2003 Kia Spectra Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,130miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Kia Spectra, 3% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,130 miles.
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.
“The front panel in the consumer's 2003 Kia Spectra made noise. The consumer had several problems concerning the vehicle. The drivers seat belt was broken, driver and passenger doors were inoperative, faulty speaker, the vehicle would not move forward or in reverse, there would be a clicking sound if it was forced, the vehicle would not accelerate over 30 MPH for 10 minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #10115669, filed 2005-03, 5,130 miles“My husband was driving 2 car lengths ahead of me and our 2 year old son in his car seat in back. He was driving aprox 50 MPH. He was in a 2003 Kia Spectra. The back window blew out. I called Kia customer service they told me there was a warranty up to 60000 miles. We immediately dropped the car off. They said we did something wrong ie hit something threw something ect. They claimed the found a pebble on the back lid (we searched the car) the pebble had the same epoxy found on thier shop floor. They did not replace nor take blame. We were blown off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10083062, filed 2004-07Related service bulletins
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017TSB: 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…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: 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…
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - 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…
Equipment: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Spectra
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
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 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 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