2005 Kia Spectra Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 42%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,732miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the air bags of the 2005 Kia Spectra, 42% of the 103 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,732 miles. 16 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.
“Upon purchase, brand new off the lot in 2005, the seat belt light on my dashboard was always coming on and off when driving even if a person was sitting in the passenger seat or not. I never really understood exactly why or had money to have it looked at specifically for that problem. When I would take it to the mechanic, they would always say it looked normal. When I finally was able to take it to a mechanic specifically for this issue, I was informed that the airbag would not deploy due to an issue with needing a new seat. …”
NHTSA complaint #11185578, filed 2019-03, 100 miles“I recently have been in an accident where my airbags did not deploy. And I was a little concerned that they didn't so I did some research and there has been a recall on my airbag system. I was wondering why I was not contacted about this so I could take my car in for service.”
NHTSA complaint #10419416, filed 2011-08, 133,000 miles“Another car cut in front of me causing the accident. I was driving, my husband was in the passenger seat. At the time of impact, the passenger side airbag deployed as it should with no problem but mine didn't. There was approximately 3-5 seconds late, then exploded sending hot shrapnel that injured me in several places on my face, chest, shoulders, stomach and arms causing cuts, burns, scrapes and bruises that my husband took pictures of after the accident. It was extremely tramatic & painful. I am still not completely healed.”
NHTSA complaint #10763739, filed 2015-09, 92,000 miles“My air bag is off, I went to Kia and had it replace they said that I have to replace my car seat. My car seat is okay, what I was complaining why my air bag is off?”
NHTSA complaint #10731347, filed 2015-06, 71,000 miles“While stopped on a small hill in traffic, I was rearended by a ford truck who was going about 35mph. My airbags did not deploy. I was taken to the hospital for injuries to my knees and my neck. I see there are many many many complaints regarding the deployment of airbags. There definitely is a major problem and a recall should be ordered. This is a serious problem which could result in death. Also many times while driving my speedometer will go to zero while driving or jump to 100+, in addition the RPM gauge will do the same. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659763, filed 2014-11, 110,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017975Mar 1, 2006Airbag control unit (acu) logic reprogramming. Kia is changing the acu logic to permit side curtain airbag deployment at all times.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 76 | 67% |
| 2008 | 61 | 50% |
| 2007 | 56 | 37% |
| 2006 | 46 | 46% |
| 2005 | 43 | 42% |
| 2004 | 26 | 37% |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% |
| 2002 | 22 | 24% |
| 2001 | 9 | 23% |
| 2000 | 9 | 39% |
Other parts of the 2005 Kia Spectra
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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