Before buying a used 2005 Kia Spectra, check whether recall repairs were completed, how it scored in crash tests and what owners report most often. Ask the seller for service records covering any recall listed below.
One of the best Spectra years to buy
103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against 118 for a typical Spectra year, among the fewest of any year at least three years old.
A 0–100 grade from public NHTSA data — higher means fewer reported problems.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified reports, not confirmed defects.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra — Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 11.2 L/100 km 21 mpg | 7.6 L/100 km 31 mpg | 9.4 L/100 km 25 mpg |
| Spectra — Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 10.7 L/100 km 22 mpg | 7.8 L/100 km 30 mpg | 9.4 L/100 km 25 mpg |
Spectra — Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Spectra — Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Source: U.S. EPA / fueleconomy.gov. Converted to L/100 km for Canadian buyers.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STEERING TIE RODS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT AFFECTS THE METALLURGY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY, WHICH INCLUDES THE TIE ROD COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON APRIL 8, 2005. AN ADDITIONAL LETTER WAS SENT TO OWNERS WHO HAD NOT TAKEN THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. THIS LETTER WAS MAILED MAY 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
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…
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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. Canadian-market vehicles can have different recalls — check Transport Canada's recall database. Always confirm recall status for a specific VIN with a dealer.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2005 Kia Spectra, involving the steering, fuel system, other. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; ask the seller for proof they were done.
The EPA rates it at 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) combined.
Owners have filed 103 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Electrical system.