2003 Kia Spectra Consumer Discussions

Kia Spectra Engine Issues

• Kia Spectra died on me

  Written by: dealightfulent on Aug 4, 2011 10:53:47 AM

  Hey all, I have a 2003 Kia Spectra 114500 miles on it... and it died on me last night. The key turns and it sounds like it wants to start, but the engine is just not catching. I now nothing about cars, but it has been running through oil like crazy for the last year, and I can't remember ever getting a tune up. It died while I was driving it, ... Read More

• Engine trouble

  Written by: bustamante on Jul 31, 2009 5:38:13 PM

  My 2003 Kia Spectra would have trouble turning over. At first we thought it was the starter so we replaced it-didn't change anything. We had to put in a marine battery as it would keep turning over, but took awhile to catch-the marine battery gave us the time needed to get it started. Now it won't start at all, and we tried to pop the clutch to get it going and ... Read More

• 2003 Kia Spectra wont start

  Written by: dawnell on Apr 28, 2008 9:33:02 PM

  My Kia had no problems or signs of any problems. All of a sudden it wont start. The battery seems to be fine, and the engine turns over, but it wont get the engine started. It has plenty of gas. The ECU fuse was blown, and I replaced it. Anyone know what could be wrong with it?

• 2006 Spec 5

  Written by: jcj8008 on Sep 4, 2007 4:54:34 AM

  My 2006 Spec 5 has around 16500 miles on it. It is highly customized, KFX Performance header, KFX Perfomance cold air intake, no cat, Kia OEM Cat back center exhaust, automatic tranny, and I get 31 MPG. I got that mileage before the header install and am still getting that mileage afterwards. I have had no problems with any part of the car. I change the oil every 3000 miles. I ... Read More

• KIA Dealers too Shady

  Written by: froverdrive on Jun 25, 2007 7:50:10 AM

  I have a 2003 Kia Spectra GS. I have had multiple problems with the car that are covered under warranty. The first problem is that the car eats tires, meaning that the tread wears unevenly and quickly. I thought that maybe it was the tires, but I have been through 3 brands. According to my dealer I have a lead tire issue, which I think is an excuse for not knowing ... Read More

Kia Spectra Interior Issues

• Re: Hmm [lorn]

  Written by: dbjr76 on Oct 23, 2006 3:19:58 PM

  I had a 1999 Sephia, that I traded in for this 2003 Spectra. The Sephia experienced nothign like this, and I treated it the same way, kept the dash treated and clean. It was a damn good car though! I put 102K miles on her before trading it in back in 2003. The Spectra has been excellent mechanical wise, the dash is just a surprise to me as to how it ... Read More

Kia Spectra/Spectra5 Transmission Questions

• Re: Kia Transmisssion [kwinn]

  Written by: festerwi on Jul 31, 2006 11:43:25 AM

  I have a fix for most 2003+ spectra transmission problems. Gear hunting and having your transmission seem to stick in gear until you stop or shift to park and then back to drive. You will need a late model TCM (transmission control module) they updated the firm ware in mid 2003 and early 2004 to one that is broken. If your dealer orders a replacement one they will have to return ... Read More

• Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [natta1]

  Written by: geo on Mar 28, 2006 7:27:21 PM

  Look at KT2006031404 Kia message from "Technition Times" entitled "resetting transaxle adaptive values". For problems listed as: TR4000 - impossible shift TR5000 - shift delay TR6000 - shift shock TR7000 - abnormal shift TR8000 - slip when shifting TRN001 - Noise TRN002 - Vibration TRN003 - Others There was another reflash listed as a tsb but was for a light on with no real fault. To see tsbs and info go ... Read More

Kia Spectra Sedan

• Spectra vs Elantra

  Written by: spmrebel on Aug 20, 2005 10:10:38 AM

  Hi all, I justed wanted to post my feelings and experiences of the Spectra vs the Elantra. I own a 2005 Elantra GT Auto which I bought in Jan 05. My girlfriend bought a 2005 Spectra EX Auto in June 05. Both are maxed equiped except the Spectra doesn't has ABS/traction control option (couldn't find anywhere in southern CA) and we didn't get the rear spoiler since its hideous looking - ... Read More

• engine races

  Written by: mikzke on Aug 2, 2005 10:17:11 AM

  My 2003 Kia Spectra's check engine light has come on several times. The dealer says that the code pointed to a throttle problem. They allegedly fixed it, but I was at a stop in traffic with my foot on the brake. The engine suddenly raced to over 3,000 rpm. I nearly hit the vehicle in front of me. Does anyone know of any problems like this. The dealer says they can't ... Read More

Kia Spectra5

• New Kia Spectra Ex Owner - Kinda Of!

