VehicleVerdict

2007 Kia Spectra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 206 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Spectra year — the 2007 model ranks #1 of 10 Spectra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 24 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 58 reports (28% of the total).

206

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

35

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

24

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Spectra years?

Spectra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted206 complaints2000: 30 complaints2001: 56 complaints2002: 121 complaints2003: 132 complaints2004: 92 complaints2005: 130 complaints2006: 129 complaints2007: 206 complaints2008: 162 complaints2009: 152 complaints
Spectra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spectra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Kia Spectra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags5828%
Fuel System3417%
Electrical System199%
Engine147%
Latches & Locks126%
Speed Control126%
Brakes105%
Transmission84%
Body & Structure63%
Other63%
Seat Belts52%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Steering42%
Lighting42%
Seats42%
Suspension31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2007 Kia Spectra have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V256000Fuel SystemApril 25, 2011 · 58,322 units

Defect

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 SPECTRA LD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 6, 2007, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE DROVE OVER A ROAD BUMP THAT CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A TREE. ALL OF THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 2, 2014 · crash

“ON FEB 25, 2009 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE 2007 KIA SPECTRA SMELLED STRONG ODOR OF GAS PULLED CAR OVER ON SIDE OF ROAD OPENED HOOD AND THE MOTOR WAS ON FIRE CALLED 911. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS*TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 25, 2009 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING MOTOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 9, 2013 · fire

“CAR TOOK ME OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STRAIGHT INTO A TREE DEAD CENTER ROUGHLY GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!!!! HIT MY HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. AND NOW TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF IT WAS THE DEALERSHIP SELLING DEFECTIVE CARS OR IF ITS KIA DEFECT. NOT UNDERSTANDING THIS WHOLE AIRBAG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 5, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD REVVING NOISE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POST. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 13, 2011 · crash

2007 Kia Spectra — common questions

Is the 2007 Kia Spectra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 206 complaints put the 2007 model at #1 of 10 Spectra years. It is one of the Spectra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 Spectra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (58 complaints), fuel system (34 complaints), electrical system (19 complaints).

Does the 2007 Kia Spectra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2007 Kia Spectra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2007 Kia Spectra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Spectra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Spectra years to avoid are 2007. The cleanest record among Spectra years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.