2004 Kia Spectra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 23%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Kia Spectra, 23% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On several instances my car has not shifted into a higher gear when taking off from a stop sign. I have taken the car to the dealer twice and they have not found anything wrong. This has happened on the following dates: 9/11, 9/12, 9/20, and twice on 9/23.”
NHTSA complaint #10093097, filed 2004-09, 8,500 miles“I have a 2004 Kia Spectra that has an issue sticking in third gear. It started a month after I bought the car brand new. I noticed it when I first pulled out of a side street on to a main road and when I pushed on the accelerator the car was barely moving. Thank god no on coming traffic was coming, cause yes I would of caused an accident. When I took it in to Kia they said they could not find any issues. Then a month or so later I was accelerating off an exit ramp and the transmission stuck in third gear. I had to pull off the side of the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10352572, filed 2010-08, 60,000 miles“I went into kroger's and picked up a few items. When I was done, I left the store and got back into my car to finish running some errands. I started my Kia- Spectra and she purred like a kitten- as usual. I put my car in reverse to back out of the parking space but my Kia would move. I was pressing the peddle and my car did not move. I could hear the car revving up but I wasn't moving. To make a long story short- I had my Kia towed to the dealership for an inspection and was told that I needed a new transmission and it would cost me between $2200-3600. I was devastated and shocked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466757, filed 2012-07, 100,932 miles“My fiance's bought a Kia Spectra.... I have noticed for awhile that at freeway speeds its ok... Getting to and coming down from freeway speeds however is a interesting time... The car for about 2-3 secs. Revs and doesn't slam but seems to ease into gear then jerks forward... Passing other vehicles is not done often due to this problem. And when getting on the off ramp the motor down shifts and revs. Way to high then same as before eases into gear and jerks backwards. Then while on city streets the transmission has a much larger stall before getting into gear 4-5 secs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255094, filed 2009-01, 15,000 miles“I have had issues with my Kia Spectra where the transmission fails to shift into a higher gear when at a stop sign or light. I have to pump the gas or shift into neutral and back to drive to get it to shift.”
NHTSA complaint #10089065, filed 2004-09, 2,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
- 10021561Jan 1, 2007Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
- 10020041Jun 1, 2006A second to third gear upshift shock after the vehicle is at operating temperature. Also may be felt as a slip or flare followed by a shock while shifting from second to third…
- 10015573Jun 1, 2005Mild driveline bump or shock while accelerating from a stop after the vehicle has been parked for more than one hour.
- 10015525Jan 1, 2005Clutch switch p/n availability.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 7 | 7% |
| 2005 | 7 | 7% |
| 2004 | 16 | 23% |
| 2003 | 16 | 18% |
| 2002 | 12 | 13% |
| 2001 | 8 | 20% |
| 2000 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia Spectra
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine cooling
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 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