2003 Kia Spectra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 20%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Kia Spectra, 20% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My brake light went on ( thought it was parking brake stuck or brake maintenance time ) , after spending over $400 to get everything replaced .... It was discovered that my proportioning valve went bad ! Leaking brake fluid ( had to replace every other day ) . Why is there no recall ?”
NHTSA complaint #10459626, filed 2012-05, 86,000 miles“At my cost I had to replace the brake proportioning valve which was causing a brake fluid leak. Apparently this is a common dangerous situation. Please create a recall before someone's brakes completely fail in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10604760, filed 2014-06, 100,000 miles“I noticed brake fluid underneath my car one day and checked my level to find that there was basically no brake fluid in the reservoir. Turns out it's the brake proportioning valve. After looking online it seems like this is a trend and has caused accidents previously. The mechanic was surprised that this was indeed the problem after calling and then getting the car repaired. The leak came on suddenly and was fairly sever requiring that I add brake fluid after every short drive. If I hadn't noticed this problem I likely would have ended up rear-ending someone or worse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10928686, filed 2016-11, 80,000 miles“I have a 2003 Kia Spectra that has been running out of brake fluid on a weekly basis. Had to buy new proportioning valve from the dealer. I've read several stories about these valves leaking. Why has there not been a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10344836, filed 2010-07, 102,356 miles“The brake proportioning valve is leaking and the car is currently in the shop having this replaced. This is a 2003 Kia Spectra. This part appears to be a manufacturer's defect as there are other complaints listed here and elsewhere. Has there been a recall as this is a safety issue that I cannot believe is limited to my vehicle. Also, the interior components started falling off within 6 weeks of ownership. The console lid broke, the caps for the gas release lever and the trunk lever have all come off numerous time. The car jack snapped the first and only time it was used to change a flat tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10147349, filed 2006-01, 52,000 milesRelated 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 2003 Kia Spectra
16 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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