CarRecallDB

2004 Kia Spectra recalls and problems

1 recall and 71 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Kia Spectra.

1
recalls
71
owner complaints
16
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Kia Spectra recalls

Fuel system, other: storage, tank assembly, mounting

NHTSA campaign 11V256000 · reported April 25, 2011 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 58,322 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 28, 2022 · Vehicle speed control · 121,000 miles · fire reported

The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. The contact stated the cruise control feature was not operating properly. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving and approaching a traffic light, when depressing on the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated independently to 80 mph. The contact stated no…

Aug 18, 2017 · Electrical system · 193,946 miles

ELECTRICAL - SPEEDOMETER / ODOMETER - FUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO POSSIBLE SHORT IN WIRING

Aug 6, 2017 · Air bags · 1,983,297 miles · crash reported

TAMARA RECALL; THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT ABOUT TEN CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I SEEN EVERYONE START HITTING THERE BRAKES SO I STARTED APPLYING MINE. THEN I REALIZED EVERYONE HAD COME TO A STOP SO I APPLIED ON MY BRAKES EVEN HARDER AND THEY LOCKED UP AND I SLID ABOUT 15 FT. AND HIT A TRUCK IN THE REAR END STILL GOING ABOUT 35…

Jan 29, 2016 · Structure · 70,000 miles

METAL AROUND WHEEL WELLS ROTTING OUT.

Mar 20, 2015 · Air bags · 130,000 miles · crash reported

FRONT END COLLISION GOING AROUND 30MPH AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. CAR IS TOTALED.

Spectra model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 040131
2002 092252
2003 090151
2004 171161
2005 2103231
2006 1100283
2007 1152226

Across all years, the 2007 Spectra has the most complaints (152). All Kia Spectra years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Kia Spectra, the most recent reported on April 25, 2011 (Fuel system, other: storage, tank assembly, mounting). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Spectra?
Owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (26 complaints), followed by power train (16).
How many 2004 Kia Spectra complaints mention a crash or fire?
16 of 71 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 28, 2022.