1.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
111,000 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Kia Spectra brakes problems

brakes problem

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2003 Kia Spectra Owner Comments

problem #4

Oct 172016

Spectra

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I noticed brake fluid underneath my car one day and checked my level to find that there was basically no brake fluid in the reservoir. Turns out it's the brake proportioning valve. After looking online it seems like this is a trend and has caused accidents previously. The mechanic was surprised that this was indeed the problem after calling and then getting the car repaired. The leak came on suddenly and was fairly sever requiring that I add brake fluid after every short drive. If I hadn't noticed this problem I likely would have ended up rear-ending someone or worse. It also seems to be prevalent amongst the 2000-2005 models.

- Pullman, WA, USA

problem #3

Jan 012013

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
At my cost I had to replace the brake proportioning valve which was causing a brake fluid leak. Apparently this is a common dangerous situation. Please create a recall before someone's brakes completely fail in traffic.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #2

Dec 192012

Spectra

  • 178,000 miles
The brake fluid proportioning valve is leaking for no reason. Not a serviceable part. Must be replaced. Not a wear and tear part either. Very common issue with 2002 and 2003 research stated. Thanks.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #1

May 012010

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 86,000 miles
My brake light went on ( thought it was parking brake stuck or brake maintenance time ), after spending over $400 to get everything replaced.... it was discovered that my proportioning valve went bad ! leaking brake fluid ( had to replace every other day ). why is there no recall ?

- Springfield, OH, USA

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