2001 Kia Spectra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 20%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Kia Spectra, 20% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,750 miles. 2 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.
“Transmission module on original transmission failed causing transmission damage, local dealership replaced. Second transmission blew a front pump seal within approximately 1000 miles while on our vacation/honeymoon. Third transmission replaced while on vacation out of state. Current (third) transmission is still slipping. Have not sought out service for this failure yet as we do not trust the dealerships in our area. …”
NHTSA complaint #10025275, filed 2003-07, 13,500 miles“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“After starting the vehicle, the gear would not move out of park. On another occasion while driving, the vehicle had gone into reverse by itself and the engine shut down completely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for transmission repair. There was a severe vibration in the steering wheel upon getting the vehicle back from the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10038339, filed 2003-12, 8,000 miles“While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The consumer tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the transmission needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10099248, filed 2004-11Related service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 7 | 7% |
| 2005 | 7 | 7% |
| 2004 | 16 | 23% |
| 2003 | 16 | 18% |
| 2002 | 12 | 13% |
| 2001 | 8 | 20% |
| 2000 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia Spectra
9 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 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