  Written by: spmrebel on Jul 5, 2005 11:19:11 AM

  Hi all, I am kinda of a new 2005 Kia Spectra Ex owner. OK, its actually my girlfriend (I helped her with the decision quite a bit though). Anyway, we were debating between an Elantra GLS vs a Spectra EX. Both were very similiar in feel, workmanship, quality, and driving dynamics but the more modern interior of the Kia; and since this generation is only a year old, it last another ... Read More

Kia Spectra Sedan

• Consumer Reports

  Written by: huntley on Jun 21, 2005 5:10:44 AM

  Regarding the Kia Spectra and Consumer Reports: They said: "it still trails the better cars in this category, with reluctant cornering and mediocre acceleration and fuel economy. The 138-hp engine delivers lackluster acceleration with the automatic and unimpressive fuel economy. A poor offset-crash-test result TAKES IT OUT OF CONTENTION." Under the RELIABILITY SCORES, the Kia Spectra isn't even listed! Since it's based on the Elantra platform, you can take a look ... Read More

2005 Kia Spectra/Cerato

• New Spectra's headrests rated "Acceptable" vs. competitor's "Poor"

  Written by: spectraman on Nov 16, 2004 11:23:43 AM

  Check out this excerpt and the full article. The new Spectra's seats were rated in the second tier of performance.... heads and tails above the other more reknown competition (even the Hyundai products such as the Elantra!) http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2004-11-15-whiplash_x.htm Here's a hand-edited excerpt of significant models and where they fell: Cars rated on whiplash impact By Earle Eldridge, USA TODAY Acceptable Kia Spectra 2005 models, all seats, active head restraints Lincoln LS, ... Read More

• Kia Motors America Announces October 2004 Sales (Spectra-related)

  Written by: spectraman on Nov 3, 2004 8:00:53 AM

  Kia Motors America Announces October 2004 Sales Excerpted from http://www.kia.com/110204.php Optima Reports Its Best Month Ever Leading Kia to a 51.3-Percent Increase In Month-Over-Month Sales IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 2, 2004 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced monthly sales of 22,973 units for October 2004 representing a 51.3-percent increase over the same month in 2003. Kia’s year-to-date sales of 226,644 represent an 11.8-percent increase over 2003. “It doesn’t get any better ... Read More

• Re: Lack of advertising support for Spectra [spectraman]

  Written by: backy on Oct 22, 2004 1:19:57 PM

  Actually, I've seen several print ads for the Spectra, but not much on TV. But then, I haven't seen many Kia ads on TV period. But then, I don't watch much commercial TV. :-) There's also been several positive reviews of the Spectra in the auto press. I think the sales volume will come. Consider that the 2003 numbers included the 5-door, which isn't available yet. Even so, the sales for ... Read More

• Lack of advertising support for Spectra

  Written by: spectraman on Oct 22, 2004 1:11:32 PM

  Is it just me, or has any one else noticed that there seems to be little or no TV and magazine advertising support for the new Spectra? The sales of the Spectra in September '04 belie the quality and fun-of-ownership of this new great little hauler.           MONTH OF SEPT    YEAR-TO-DATE   Model      2004    2003          2004    2003   Spectra     4,480    5,071      33,641    55,114 Source: http://www.automotive.com/news/25/7256/ ... Read More

• That is the question, isn't it

  Written by: backy on Apr 1, 2004 10:25:20 AM

  The window stickers I've seen say "2004". Not to be confused with the other 2004 Spectras on the dealer lots, of the old design. Note to Kia: Just call them 2005s (ala Toyota with the 2003 Corolla) and get it over with! It's only five months until September.

