2003 Kia Spectra engine and engine cooling problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2003 Kia Spectra — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Purchased the car in may of 2003, june 30th of 2003 check engine light came on and had to have the tps replaced and 3 more times to present. Have had multiple headlights replaced, heating problem, exhaust replaced. Car is now on 46,000 had transmission replaced (through an att. From lemon law) at…”
filed Nov 28, 2006
“I have an issue with kia usa honoring my warranty for damage done to my car in which I am not at fault. They have made allegations as to the problems which are untrue from my stand point and I am 23 year old single mother with no vehicle now. I have made many attempts to have this issue resolved…”
filed Oct 11, 2006
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
PS539 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 2, 2018
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Spectra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 Spectra | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 Spectra | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 Spectra | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 Spectra | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 Spectra | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 Spectra | 7 | 10% |
| 2002 Spectra | 6 | 7% |
| 2001 Spectra | 6 | 15% |
| 2000 Spectra | 7 | 30% |
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.