Model year guide

2005 Kia Spectra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Kia Spectra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 51 on record.

2005 Kia Spectra — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Kia Spectra at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints103
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$2,067

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

2005 Kia Spectra recalls 2

Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly NHTSA Campaign #05V183000 · 28/04/2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STEERING TIE RODS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT AFFECTS THE METALLURGY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY, WHICH INCLUDES THE TIE ROD COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON APRIL 8, 2005. AN ADDITIONAL LETTER WAS SENT TO OWNERS WHO HAD NOT TAKEN THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. THIS LETTER WAS MAILED MAY 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONT…

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.

2005 Kia Spectra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 103 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.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2005 Kia Spectra MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,450

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

What's a 2005 Kia Spectra worth?

Low
$750
Typical price
$2,067
High
$3,100

From 51 comparable 2005 Kia Spectra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Kia Spectra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,700
Total$13,950
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,067) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,050), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Kia Spectra trims & engines on record

Trims
Spectra5 · EX · LX · LD Project · SX
Engines
2.0L

2005 Kia Spectra vehicles on record

2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE122X55204618 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161955132330 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121355146794 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161755124520 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121855102094 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121755118755 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161355067717 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161655171165 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121955140692 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121X55122184 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121155145689 2005 Kia Spectra SXKNAFE121655159605 2005 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121755029090 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161555148539 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE121X55149563 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161855110111 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121655090253 2005 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121555159420 2005 Kia Spectra LXKNAFE122155204667 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161855107936 2005 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121255154448 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161355108671 2005 Kia Spectra EXKNAFE121655114499 2005 Kia Spectra 2005 Kia Spectra Spectra5KNAFE161855128530

Other Kia Spectra model years

2009 2008 2007 2006 2004 2003 2002 2001

2005 Kia Spectra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Kia Spectra have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2005 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 2005 Kia Spectra?

Based on 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, seats, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Kia Spectra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Kia Spectra at about 25 mpg combined (22 city / 31 highway).

How much is a 2005 Kia Spectra worth?

Comparable 2005 Kia Spectra listings run roughly $750–$3,100, typically around $2,067 (from 51 vehicles).

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