Kia Spectra

Test details:

The Kia Spectra was redesigned during the 2004 model year. (The old design was produced through November 2003; these cars are also designated as 2004 models.) All 2004 Spectra models manufactured after November 2003 are the redesigned cars (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door).

The Institute evaluated a 2004 Spectra manufactured after November 2003. Forces on the head and neck were high, leading to a marginal head/neck injury rating. This rating, along with acceptable or marginal ratings for the chest and both legs, contributed to a poor overall rating. In response, Kia reduced the size of the driver airbag vent holes to lessen the injury forces occurring on the head and neck. Cars manufactured after January 2005 are equipped with the new airbag design.

The evaluation of the Spectra below is based on the test of the 2004 model. Because no structural changes were made, the structure rating is based on tests of both the 2004 and 2005 models.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement wasn’t well controlled. The dummy's head bottomed out the airbag and hit the steering wheel. During rebound, the dummy's head moved partway out the open side window and hit the B-pillar.

Injury measures — High head accelerations occurred when the dummy's head hit both the steering wheel through the airbag and the B-pillar, indicating the possibility of head injuries. Forces on the neck, chest, and both tibias indicate the possibility of neck, chest, and lower leg injuries.