• Remember that this car is the Spectra and not

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Dec 31, 2003 5:44:41 PM

  a Tiburon-competer or high-performance WRX competition. It is already improved over the Sephia and later the 2002-2003 Spectra with it's chassis similar to Elantra and it's CVVT engine. That engine will save on gas and reduce on pollution. The body is a new design and the little spoiler is cool as are those ridges along the front wheel wells. A very smart design to this new Spectra.    That having been said, ... Read More

• Hey, Cerato enthusiasts, here's an article from the Kia World site

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Nov 14, 2003 10:43:28 PM

  that clears up plenty of our questions about this new Kia 4 and 5 door sedan. Check this out! It WILL retain the name Spectra for the American market. Kia officials are happy with American Spectra sales so they want to leave it named Spectra. It will debut(the 4-door Spectra) at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2004 and it sounds like production for the American model will begin in December ... Read More

• 2005 Spectra teaser pictures

  Written by: pzev on Oct 9, 2003 3:29:18 PM

  http://www.kia.co.kr/motorshow/2003/image/cars/cerato_galleryimg_- 01.gif http://www.kia.co.kr/motorshow/2003/image/cars/cerato_galleryimg_- 02.gif http://www.kia.co.kr/motorshow/2003/image/cars/cerato_galleryimg_- 03.gif http://www.kia.co.kr/motorshow/2003/image/cars/cerato_galleryimg_- 04.gif

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• iluv

  Written by: dunworth on Aug 29, 2003 5:24:03 AM

  I too dislike the giant SUVs although, to be fair they are much less popular up here than in the US where people have more disposable income and gas is cheaper. In Canada, the best selling vehicle class is the small car (compacts especially). Our best selling models include the Civic, Corolla, Cavalier/Sunfire, Neon and Focus. Popular truck types are the smaller utes like the Sportage, CRV and Rav4 and minivans. ... Read More

• majorthomecho

  Written by: dunworth on Jul 29, 2003 6:19:09 AM

  I really like the 2003 Echo facelift and the little changes in the interior like the logo on the steering wheel are nice touches. The car has real personality. Congrats to your friend. My family has owned a pile of Toyotas; Tercels, Camrys Corolla, Highlander, Sienna and Avalon. They are great cars as long as they are properly maintained. I myself have an '02 Corolla which I love. How does the ... Read More

Kia Spectra GS, GSX (hatchbacks)

• caesarslegion-I haven't used synthetic oil yet

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Mar 16, 2002 10:20:15 AM

  but many at the Sportage website I go to have switched and recommend doing synthetic oils. I'll be calling to schedule the 15,000 mile appt. for the Sportage soon(maybe today) so I'll let you know what I go with. Evidently the Sportage needs front and rear differential fluids, transfer case oil and manual tranny fluid replaced at 15,000 miles plus it's due for another oil change now. So I'll call and ... Read More

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• Spectra....

  Written by: shrique on Nov 14, 2002 9:32:37 AM

  Wow I had to rent one of those not too long ago. What an uninspiring lump of metal. Not only is it's exterior malformed but the engine is supremly underpowered and it rides like my lawnmower. There are definetly more cars out there that are a better value. I think the Elantra is a much better value and according to the TMV pricer it's slightly less. (2003 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr ... Read More

Kia Spectra Sedan

• Here's a look at the 2003 Kia Spectra sedan and the

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Nov 2, 2002 10:35:27 AM

  Korean model in the 2nd jpg down is the Korean model Kia hired to promote the nice looking sedan in the homeland. Have a look-see if you will. http://www.kmcir.com/kia_e/news/newsview.asp?ino=74&page=1 What beauty, eh? The boys have done it again!

