2003 Kia Spectra Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Kia Spectra, 2% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,000 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.
“My daughter, whom is 7, went in the trunk to retrieve some belongings and the trunk closed on her. She did exactly what she was taught and pulled the emergency trunk release. The emergency trunk release failed to operate properly (the ball at the end of the cable disengaged from the latch) and my child was locked in the trunk for 20 min. She struggled so hard to get out that she had cuts on her hands and feet. I then made an appointment to have my Kia Spectra 2003 inspected. The service tec. Stated to me that is was most definitely a problem and that it was that way on all 2003 Kia spectras. …”
NHTSA complaint #10073299, filed 2004-05, 11,000 miles“2003 Kia Spectra 4 door power door locks automatically unlock themselves both while in motion and while unattended. Local Kia dealership said that several of their vehicles had same problem recently and that they identified the problem is in a fuse block relay. However, as with most problems we have encountered, we are just past the warranty. We contacted the mfg but they too were not willing to do anything about this problem. But I believe this may turn out to be a serious safety defect which they are leaving to the consumer to bear, the cost of which is over $500 plus labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10149445, filed 2006-02Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 10028348Nov 6, 2008Kia: doors locking intermittently without driver input from the rke transmitter or key switch may be caused by wear on switch contacts in door latch assembly resulting in high…
Latches, locks and linkages: 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 complaintsEquipment
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