2003 Kia Spectra Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Kia Spectra, 3% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 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.
“Intermittently when the cruise control is set it suddenly disengages by itself. When this occurs vehicle decelerates to a low speed. Then, without warning cruise control engages at the speed it was previously set. Dealership replaced cruise control module, and repaired the wiring at the harness to the pin connector because of a shortage. However, failure recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10073571, filed 2004-05, 10,000 miles“Dt: the contact stated when stopping at a stop sign or while braking or pulling into a parking lot vehicle revved and lurched forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealership numerous times. They were unable to duplicate the problem. Updated 1/11/2006 - the transmission line had come off and cause coolant to leak. The line was repair and transmission was flushed but transmission slipped. The transmission was replaced. The check engine light illuminated three times and the dealer replaced the throttle position sensor three times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10144843, filed 2005-12, 48,000 miles“I am writing in regards to an ongoing problem with my 2003 Kia Spectra. This will be the third time I have dropped off my vehicle to the tallahassee Kia repair shop. At the conclusion of the first repair, 5-19-05 I was told the problem was rectified. When I contacted the dealership about the problem at the beginning of june I was told to have the fuel filter replaced, I have done so but this has not rectified the problem. As of late, perhaps due to the heat, the problem is worse. The vehicle is still surging forward while I have my foot pressed on the brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #10165136, filed 2006-08Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 15 | 12% |
| 2007 | 12 | 8% |
| 2006 | 4 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 12% |
| 2004 | 9 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 7 | 8% |
| 2001 | 2 | 5% |
| 2000 | 2 | 9% |
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 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