2004 Kia Spectra Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Kia Spectra, 4% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,600 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Fuel tank straps rusting out. My fuel tank straps rusted out causing one to drag the ground making sparks! I looked over the car and nothing is rusted like the straps, the exsust is good the heat shield and the fuel lines are good just the fuel straps are so rusted to the point they snapped!”
NHTSA complaint #10323558, filed 2010-04, 116,862 miles“Kia Spectra ex 2004.5. Constantly stalls and engine races at any time and any speed. I am forced to place transmission in n when I aproach a stop sign. I avoid highways being afraid to stall at a high speed and cause a fatality to myself or another vehicle. Problems started when vehicle was still under warranty. In a typical Kia fashion I was told nothing was wrong.now out of warranty situation has got worse.my mechanic says is a design defect in the computer system or the fuel system. The internet is full with this same complaint from many Spectra and another Kia models owners. …”
NHTSA complaint #10421665, filed 2011-08, 55,600 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 recalls
- 11V256000Apr 25, 2011Kia is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 spectra ld vehicles manufactured from november 7, 2003, through march 6, 2007, originally sold, or currently…Covers: Kia Spectra 2004–2007
Related service bulletins
- 10016799Sep 1, 2005Replacement of the evap canister hose vent elbow and the fuel tank (air) filter.
Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Kia Spectra
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSuspension
4 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 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