2004 Kia Spectra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Kia Spectra: 1 recall, 71 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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, 9 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (26): the most common themes are fails to deploy (7), warning light on (7).
- Transmission & drivetrain (16): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (12).
- Speed control / throttle (9): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (3).
- Engine & cooling (7): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
The 2004 Kia Spectra has 71 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 10 Spectra model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 91). Complaints peaked in 2005 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 29,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (90 complaints, 0 recalls), 2005 (103 complaints, 2 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 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | 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 2004 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 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 2004 Kia Spectra problems?
Owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (26), transmission & drivetrain (16), speed control / throttle (9).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Kia Spectra get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 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.