2005 Kia Spectra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Kia Spectra: 2 recalls, 103 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #05V183000 · 2005 · 368 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the steering tie rods May have a manufacturing flaw that affects the metallurgy.
Why it matters: If the rod cracks or fails, loss of vehicle steering control May occur which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering rack assembly, which includes the tie rod components free of charge. Owners were notified by telephone on April 8, 2005. An additional letter was sent to owners who had not taken their vehicles in for repair. This letter was mailed May 20, 2005.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #11V256000 · 2011 · 58,322 vehicles
What's wrong: There is a possibility that corrosion of the fuel tank straps which hold the tank May occur as a result of prolonged exposure to road salt. As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps May separate allowing the fuel tank to contact the ground and possibly disrupt the integrity of the tank.
Why it matters: The fuel tank can fall from the vehicle and strike the ground which could cause a fuel leak. Leaking fuel can create a fire hazard.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on June 6, 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (43): the most common themes are fails to deploy (17), warning light on (9).
- Speed control / throttle (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Steering (10): the most common themes are steering problems (10), noise or vibration (3).
The 2005 Kia Spectra has 103 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 10 Spectra model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 91). Complaints peaked in 2006 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 49,950 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (71 complaints, 1 recalls), 2006 (100 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Kia Spectra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Kia Spectra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Kia Spectra problems?
Owners have filed 103 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (43), speed control / throttle (12), electrical (11).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Kia Spectra get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Kia Spectra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.