filling the gas tank. Dealer kept it for 3 days to fix it. | ||
2007 Kia Spectra5 4dr Sedan
| Kia Spectra5 in California, United States Sep 2017 - Feb 2022 | |||
| May 201785000 miUS $300 | Inner door handle would not work | ||
| Aug 201790000 miUS $700 | Catalytic converter failed. | ||
2007 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Quebec, Canada - Dec 2016 | |||
| Dec 2016119660 miC $520 | Noticed parking brake not working and braking distance increased. Needed new drums and shoes in rear on both sides. Probably the originals. | ||
| Kia Spectra5 in California, United States - Apr 2010 | |||
| Apr 201048000 mi | Just purchased car, check engine light came on after 1 week. took to dealer, oil valve needs to be replaced. dealer replaced under 5yr/60Kmile warranty. gas tank door lever not opening serviced as well. | ||
| Kia Spectra5 in Quebec, Canada Aug 2017 - Sep 2018 | |||
| Oct 2017127100 miC $470 | 2 wheel bearings noisy rear brake drums replaced front brakes noisy | ||
| Sep 2018138880 miC $290 | Power door lock mechanism replaced. Could not open drivers side door with outside handle or key fob. RHS CV joint replaced (axle replaced) Blower connector melted and it along with the blower transistor ( similar to resistor, but now a MOSFET transistor) replaced. There was much confusion over the resistor vs transistor issue, it seems like Kia switched from a resistor to a transistor for blower speed control mid- year in 2007. Wrong part (resistor) was sent twice before mechanic sorted this out and installed the transisitor | ||
| Kia Spectra5 in Ohio, United States Aug 2017 - Nov 2019 | |||
| May 2018139000 miUS $700 | FULL front suspension replacement (Except control arms) Stabilizers Shocks mounts ball joints bushings, tie-rod ends alignment (Baby is coming... I wanted to make the car safer) exhaust... the secondary catalytic converter was STOLEN!!! The previous owner welded a piece of pipe but there was a hole and the gas came into the cabin. (Baby is coming... I wanted to make the car safer) I bought the cat the first section of the pipes and the resonator (exhaust manifold/cat + muffler was in good condition) I've replaced them by myself NOTE: I had to order 4 different kinds of cats. The all mentioned as OEM fits!!! ONLY THE 4 CAT WAS PERFECT FIT. Yes, these cars produced with 3 different kind of cats... (the 2nd one what I ordered was a factory defect one). I had no clue which one I have to order as the original one was missing! Finally, Everything came together and now I have a nice (half) new exhaust system installed :) No more gas in the cabin ;) | ||
| Aug 2018143000 miUS $300 | Front Passenger side CV and both front wheel bearings were replaced (Shaking steering wheel at high speed and clunking noise while steering.) -bearings were aged and the cv boot was torn. It turned out I have a slightly bent rim too :( They were able to balance it and put it to the back (Now I am waiting for a good deal on one original aluminum alloy wheel...) | ||
| Dec 2018145000 miUS $95 | Head gasket replacement All other gaskets were replaced Leaking radiator... | ||
| Jul 2019149000 mi | Right front strut replacement under warranty. The strut leaked out. within 10k miles (Gabriel) | ||
2007 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra in Ontario, Canada - Nov 2011 | |||
| Jul 201121266 mi | Power locks malfunctioning, lock randomly while driving and also lock themselves after the lock button is pressed on the key fob/interior door handle. Problem was found to be a malfunctioning door handle and was replaced under warranty. | ||
| Nov 201126164 mi | Rattle coming from suspension up front. Suspension bushings replaced. Power locks malfunctioning since summer. Replaced door latch mechanism, locks still malfunction occasionally. Taking back to dealer soon. Wierd creaking/rattling coming from under dash. Not impressed. Love the car but come on.. | ||
2007 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Nebraska, United States Mar 2018 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Oct 202181000 miUS $400 | replace timing belt, v-belts, thermostat, coolant & hoses, transmission fluid power steering fluid and hoses. | ||