Kia Spectra GS, GSX (hatchbacks)

• aut2no-you best be gettin' used to ignoring the

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Oct 3, 2002 7:25:59 PM

  Kia naysayers, they come a DIME A DOZEN. Frankly Kia and Hyundai(too bad I can't say Daewoo anymore but I like the Lanos replacement called Kalos they are building!)are the only carmakers that I love! You should look at the new Rio for 2003 or grab an '02 Kia Spectra at a bargain price. Both the Spectra sedan and hatch look pretty nice to me. I'm a 2001 Kia Sportage owner ... Read More

• Only my spectra

  Written by: 02_spectra_r on May 7, 2002 9:19:44 PM

  I believe only my spectra is a lemon, "I" have nothing but problems with it. My car went would not start; the battery had a dead cell; it was replaced with in the same week my new battery was competly dead. Im in procces right now of trying to get the car repurshed or replaced with another kia hopefuly a 2003 kia sorento EX-L, or if not the sorento the optima ... Read More

• Trouble

  Written by: 02_spectra_r on Mar 14, 2002 8:47:05 PM

  First the sorento suv will be mated to a standard 3.5liter V-6 barrowed from the hyundai XG350 and the Kia sedona Van. Second i might be leaving the specta to get a 2002 kia optima se I-4cylinder, a 2002 suzuki vitara, or the all new 2002-2003 Suzuki Aerio GS/SX Sedan and wagon. the reason why is because my transimisson slipped again, but this time the drive gear (D) for automatics, Turned ... Read More

• 02_spectra_ r ......the new Kia Sorento SUV is one

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Feb 22, 2002 10:35:01 PM

  good looker isn't it? I drive a 2001 Kia Sportage 4x4 and I'm really enjoying it. Word has it that Kia is working on a Sportage re-design for the 2003 model year. That might include a 6-cyl.engine in it-at least as an option to the 4-cyl. The Sorento is going to be available with an electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission only. Is that OK with you or would you rather have a ... Read More

• 02_kia_specrtraR Back

  Written by: 02_spectra_r on Jan 7, 2002 4:17:20 PM

  I miss my kia sportage ex, but do pland to get my new kia sportage top of the line with V-6 and 4x4 in fall of 2002 as a 2003 model, at the same time the launch of the all new hyundai tiburon V-6 coupe i will get some pics soon for my site but i have to e-mail u my site, if that is alright......... my e-mail address is koren_car_perforance@yahoo.com ... Read More

• 2002 Kia Spectra Jr. Type K

  Written by: 02_spectra_r on Jan 1, 2002 4:08:12 AM

  I just got my 2nd kia spectra gsx hatchback, back, i'm loving it. i plan to fix it up as soon as i get enough money, but take my driving a lot more serious to realize the limits of the spectra, but it does remind me of my 2000 sportage that i trade in for the 2002 spectra gsx, it was the top of the line ex, but for 2003 i ... Read More

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• Anybody favor Suzuki automobiles?

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Dec 9, 2001 10:10:33 AM

  Here's a spyshot of one of their's scheduled for 2003 release in the U.S. http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=4411&n=158,178&sid=178 It kinda looks like a cross between a Kia Spectra sedan and a Toyota Echo, eh? Are we getting lots more choices or what? This looks all right though I haven't seen the back of it, yet. The car makers seem to dig the foglights or at least a big round opening for one down below ... Read More

• Fresh meat

  Written by: backy on Oct 12, 2001 3:57:27 PM

  Yes, I think we need fresh meat. For example, the 2002 Spectra sedan, the 2002 Protege DX with the 2.0L engine, the Focus ZX5, the 2003 Corolla (not too far off now), the Rio Cinco, the Cavalier/Sunfire with the EcoTech engine, the "fixed" 2002 Civic, inquiries from prospective buyers looking for advice, whether Daewoo will survive, whether the US and Japanese automakers will throw in the towel on low-end cars to ... Read More

• 2002 low-end summary

  Written by: backy on Sep 8, 2001 4:44:10 PM

  Just got my October Car & Driver with a (sparse) review of the 2002 cars. The bad news, for us here on this forum, is that not much is happening in the low-end market next year. For some reason (profits, maybe?) the automakers are concentrating on the more expensive cars, and trucks. For those of you w/o access to this mag, here's the details (with editorial commentary, of course): * Chevy: ... Read More

• The buffalo-job continues.....................

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Jul 24, 2001 10:13:51 PM

  as long as there are subjects, dumb wannabe car magazines like Clodsumer Retorts will continue to rake in American bucks. Like I've said before, Kia is supposedly the newcomer in America but they have the fat veterans Toyota beat BIG time in styling. Mazda too. If Protege is the best styling Mazda can come up with in a smaller 4-door sedan, there probably is something then to the fact that the ... Read More