2005 Kia Spectra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Kia Spectra, 7% of the 103 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,000 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.
“After pressing the clutch more than ten time it starts getting harder. After that it will get stuck and will not release. This only happens when temperatures are over 90 degrees. It will release after it cools down. I have been stranded in the middle of the road several times. My vehicle is less than 100 thousand miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10461967, filed 2012-06, 65,000 miles“The hydraulic cylinder gets air in it in cold weather below -10 degrees fahrenheit . It happens anytime it gets below this temperature. It causes the driver to be unable to shift the car. Usually the dealer bleeds the cylinder and it is fine. Could leave the driver stranded or unable to move the car out of the way causing an accident. It has happened every winter since 2005 and usually more than once a winter.”
NHTSA complaint #10255565, filed 2009-01, 75,000 miles“The power train in my car shifts very hard and it seems like it is going to fall out of the car. Have had the car in to be fixed by the dealer twice and tomorrow will be the third time.”
NHTSA complaint #10174356, filed 2006-11, 6,000 miles“I recently purchased a 2005 Kia Spectra which has a faulty transmission--a fact not disclosed by the dealership at the time of purchase. A visit to the dealership last week revealed other Kia spectras have a similar problem with hard shifting and that Kia has the matter under investigation . I need to know what's going to be done about the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10153313, filed 2006-03“The contact owns a 2005 Kia Spectra. The contact stated when he engaged the clutch pedal to change from neutral to first gear, the clutch arm became stuck and the vehicle would not shift into gear. A mechanic consulted with the consumer and stated that the clutch arm failure appeared to be heat related as the metal expanded in hot temperatures and caused the arm to bind up. A call to the dealer was made who refused warranty, but otherwise service.. The failure and current mileage was 43,000. Updated 07/18/11”
NHTSA complaint #10402894, filed 2011-05, 43,000 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…
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 2005 Kia Spectra
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSteering
10 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