2001 Kia Spectra Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 23%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Kia Spectra, 23% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On a front slightly left inpact to my vehicle, my air bag failed to deploy. I was wearing my seatbelt.I was traveling 55 MPH, I hit my head on the steering wheel causing a rather large bump and bruise. I have pain turning my neck and in my shoulders and will seek medical attention for this.”
NHTSA complaint #10058451, filed 2004-02, 66,000 miles“I was involved in a rear end collision causing my car to be slammed into another vehicle in front of me. My airbags did not deploy,the drivers seat back broke. I have received a lower back injury, shoulder and arm injury, and head injury. The car was totaled, so there are no repairs to be done. This is not the only time this has happened in this model vehicle. Through searching the internet, I have found others that this has happened to, (seat back failure) and I do know there is a suit pending in the state of fl. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080996, filed 2004-07, 58,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, he crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained bruising and severe pain from the seat belt restraining her neck and chest area. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 140,000. Updated 9/17/13”
NHTSA complaint #10537366, filed 2013-08, 140,000 miles“My daughter struck another vehicle from behind with her car. The upon impact the car air bags did not deploy. Her chest hit the steering very hard. She ended up with chest, neck and shoulder severe pain. The front end was severely damage. Radiator fluid was everywhere.”
NHTSA complaint #10537367, filed 2013-08“Vehicle hit a deer and neither airbag deployed. Consumer hit head on steering wheel and windshield, sustaining neck/back and knee injuries. As tow truck hooked vehicle up, both airbags deployed. Damage to vehicle was $ 8000.”
NHTSA complaint #896641, filed 2001-09Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 76 | 67% |
| 2008 | 61 | 50% |
| 2007 | 56 | 37% |
| 2006 | 46 | 46% |
| 2005 | 43 | 42% |
| 2004 | 26 | 37% |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% |
| 2002 | 22 | 24% |
| 2001 | 9 | 23% |
| 2000 | 9 | 39% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia Spectra
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Kia Spectra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology