KnownCarProblems2001 Kia Spectra Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Kia Spectra, most often about the air bags (23% of complaints). It is 9th of 10 Spectra model years by number of complaints.
Most common 2001 Kia Spectra problems
Air bags
9 complaints · 23%Parts named most often: frontal.
On a front slightly left inpact to my vehicle, my air bag failed to deploy. I was wearing my seatbelt.I was traveling 55 MPH, I hit my head on the steering wheel causing a rather large bump and bruise. I have pain turning my neck and in my shoulders and will seek medical attention for this.
I was involved in a rear end collision causing my car to be slammed into another vehicle in front of me. My airbags did not deploy,the drivers seat back broke. I have received a lower back injury, shoulder and arm injury, and head injury. The car was totaled, so there are no repairs to be done. This is not the only…
Transmission
8 complaints · 20%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Transmission module on original transmission failed causing transmission damage, local dealership replaced. Second transmission blew a front pump seal within approximately 1000 miles while on our vacation/honeymoon. Third transmission replaced while on vacation out of state. Current (third) transmission is still…
After starting the vehicle, the gear would not move out of park. On another occasion while driving, the vehicle had gone into reverse by itself and the engine shut down completely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for transmission repair. There was a severe vibration in the steering wheel upon getting the vehicle…
Brakes
7 complaints · 18%Parts named most often: foundation components.
I got in a accident when my brakes went out that night and I couldn't stop. When my car was in the shop they told my that the brakes went out and I need the have the brake line checked out. I took my car back to the dealer and they told me that the kind of brakes they are the would squeak. They never took the time to…
Trans all of a sudden started slipping with no prior issues. Was reading a TCM code then codes for each gear replaced trans new trans drove 30 miles and is doing the exact same thing have to drive like a stick 1st 2nd and then can put in drive around 35mph. Also breaks come and go as they please.
Engine
6 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 30,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
Two weeks after the vehicle had an oil change performed engine made a tapping noise because oil was leaking through the engine motor seal. A fuel distributor assembly recall 04v179000 was issued on this problem, but this model vehicle was not included.
I own a 2001 Kia Spectra hatchback. I have 24,000 miles on this vehicle. It has started stalling while driving and I also have trouble starting it. I have taken it to the dealer for service and have been told it is on a "call" list. I was given no further information. I was just told to give them a few days to "try"…
Electrical
4 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery.
Six months after vehicle was purchased it experienced ignition problems. Vehicle failed to start when the key was turned in the ignition to the on position. Dashboard component lights came on, but the engine failed to turn over. The main computer chip was replaced. Since the replacement of the computer chip the…
2001 Kia Spectra 1.9 lt engine [yes, some models were made with this size engine.] car was parked in drive way just after midnight. Neighbors called fire department at 2:30 am. Car was not running. Fire chief found no external source of ignition. Fire chief says engine caught on fire, fire traveled down fuel lines to…
Suspension
4 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: front, rear.
Visibility and wipers
3 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system, glass, side/rear.
I have had the heating system in my car repaired 4 times since the day that I bought it. This is an ongoing issue with this car and something needs to be done about it. I live in vermont where the weather gets extremely cold in the winter, meaning that you have to keep windows cleared at all times, if not, it could…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Kia Spectra recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Refueling spit back
Summary
Based on the low rate of fuel spit-back incedents (14.3 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold), a low warranty claims rate of 0.02 percent, and the lack of engineering information that would support the presence of an engineering defect, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
Questions about the 2001 Kia Spectra
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia Spectra?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (9 complaints); transmission (8 complaints); brakes (7 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Kia Spectra have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Kia Spectra. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Kia Spectra?
- It is 9th of 10 Spectra model years by number of complaints, with 40 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.