2004 Kia LD Spectra recalls and problems

The 2004 Kia LD Spectra has 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Kia LD Spectra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Kia LD Spectra recalls

Recall 05V-431: Air Bags

Reported Sep 21, 2005 · 73,641 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag feature, the occupant classification system (Ocs) installed in the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify a child restraint seat (Crs) as an adult. This may occur if the crs is installed after an adult has been seated in the right front seat. If there has not been a 'key on' ' key off' cycle with the right front passenger seat empty prior to installation of the crs.

Risk: The possibility of misclassification of a crs as an adult may allow the right front airbag or side impact airbag to deploy in a crash and could result in injury to the right front occupant.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's OCS electronic control unit (Ecu) to remove the feature that may cause the crs to be recognized as an adult. The recall began on october 31, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

2004 Kia LD Spectra problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	3
Air Bags	2
Electrical System	2
Power Train	1

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 2
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 170,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Kia LD Spectra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 170,000 miles · reported Jan 12, 2014

I noticed that after putting the car into drive from park the engine would "rev" but no movement until 3-5 seconds later then the car would "lunge" into gear and accelerate. I would notice that I would be driving in 2nd-3rd gear and there would be no acceleration just "revs" from the engine then it would jump back into gear and go. This intermittently started happening after I changed the radiator that had a faulty trans-axle coupler on it, not sure if that could of been an issue with why the at is acting like it is.

Exterior Lighting · reported Aug 1, 2006

In the past 16 months I have replaced both head lights and both brake lights a total of 22 times - I have taken my vehicle to a kia dealership twice this year and both times have been told there is nothing wrong with the lighting system - this is ridiculous. I have been driving with only my bright lights for the past month and a half as I refuse to replace any more headlights - they cease working in 1 to 12 days.

Electrical System · at 11,757 miles · reported May 23, 2006

Dt*: the contact stated while driving all the exterior lights and dash board indicator lights went out. The vehicle was pulled off the road without incident and turned off. When restarted both exterior and dash indicator lights returned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection; however the problem could not be duplicated. The manufacturer has not been alerted.

Air Bags · reported Nov 16, 2005

Dt: the contact complained about an ongoing problem with the air bag sensor located in the passenger seat. The light in the dashboard intermittently flashed. The dealer completed recall 05v431000 repairs. However, the problem recurred even after recall work was completed. She made contact with the manufacturer, who suggested she return to the service dealer.

Air Bags · reported Nov 1, 2005

Dt:the contact stated the passenger side air bag light came on. There was recall o5v431000, it was repaired under the recall. Since the repairs the light came on intermittently. When the light came on it alerted the passenger that the airbag was not functioning. The dealership stated the passengers were not sitting in the seats properly.

Other Kia LD Spectra years

20052004

Compare all Kia LD Spectra years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Kia LD Spectra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Kia LD Spectra: 05V-431 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Kia LD Spectra?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (3 reports), followed by air bags (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 170,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.