2003 Kia Spectra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Kia Spectra, 8% of the 90 complaints for this model year.
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 have an ongoing problem with my 2003 Kia Spectra, approx. 2 years ago I started having problems with the car shutting off while I was driving and while I came to a stop at the traffic light. I had the car towed to Kia and they did a tune up and replaced a part that was supposedly the problem for the vehicle to shut off or to accelerate while at a traffic light. When this happens it takes all you can do to keep the car from lunging forward. Also sometimes when you turn the air conditioner on it causes the car to accelerate while at a traffic light. …”
NHTSA complaint #10199784, filed 2007-08“The back passenger seat belts were not long enough to hold a 135 pound passenger. The door was misaligned, rear lights were inoperative, snow had gotten into the rear seat(s), the vehicle leaked, seat belts were inoperative, click noise in the wipers when on a low speed, pulling noise in the engine per mechanic, and pulling when shifted. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10012170, filed 2003-03“The engine made a horrible noise. The dealer inspected the vehicle but could not duplicate the problem. The door was misaligned, rear lights were inoperative, snow had gotten into the rear seat(s), the vehicle leaked, seat belts were inoperative, click noise in the wipers when on a low speed, pulling noise in the engine per mechanic, and pulling when shifted. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10012167, filed 2003-03“Snow entered the vehicle, which caused the door not to open. The door was misaligned, rear lights were inoperative, snow had gotten into the rear seat(s), the vehicle leaked, seat belts were inoperative, click noise in the wipers when on a low speed, pulling noise in the engine per mechanic, and pulling when shifted. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10012169, filed 2003-03“The vehicles windshield wipers failed intermittently. The dealer replaced the windshield motor yet the problem persisted. The door was misaligned, rear lights were inoperative, snow had gotten into the rear seat(s), the vehicle leaked, seat belts were inoperative, click noise in the wipers when on a low speed, pulling noise in the engine per mechanic, and pulling when shifted. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10012177, filed 2003-03Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 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…
Exterior lighting: 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 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