Model year guide

2004 Kia Spectra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Kia Spectra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 34 on record.

2004 Kia Spectra — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Kia Spectra at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints71
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$1,359

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Kia Spectra recalls 1

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:mounting NHTSA Campaign #11V256000 · 25/04/2011

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. T…

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Kia Spectra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2004 Kia Spectra MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,563

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Kia Spectra worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,359
High
$2,300

From 32 comparable 2004 Kia Spectra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Kia Spectra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,815
Fuel only$12,815
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Kia Spectra trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · Base · GS · LS · LD Project
Engines
2.0L · 1.8L

2004 Kia Spectra vehicles on record

2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121145056266 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121845059343 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra BaseKNAFB121045314334 2004 Kia Spectra GSKNAFB161145137707 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE122845051705 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE122445012271 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE122445017325 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra GSKNAFB161345142925 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121445021883 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra BaseKNAFB121345312769 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra BaseKNAFB121745317148 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra GSKNAFB161345142701 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121645015289 2004 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121445011838 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121845042123 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra BaseKNAFB121245315940 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE122445025103 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra BaseKNAFB121545303992 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121545031256 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LSKNAFB121845308037 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra LSKNAFB121645313284 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE122X45040673 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121945021409 2004 Kia Spectra 2004 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121045038082

Other Kia Spectra model years

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003 2002 2001

2004 Kia Spectra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Kia Spectra have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2004 Kia Spectra. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Spectra?

Based on 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Kia Spectra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Kia Spectra at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2004 Kia Spectra worth?

Comparable 2004 Kia Spectra listings run roughly $600–$2,300, typically around $1,359 (from 32 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.