The vehicle dossier US · 2007
2007 Kia
SPECTRAProblems & recalls
152 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Air bags appears in 56 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 152 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.
62,900 miles is the median among 122 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 28,000–90,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
1 recall campaign on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTINGCampaign 11V256000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC090
Read campaign 11V256000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
30 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
TSB_BOD055_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin…NHTSA ID 10201529
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10201529 at NHTSAPS539PITSTOP - 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.NHTSA ID 10133170
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.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10133170 at NHTSATSB-GEN085R1TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.?…NHTSA ID 10109812
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10109812 at NHTSATSB-GEN085TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft …NHTSA ID 10109777
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10109777 at NHTSAWTY001OWNERR1"REVISION: OWNER LETTER: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICAS HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO T…NHTSA ID 10094103
"REVISION: OWNER LETTER: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICAS HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KIA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT TO 15 YEARS WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION ADDRESSES FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS. THE SENSOR MAT IS INTENDED TO DETECT CHILD SEATS AND SMALL STATURE OCCUPANTS WHO COULD BE HARMED BY DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG. IF THE SENSOR MAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE OCS WILL NOT SUPPRESS THE AIR BAG. ACCORDINGLY, IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY EVEN IF THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A CHILD OR SMALL STATURE PERSON."
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10094103 at NHTSAWTY001DEALERPSMRREVISION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS IS RE-NOTIFYING THE OWNERS OF THE 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES OF THE …NHTSA ID 10094089
REVISION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS IS RE-NOTIFYING THE OWNERS OF THE 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES OF THE WARRANTY COVERAGE EXTENSION ON THEIR VEHICLES AND HAS REVISED THE OWNER INSTRUCTIONS.
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10094089 at NHTSAWTY001R1REVISION: WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES REVISED INFORMATION RELATED TO BOTH THE CUSTOMER AND DEALER NOTIFICATION LETTER…NHTSA ID 10094085
REVISION: WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES REVISED INFORMATION RELATED TO BOTH THE CUSTOMER AND DEALER NOTIFICATION LETTER THAT WAS SENT IN RELATION TO THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION. THIS REVISION SERVES TO REINFORCE THE FACT THAT THE CUSTOMER DOES NOT HAVE TO CONTACT A KIA DEALER IF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATING CORRECTLY AS DESCRIBED BELOW. PLEASE ENSURE ALL DEALER PERSONNEL ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY EXTENSION BULLETIN AND THIS REVISION.
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10094085 at NHTSAPS443TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their …NHTSA ID 10183431
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10183431 at NHTSAWTY001OWNEROWNER LETTER: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICAS HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KI…NHTSA ID 10094101
OWNER LETTER: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICAS HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KIA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT TO 15 YEARS WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION ADDRESSES FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS. THE SENSOR MAT IS INTENDED TO DETECT CHILD SEATS AND SMALL STATURE OCCUPANTS WHO COULD BE HARMED BY DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG. IF THE SENSOR MAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE OCS WILL NOT SUPPRESS THE AIR BAG. ACCORDINGLY, IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY EVEN IF THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A CHILD OR SMALL STATURE PERSON.
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10094101 at NHTSAWTY001QAQ AND A: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION Q & ANHTSA ID 10094105
Q AND A: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION Q & A
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10094105 at NHTSAWTY001FORMREQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM: WTY001 - IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCS REPLACED, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR SOME OR ALL OF THAT EXPENSE. MAIL THIS COMPLETED REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM TO KI…NHTSA ID 10094090
REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM: WTY001 - IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCS REPLACED, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR SOME OR ALL OF THAT EXPENSE. MAIL THIS COMPLETED REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM TO KIA, ALONG WITH DOCUMENTATION SPECIFIED BELOW, FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC., P.O. BOX 52410, IRVINE, CA 92619-2410
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10094090 at NHTSAWTY001DEALERPSMDEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT…NHTSA ID 10094088
DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT FOR THE 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION ADDRESSES FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS, AS WELL AS THE DIAGNOSIS OF ANY CONCERNS RELATED TO THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. (REPAIRS ARE ONLY COVERED IF RELATED TO THE OCS SENSOR MAT).
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10094088 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Occupant Classification SystemPE15031
The subject vehicle population is MY 2007-2009 Kia Spectra vehicles.Consumers report that the SRS (air bag) warning light is illuminated in their vehicle.The focus of the investigation was the failure of the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor mat.This sensor mat is embedded in the front passenger seat cushion and is intended to detect child seats and small statured occupants who could be harmed by deployment of the passenger frontal air bag.The OCS may develop a failure due to an open circuit in the sensor mat caused by the mat cracking during use.An open circuit in the OCS sensor mat is detected as a fault in the system by the air bag diagnostic. A trouble code will then be stored in the air bag control unit and the air bag warning light will be illuminated.If this fault is detected, the OCS will not suppress the front passenger air bag and in a crash of sufficient severity the front passenger air bag will deploy regardless of the nature or size of the child seat or occupant in the front passenger seat.The report counts shown above include only those reports that specifically address the issue covered by this investigation, failure of the OCS sensor mat.Reports alleging only that the ?air bag light is on with no cause stated, or where no cause was otherwise identified, were excluded as the air bag light could be illuminated for system faults other than an OCS malfunction.Kia's assessment was that the cracking was caused by owner abuse.The subject vehicles have been in service for an average of approximately eight (8) years.An analysis of Kia's warranty data for the subject vehicles, including a comparison with other agency and manufacturer data pertaining to similar OCS failure investigations, indicates that the subject vehicles experience a comparatively low complaint rate for this issue given the number of years the vehicles have been in service.Kia has implemented an extended warranty program for the OCS sensor mat providing for free replacement for 15 years regardless of vehicle mileage and will send owners of the subject vehicles letters notifying them of the potential hazards posed by OCS failure as well as the terms of the extended warranty.Consumers whose air bag warning light is illuminated will have the opportunity to have their vehicle diagnosed and, if a fault is indicated, have the OCS sensor mat repaired at no charge.In view of the comparatively low complaint rate and Kia's implementation of an extended warranty with owner notification, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by Kia mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by OCS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Details on Kia's extended warranty program, including a copy of both Kia's letter to the consumer and Kia's letter to their dealers, for the subject vehicle population will be available in the public file for this investigation. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at http://www?odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/ SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10789130, 10787308, 10785138, 10777856, 10765359, 10745773, 10746133, 10745528, 10721336, 10715846, 10712140, 10712046, 10706009, 10705387, 10681321, 10677080, 10673071, 10654873, 10654522, 10652472, 10651525,10643205, 10639671, 10638251, 10627289, 10621507, 10620724, 10615883, 10609000, 10607838, 10606252,10577842, 10568029, 10564527, 10561224,
Recorded closure: Feb 11, 2016
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