Model year guide

2007 Kia Spectra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2007 Kia Spectra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 78 on record.

2007 Kia Spectra — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2007 Kia Spectra at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints162
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$2,722

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

2007 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.

2007 Kia Spectra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 162 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.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2007 Kia Spectra safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2007 Kia Spectra 5-DR w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2007 Kia Spectra MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,350

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

What's a 2007 Kia Spectra worth?

Low
$1,300
Typical price
$2,722
High
$4,500

From 76 comparable 2007 Kia Spectra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2007 Kia Spectra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,650
Total$13,400
Per mile$0.18

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 ($2,722) with the same model 5 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.

2007 Kia Spectra trims & engines on record

Trims
EX · LX · Spectra5 SX · SX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl · 2.0L

2007 Kia Spectra vehicles on record

Other Kia Spectra model years

2007 Kia Spectra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2007 Kia Spectra have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2007 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 2007 Kia Spectra?

Based on 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine, fuel/propulsion system.

What is the 2007 Kia Spectra safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2007 Kia Spectra crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2007 Kia Spectra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2007 Kia Spectra at about 26 mpg combined (23 city / 31 highway).

How much is a 2007 Kia Spectra worth?

Comparable 2007 Kia Spectra listings run roughly $1,300–$4,500, typically around $2,722 (from 76 vehicles).

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