2004 Kia Spectra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 10%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,325miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Kia Spectra, 10% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,325 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 warning light on the Spectra 2005 4-door has been a problem from day 1. The light keeps going on and off. When I brought it back to the dealer on a number of occasions, the light went off so they were never able to determine the problem. Now the light is permanently 'on' and I don't know if it is working or not. It is definitely a concern and it is a definitely a problem. In addition, the timing belt keeps loosening on a continual basis. I have repeatedly bought it to my mechanic to get it tightened. This should not be the case. …”
NHTSA complaint #10444981, filed 2012-01, 60 miles“Problems began october 15, 2005 details of problems: 03/25/05 - A/C vents broken - dealer replaced nozzle assy - ctr ai 10/15/05 - check engine light is on - dealer states 'heater circuit malfunction' replaced 02 sensor assy and reset codes 10/28/05 - check engine light is on and battery went dead (I had it jumped by aaa)- dealer cannot find problem 10/28/05 - emblem cracked on steering wheel - dealer states 'flaw in material' replaced driver side srs bag 11/29/05 - check engine light is on - dealer states p0442 gas cap not sealing & p0455 canister not sealing - dealer replaces gas cap and…”
NHTSA complaint #10150202, filed 2006-02, 8,804 miles“My vehicle sputters while driving. There have been a few incidents where my vehicle has almost stalled on the freeway while I was driving in fast lane. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer at least 5 time in a 2 month window, and they claim that they cannot find anything wrong with my vehicle, so they are refusing to fix my vehicle or take all of the precautionary measures to repair my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10233693, filed 2008-07“The contact owns a 2004 Kia Spectra. While driving 50 MPH, the engine revved when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure occurred four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they were unable to find a defect. The failure mileage was 36,000 and current mileage was 40,000. Updated 5/30/08 the consumer stated the transmission slips from a stop it feels as though it is in neutral. Updated 05/30/08”
NHTSA complaint #10224683, filed 2008-04, 36,000 miles“The contact stated when the vehicle is idling, it idles low and then revs up on it's own. The dealership replaced the main solenoid in the transmission. The problem returned, and the dealership is unable to diagnose a problem. Also, two weeks after purchase, the check engine light illuminated. The dealership replaced the fuel sensor and this problem was repaired. The front passenger side window would not operate, up or down. The dealership determined the cable was unhooked and repaired it.”
NHTSA complaint #10150117, filed 2006-02, 19,150 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 10% |
| 2003 | 14 | 16% |
| 2002 | 6 | 7% |
| 2001 | 6 | 15% |
| 2000 | 7 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia Spectra
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Kia Spectra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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