2001 Kia Spectra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 18%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Kia Spectra, 18% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 1 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.
“I got in a accident when my brakes went out that night and I couldn't stop. When my car was in the shop they told my that the brakes went out and I need the have the brake line checked out. I took my car back to the dealer and they told me that the kind of brakes they are the would squeak. They never took the time to really look at the brakes because that same day I had my brakes replaced. I have had transmission problems and alternator problems and a lot more.”
NHTSA complaint #10069028, filed 2004-01, 14,000 miles“Trans all of a sudden started slipping with no prior issues. Was reading a TCM code then codes for each gear replaced trans new trans drove 30 miles and is doing the exact same thing have to drive like a stick 1st 2nd and then can put in drive around 35mph. Also breaks come and go as they please.”
NHTSA complaint #10534675, filed 2013-08, 100,000 miles“My wife was on her way to pick up our son from school,while approaching a traffic light the vehicle would not stop. As she step on the brakes the vehicle would not stop,it seem to be accelarating. She almost rear-ended a truck, she had to run a red light,thank god the road began to go up hill and she forced the vehicle into park at which time vehicle shut down. She is 8 1/2 month pregnant, dealer cannot find anything wrong with vehicle. We do not trust vehicle any longer.”
NHTSA complaint #759164, filed 2002-03“Consumer stated that when trying to apply the brakes the brake pedal would go to the floor causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer notified ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022840, filed 2002-11“Brake failure - master cylinder was replaced, mechanic said he had a hard time bleeding the brakes???? About a week after repaired brakes would not work properly and was almost involved in an accident because daughter could not stop. Have to press the pedal almost through the floor to stop and seems to have no brakes. Returned to shop, and brakes were bleed again, mechanic drove for about a week and vehicle was returned, daughter again tried to drive a couple days later and again no brakes!!!!!! Checking if vehicle is still under warranty and will bring to dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10096417, filed 2004-10Related service bulletins
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 6 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 7% |
| 2006 | 10 | 10% |
| 2005 | 10 | 10% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 18 | 20% |
| 2002 | 15 | 16% |
| 2001 | 7 | 18% |
| 2000 | 4 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia Spectra
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 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 30, 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