2006 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Washington, United States Jul 2008 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Aug 200855000 mi | Warranty replacement of transmission. 2nd gear syncros went out. | ||
| Sep 2011103000 mi | Broken piston ring, Engine short block replaced. | ||
| Oct 2016170500 miUS $8 | Evap OBD 2 error Gas cap replaced and code cleared | ||
| Jun 2018212000 miUS $200 | Alternator went out. | ||
| Kia Spectra5 in Tennessee, United States Jul 2010 - Jan 2014 | |||
| Apr 201061200 miUS $200 | Rear bumper and rear spoiler (body molding) after hit and run accident. Covered under uninsured motorists coverage. | ||
| Mar 201391000 miUS $60 | After sitting overnight in cold weather, clutch engages abruptly instead of slipping to allow smooth engagement. After initial engagement, clutch operates properly. Believe throwout bearing and clutch disc is worn. No repair at this time. | ||
2006 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Maryland, United States Jul 2011 - Sep 2019 | |||
| Nov 201459900 miUS $110 | Replaced O2 sensor (bank 1, sensor 1) after getting CEL. New sensor fixed problem. | ||
| Kia Spectra5 in Washington, United States Apr 2013 - Jul 2019 | |||
| Apr 2015111500 miUS $800 | Leak caused breaks to fail | ||
| Feb 2018139000 miUS $600 | Sensor failed causing check engine light to come on. Replaced broken sensors and faulty gas cap. | ||
| Kia Spectra5 in Pennsylvania, United States Apr 2014 - Jan 2017 | |||
| Jul 201586000 miUS $13 | Replaced rusted out flexpipe Replaced rusted out transmission oil pan Replaced battery cable clamps | ||
2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra in Washington, United States - May 2010 | |||
| Mar 200713940 mi | Warranty repair on leather finish on steering wheel. The leather finish is rubbing off due to cheap materials. Dealer is replacing steering wheel under warranty. | ||
| Jan 200920500 mi | Dealer replaced brake pedal sensor due to it causing my cruise control to not engage under warranty. | ||
| Mar 200923600 mi | Dealer replaced bank 1 O2 sensor due to malfunction under warranty. | ||
| May 201040758 mi | Steering wheel replacement by dealer due to wear at the top of the wheel. Leather finish wearing off. Covered under warranty. | ||
| Kia Spectra in South Carolina, United States Apr 2013 - Mar 2016 | |||
| Mar 2014159000 miUS $235 | starter went bad. was grounding out and not letting it do nothing. changed battery. not problem. selonoid started acting up. changed | ||
| Mar 2016209000 mi | timing belt broke. Destroyed engine. | ||
2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Texas, United States Nov 2016 - Nov 2017 | |||
| May 2017140000 miUS $225 | belt tighteing | ||
| Kia Spectra in Virginia, United States Sep 2011 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Sep 2013155000 miUS $186 | Timing belt replacement and water pump replacement with belt replacements as well. | ||
| May 2014168000 miUS $190 | Replaced front wheel bearings | ||
| Jul 2015182200 miUS $300 | New brakes, turned rotors, new rear hubs | ||
| Dec 2015188000 miUS $100 | Replaced radiator. | ||
| May 2018214000 miUS $420 | Rear struts replaced | ||
| Kia Spectra in Texas, United States Sep 2011 - Mar 2016 | |||
| Jun 201399000 miUS $350 | The water pump, causing belts to come off. The water pump had been replaced at 60,000 miles when the timing belt was changed so was not the original part. | ||
| Kia Spectra in Ontario, Canada Jun 2007 - Jun 2014 | |||
| Jul 200723560 miC $105 | Changed spark plugs - problem solved. Misfire, Check Engine flashing, dealer confirmed misfires but blamed it on a dirty air filter, refused warranty. Tried to sell a $400 tune-up. Air filter looked ok. Told them to get lost, charged $90 diagnostics. | ||
| Jul 200931000 mi | Speedometer gets stuck intermittently. Dealer inspected, found no problem | ||
| Oct 200931000 mi | Speedometer got stuck again, was working by the time it got to the dealer. No fix. | ||
| Jul 201160760 miC $60 | Leak in lr wheel cylinder Hesitation under load, especially with A/C on. Replaced spark plugs - one of them seemed to have a worn out GND electrode. Fixed Minor break fluid leak in the wheel cylinder. | ||
| Kia Spectra in Tennessee, United States - Jun 2007 | |||
| Jun 200718000 mi | AC compressor hose. Hose was reattached, cooling system recharged. Repaired under warranty by dealership at no cost. | ||
| Kia Spectra in Pennsylvania, United States Oct 2015 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Dec 2015136000 miUS $126 | Replaced passenger side front door window and lock switch assembly. Window switch would roll the window down but not up. Replace passenger side front door window switch assembly | ||
| Mar 2017139862 miUS $1021 | Replace cracked radiator, hoses and coolant Replace drivers side axle Replace passenger side rear caliper (leaking fluid) | ||
| Apr 2017140000 miUS $51 | Replace drivers side front door inside latch handle | ||
| Kia Spectra in Wisconsin, United States Jul 2011 - Mar 2015 | |||
| Mar 201438000 miUS $300 | torn cv boot | ||
2005 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Massachusetts, United States - Nov 2006 | |||
| Nov 200614000 mi | Idle speed would sometimes stay high. Based on information from Kia forum, I cleaned the idle control valve and fixed the problem. | ||
2005 Kia Spectra5 4dr Hatch
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra5 in Maryland, United States Oct 2014 - Dec 2015 | |||
| Dec 2014220000 miUS $400 | fuel system issue. vent valve stuck, would not release air. Could not add fuel to vehicle. Alternator died. | ||
| Dec 2015240000 miUS $200 | Fuel vent valve replaced 2nd time in less than 15,000 miles. | ||
| Kia Spectra5 in California, United States May 2018 - Aug 2018 | |||
| Jun 2018165000 miUS $110 | Engine overheating, using coolant. Found that oil totally broken down and sludgy, needed to be spooned out of oilpan. Had engine flushed in addition to oil change. | ||
| Kia Spectra5 in Quebec, Canada Nov 2010 - Jul 2014 | |||
| Jun 2013108500 miC $300 | Replaced the right front wheel bearing which was noisy, changed the other side by precaution. | ||
| Feb 2014116560 miC $150 | The front pipe with the braided section had a hole in it and was replaced. | ||
2005 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra in Ohio, United States Sep 2014 - Jun 2017 | |||
| Mar 201598000 miUS $250 | EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELD SECURED HAND BREAK FIXED | ||
| Oct 2015112700 miUS $1220 | replaced all pads & rotors + 1 caliper and replace worn belts Replace clutch | ||
| Jan 2017121200 miUS $350 | Braking was not smooth, caliper was the problem. | ||
| Jun 2017152000 miUS $500 | Alternator failed and wrecked the battery as well | ||
| Kia Spectra in Ontario, Canada Nov 2011 - Aug 2013 | |||
| Dec 201183700 mi | Replaced rear calipers recall Radio noise hum | ||
| Kia Spectra in Ohio, United States Feb 2013 - Apr 2017 | |||
| Feb 2013111900 miUS $197 | replace starter with remanufactured starter. | ||
| Mar 2014123000 miUS $160 | torn transmission mount. replace trans mount and all three motor mounts. | ||
| Nov 2014125000 miUS $4 | rough idle. cleaned throttle body. | ||
| May 2015127900 miUS $100 | Airbag sensor pad in front passenger seat failed (code: B1448 Defective Mat). | ||
| Aug 2015129900 miUS $25 | Clutch slave cylinder leak. Replaced clutch slave cylinder and bled hydraulic clutch system. | ||
| Nov 2016138400 miUS $185 | Replace fuel pump. | ||
2005 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in New York, United States Nov 2007 - Dec 2010 | |||
| May 200716000 mi | Brake light staying on. Dealer fixed it under warranty. | ||
| Sep 200951000 mi | Right front wheel bearing replaced. Front struts replaced. All work was covered under warrantee | ||
| Kia Spectra in Quebec, Canada Nov 2010 - Jun 2013 | |||
| Oct 201265400 miC $500 | Door locks stick when frozen; door refuses to open/close | ||
| Jan 201367060 mi | Squeeky belts when cold - belts replaced - still squeek | ||
| Kia Spectra in Ontario, Canada Nov 2010 - Jul 2013 | |||
| Aug 201268080 mi | Intermittant service engine light on. Code reader indicated pre-cat 02 sensor. Increased tension on terminals at plug in. So far ok. | ||
| Kia Spectra in Ontario, Canada Nov 2017 - Mar 2018 | |||
| Feb 201865100 miC $500 | Heater died and electrical wires under battery were burnt and needed to b replaced with new ones. Window panel buttons were not working properly. They were sticking and draining my battery. | ||
