2003 Kia Spectra Consumer Discussions

Kia Spectra Engine Issues

Engine trouble

Written by: bustamante on Jul 31, 2009 05:38 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 discovered ... Read More...

2003 Kia Spectra wont start

Written by: dawnell on Apr 28, 2008 09:33 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? Read More...

2006 Spec 5

Written by: jcj8008 on Sep 04, 2007 04:54 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 ... Read More...

KIA Dealers too Shady

Written by: froverdrive on Jun 25, 2007 07:50 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 what ... Read More...

Kia Spectra Interior Issues

Re: Hmm [lorn]

Written by: dbjr76 on Oct 23, 2006 03:19 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 is coming up. Spoke with ... Read More...

Kia Spectra/Spectra5 Transmission Questions

Re: Kia Transmisssion [kwinn]

Written by: festerwi on Jul 31, 2006 11:43 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 ... Read More...

Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [natta1]

Written by: geo on Mar 28, 2006 07:27 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 ... Read More...

Kia Spectra Sedan

Spectra vs Elantra

Written by: spmrebel on Aug 20, 2005 10:10 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 ... Read More...

engine races

Written by: mikzke on Aug 02, 2005 10:17 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 diagnose ... Read More...

Kia Spectra5

New Kia Spectra Ex Owner - Kinda Of!

Written by: spmrebel on Jul 05, 2005 11:19 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 ... Read More...