Kia Spectra fire or smoke problems

Filed Oct 16, 2020 · Fuel system · 96,000 miles · MO · crash · fire · 1 injury

After a minor accident where the car went in the ditch off the road the car caught fire and became rapidly engulfed in flames. What should have been a minor accident turned into a near fatality because of an aggressive fire. The driver had a medical emergency when pulling out of the driveway. The car crossed the road and entered the ditch directly across the driveway entrance. This should have been a walk away accident with minor or no damage to the car, but it burst into flames. The driver was able to get out of the car before burning to death and thankfully there were no other passengers. We had the car only a few weeks and do not have any knowledge of recalls being repaired.

Filed Feb 18, 2019 · Fuel system · KY

My car is leaking gas on the passenger side underneath the car I also have gas fumes in my car too, I am losing a lot of gas in my car.I have strangers pointing out that my car is leaking gas and the smell of gas when I park my car in a public parking lot when I do shopping, I fear that my car will go up in flames and I have my children ride in the car and complain about the fumes of gas I see that there was the same recalls on 2004 kia spectra. Mine is is a 2003 which I having the exact problems with a gas leak . I need this to be on a recall list to get repair asap , for the safety of me and my kids.

Filed Jun 24, 2016 · Acceleration · 86,000 miles · PA

The car was in motion on a city street. When the brakes were applied, the car did not stop but continued accelerating. At this time you could hear the engine making a revving sound. Had to press extremely hard on the brake pedal and then put the car in park in order to get it to a stop. There was a burning smell. We were almost in the middle of a busy intersection when the car finally stopped. This has occurred in the past also. When we take it to the dealer, they hook it to a computer and each time they tell us that no codes come up and they do not see a problem. We are fearful to put ourselves in this car.

Filed Aug 17, 2015 · Electrical · 67,500 miles · OK · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 kia spectra. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal noise and suddenly there was smoke inside of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire and a police report were filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,500. According to the letter from the consumer's lawyer, the vehicle was destroyed by an electrical fire arising under the dashboard, apparently from the blower/ventilation system. Updated 09/14/15. *jb ma 10/5 status updated 11/19/15.*jb the consumer stated the manufacturer denied any liability. They blamed the fire on a past incident, where the vehicle was filled with too much oil. Updated 04/25/16.*jb

Filed May 27, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 92,600 miles · SC · fire

2001 kia spectra 1.9 lt engine [yes, some models were made with this size engine.] car was parked in drive way just after midnight. Neighbors called fire department at 2:30 am. Car was not running. Fire chief found no external source of ignition. Fire chief says engine caught on fire, fire traveled down fuel lines to gas tank. Entire car burned. Car is totaled. Fire chief cannot say if there was an electrical, wiring or what type of problem in engine. Bought car new in oct 2001, one owner car. Please advise if any other owners have had similar issue with this or any other kia models.

Filed Nov 17, 2013 · Driver assistance · 92,000 miles · TX · fire

Drove car aprox.15 miles, pull the car up to a store, turned off the car and went inside. Next thing someone came up to me and said the car was on fire. The fire was under the hood of the car near the battery. Tried to open the hood, cable was melted and the hood would not open. Tried to put the fire out with help with 4 fire extinguishers, could not contain the fire. Fire department finally got to the scene and put the fire out. Fire department had to cut part of the hood off to contain the fire.

Filed Jul 16, 2013 · Electrical · 119,767 miles · OH

Owner noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood while driving, vehicle quit moving and would not restart. Upon inspection, the ign 2 30 amp fusible link located in the engine compartment fuse box was blown and the starter solenoid, located on the starter, was melted. It was discovered that there was no factory circuit protection between the battery and the starter solenoid. It is speculated that the ignition switch became stuck in the start position and melted the starter solenoid due to continuous starter operation after the initial start until melting and smoke occurred. While there was no fire this time, the absence of circuit protection on this circuit poses a serious risk because this wire runs from the battery, over the transmission, and up behind the engine, ultimately to the starter solenoid. There are many places where this wire could rub and wear off the insulation over time, causing a short to ground directly to the battery with no circuit protection.

Filed Jan 21, 2013 · Fuel system · 31,404 miles · NC

There's a problem with the gas tank on my aunt's 2007 kia spectra. After filling the tank with fuel, the car stalls and cuts off. She took the car to kia and paid to have it fixed. However, it has happened three times since. She was told to be sure not to top off the fuel. She has never topped off or over filled. Yet it still happens. She has been fortunate to this point because it hasn't stalled when she's been on a freeway or in heavy traffic. We understand that the car could have caught on fire. Please look into this matter.

Filed Mar 27, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 76,000 miles · IN · fire

Car just caught on fire while driving. No caution lights came on. Fire started around the back tire of car, passenger rear. Possibly trunk. Have photos. Smoke quickly entered back seat area with only moments to stop and jump out before it went up in smoke.

Filed Jul 14, 2011 · Fuel system · 71,000 miles · TN

I was pumping gas into my 2006 kia spectra and heard a metal pop and thought someone ran over something. As I was driving I was hearing something drag under my car. When I pulled over it turned out to be the gas tank strap was super rusted and had busted. The other is rusted too. So I look online to find replacement straps and find a recall (the federal safety agency campaign no : 11v256000) detailing that the gas tank straps are liable to rust and come off if they were in any northern states which use heavy amounts of road salt. So I call kia and they say my model though it is a 2006 kia spectra is not eligible for the replacement. I ask for case to be opened. After them telling me to go get a diagnostic from dealership and 6 days later they decline me for any more consideration. So I have a car with one broken gas tank strap and other is just as rusted and the gas tank could fall off and catch on fire causing me and/or other people behind me to catch fire. If this isn't a safety hazard I don't know what is. The gas tank straps should have gotten so rusty for such a new car. I'm in tennessee and the car had an owner in wisconsin who put the most miles on it.