| Kia Spectra in Nevada, United States Sep 2015 - Apr 2018 | |||
| Oct 2015139000 mi | Battery needed to be changed. | ||
| Kia Spectra in Florida, United States Mar 2012 - Aug 2013 | |||
| Feb 201296248 miUS $235 | Found water pump noisy. Replaced it along with a new timing belt, although timing belt was not due for another 20,000 miles. Found water pump noisy. Replaced it along with a new timing belt, although timing belt was not due for another 20,000 miles. Water pump was under lifetime warranty from parts house when it was replaced at the last timing belt replacement. | ||
| Apr 2012100000 mi | Oil temp sensor wiring was cracked. I added new pig tail on it and plugged it back in. Works like a new one. | ||
| Kia Spectra in Georgia, United States Jan 2013 - Jun 2013 | |||
| Apr 2013163000 miUS $280 | The car was hesitating and fuel economy went very low. Had new plugs installed. | ||
| Kia Spectra in Quebec, Canada - Jul 2009 | |||
| Jul 2005418 mi | Purchase. Fuel pump electrical circuit failed. Stalled on highway. Dealership took 2 weeks to repair the car. | ||
| Jan 20066922 mi | Latch assembly for the trunk failed, required replacement. Trunk would open while driving and required excessive force to close. While waiting for the part, the blower failed. Took 3 days in the shop to fix it. Burnt Fuse and burnt resistor. | ||
| Feb 20068656 mi | Trunk would not open, ketch replaced | ||
| Jul 200827900 miC $34 | An intermittent problem with the blower started after the Jan/06 repair. After multiple visits to the dealership, I found out that the intermittent problem with the blower was due to a fuse that partially melted. | ||
| Jul 200935340 mi | Check engine turned on. Dealer claim 80$ gamble if problem not warrantied. Took it to a place with real service, read out defective O2 sensor heater. Won't get fixed, car is almost out of lease. | ||
2004.5 Kia Spectra
Engine not specified
| Kia Spectra in Texas, United States Jun 2011 - Jul 2012 | |||
| Jul 2012133000 miUS $800 | AC not cooling. Was told the radiator was cracked and needed to be replaced. | ||
2004.5 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Kia Spectra in New York, United States May 2016 - Apr 2023 | |||
| Oct 2016195000 miUS $525 | Replace / Upgrade to performance clutch (clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw out bearing)rnrnRepair / Replace CV joint seal | ||
| Aug 2017200000 miUS $40 | Symptoms - Vehicle was hard to start after a fuel fill up. Emission System - Changed: Vapor Canister Purge Valve. | ||
| Jun 2018205000 miUS $57 | Engine mount - Front Engine mount - Rear | ||
| Sep 2022206965 miUS $20 | Oil was leaking from valve cover. Valve Cover Gasket changed. | ||
| Jan 2023207603 miUS $50 | Emission. Check Engine Light Illuminated. OBD reported P2243 - O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit Open Bank 1 Sensor 1. Sensor changed, and OBD reset. | ||
2004.5 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Wisconsin, United States - Aug 2007 | |||
| Aug 200732000 miUS $6 | Headlight had to be replaced, first part that needed to be replaced. | ||
2003 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
124-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in New Jersey, United States Jun 2016 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Sep 2016110500 miUS $85 | Alternator belt broke and got wrapped up in power steering pump and broke it. $75 for new power steering pump, $10 for new alternator belt | ||
| Kia Spectra in Alabama, United States Jun 2015 - Jul 2018 | |||
| Aug 2015140172 miUS $172 | alternator belt broke replace valve cover gaskets due to oil leak | ||
| Apr 2016151137 miUS $869 | valve cover gasket repair within year of initial repair timing belt replaced | ||
| May 2016152131 miUS $590 | tune up with replacing spark plugs, ignition wire and coils | ||
| Aug 2016158539 miUS $600 | replaced radiator | ||
2002 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan
125-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Kia Spectra in Virginia, United States - Apr 2005 | |||
| Apr 200580000 miUS $300 | Change both rear wheel cylinders | ||
See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models.
