2003 Kia Spectra power train problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2003 Kia Spectra — 18% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia spectra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was…”
filed Sep 19, 2014
“My mother bought this car brand new couple years back. Haven't had any problems till now. On my way to work im going around a curve and transmission went out. Thought for a second I accidentally put it in neutral. My transmission never slipped, shifted hard or any other signs of problems. This is…”
filed Mar 1, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for…
TSBTRA046 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2013
Power Train problems in other Spectra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 Spectra | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 Spectra | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 Spectra | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 Spectra | 7 | 7% |
| 2005 Spectra | 7 | 7% |
| 2004 Spectra | 16 | 23% |
| 2002 Spectra | 12 | 13% |
| 2001 Spectra | 8 | 20% |
| 2000 Spectra | 2 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Kia Spectra
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.