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Electrical systemPart report

2005 Kia Spectra Electrical system Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
11%of 103 total for the year
Median mileage
77,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Kia Spectra, 11% of the 103 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 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.

“Speedometer and odometer not working well it works the first time in the morning when I drive after I turn car off and go to drive again it will not work the entire day. Recently I have meet someone with exact make and model with the exact same issue literally as I described the other person who I did not tell about the problem word for word describe the same problem. Also when speedometer isn't working the cruise control also will nitwork. …”

NHTSA complaint #11151617, filed 2018-11, 127,089 miles

“Turned the car on, got on the hwy looked at the speed and it was at 0 MPH. Drove for a while it picked up to 20 MPH. Not sure if its working right. I've gotten a ticket for speeding how do I know what speed I'm going if its not working. I also have a new born. I believe this is very dangerous.”

NHTSA complaint #10461962, filed 2012-06, 100,000 miles

“My speedometer works intermitantly on and off, I have changed the speed sensor and did not take care of the problem, I went to Kia blogs and found out a lot of people are having the same issue with Kia cars.”

NHTSA complaint #10512707, filed 2013-05, 85,000 miles

“Vehicle speedometer randomly quits. Also dash lights on binacle. Then will come back on after a day or so, have replace with genuine Kia oem parts but still happens. Also looked on forums online and seems to be a common occurrence.”

NHTSA complaint #11319671, filed 2020-03, 88,088 miles

“Window controls would not work intermittently. Vehicle was taken to a Kia dealer who refused to do repairs, stating they only do oil changes on weekends. Dealer would not provide rental car for repairs to be made during the week. At this time, the electrical system was still under warranty. Repairs were never made. As of 5/5/2014 windows will only open occasionally.”

NHTSA complaint #10586690, filed 2014-05, 20,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2009109%
20081412%
20071611%
200655%
20051111%
2004710%
2003910%
2002910%
2001410%
200014%

Other parts of the 2005 Kia Spectra

Air bags
43 complaints
Vehicle speed control
12 complaints
Brakes
10 complaints
Steering
10 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints
Seat belts
5 complaints
Engine
4 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Seats
4 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Exterior 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 28, 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