2000 Kia Spectra Problems
- Complaints
- 23filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 20,705miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Kia Spectra (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 2000 Kia Spectra. The part named most often is air bags, with 9 complaints (39% of the total), followed by engine cooling (7) and brakes (4). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 83% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 20,705 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 9 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags9 39%
- Engine cooling7 30%
- Brakes4 17%
- Vehicle speed control2 8.7%
- Electrical system1 4.3%
- Seat belts1 4.3%
- Steering1 4.3%
- Suspension1 4.3%
Example complaints
Air bags: “The air bag light keep coming on after starting the car. First time I was told it's the clock spring,second time it was the air bag module ,third time I was told it was the clocky spring module again.”
NHTSA complaint #10088414, filed 2004-08, 1,819 milesEngine cooling: “The oil pan plug fell off of the oil pan and I was not aware of it until I had driven the vehicle at least 20 miles. I had to pay for a tow to the Kia dealer, eventhough, I was told that the vehicle was still under warranty.(5 yrs or 50,000 miles) I took it back to the dealer to complain about it still leaking oil and was told that I would need to take it to the service department. I did buy the vehicle used three weeks ago and have had nothing but problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10071094, filed 2004-01, 39,044 milesBrakes: “Brakes make noise and feel low, car took time to stop when braking. The dealer adjusted the brake at the first time. Second time they replaced the switch .still having problems with that noise at the moment. On august 2000 I was driving on a highway at 55mph and all of the sudden the weatherstrip just few inside the car and it looks just li a snake and I almost crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088429, filed 2004-08, 1,729 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Consumer states that while coming to a complete stop and then trying to accelerate the vehicle will just stay in place and not move for a couple of seconds. Contacted dealer and the dealer is not willing to do anything. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8020051, filed 2002-10Mileage when problems were reported
83% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,819 and 39,044 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Kia Spectra in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 9 on record; the latest 9 are shown.
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Exterior lighting, Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to…
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following…
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones.
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia model. Refer to the shop…
- 10028348Nov 6, 2008Body and structure, Latches, locks and linkages. Kia: doors locking intermittently without driver input from the rke transmitter or key switch may be caused by wear on switch contacts in door latch assembly resulting in high resistance.
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Brakes, Exterior lighting. Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia models.
- 10016840Sep 1, 2004Electrical system. Charging system upgrade.
Other model years of the Kia Spectra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 114 | 71,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2008 | 121 | 74,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 152 | 62,900 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 100 | 67,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 103 | 49,950 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 71 | 29,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 90 | 54,750 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 92 | 41,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 40 | 33,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 23 | 20,705 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
All Kia Spectra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Kia Spectra have?
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 2000 Kia Spectra as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Kia Spectra is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 9 complaints (39% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 7.
Has the 2000 Kia Spectra been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Kia Spectra reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 20,705 miles and the middle half falls between 1,819 and 39,044 miles; 83% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.