Recall 11V256 affects 58,322 2004-2007 Kia Spectra vehicles for corroded fuel tank straps. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 58,322 2004-2007 Spectra vehicles originally sold or registered in states where road salt exposure can corrode the fuel tank straps. If one or both straps separate, the fuel tank can fall and leak fuel, creating a fire hazard; the Kia dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel tank straps on 2004-2007 Kia Spectra vehicles are metal bands that hold the fuel tank tight against the underside of the car. They keep the tank in position over bumps and road vibration, so the tank does not carry its own weight unsupported.
On affected Spectras, prolonged exposure to road salt can corrode those straps. As the metal weakens, one or both straps can separate from the mounting points. When that happens, the fuel tank can drop far enough to contact the ground, which can damage the tank itself.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the straps sit under the vehicle, corrosion is not easy to see during normal use, and an owner is unlikely to notice a change until a strap has already separated.
Who's affected?
All included model years involve the same fuel-system tank-mounting component.
| 2007 Kia Spectra | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2005 Kia Spectra | fuel system |
| 2004 Kia Spectra | fuel system |
| 2006 Kia Spectra | fuel system |
| Units affected | 58,322 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel tank that falls and strikes the ground can leak fuel and create a fire hazard. Confirm your VIN and schedule the recall repair soon if included. Repair will be free at any franchised Kia dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2007 Kia Spectra is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to ask whether the free fuel-tank-strap replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V256 when you call Kia or the dealer.
- Schedule the fuel-tank-strap and attaching-hardware replacement that secures the tank against road-salt corrosion.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one, plus any service records tied to fuel tank strap repairs.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the fuel tank straps and the attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts. Those straps hold the tank in place, so the repair focuses on removing corroded hardware and installing parts designed to resist road salt corrosion. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that the fuel tank strap recall is open for your VIN before the appointment.
Timeline
| April 25, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V256?
Recall 11V256 covers 58,322 2004-2007 Kia Spectra vehicles with fuel tank straps that can corrode after road-salt exposure. If the straps separate, the fuel tank can contact the ground and leak fuel. Kia dealers replace the straps and attaching hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2007 Kia Spectra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Spectra is included in recall 11V256. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer and ask for the fuel tank strap and hardware replacement. Reference recall number 11V256 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kia's remedy states that dealers replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware free of charge. The service is handled through a franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a fuel leak and fire hazard. On affected Spectra vehicles, corroded fuel tank straps can separate, letting the fuel tank fall low enough to strike the ground. Kia's free repair replaces the straps and hardware with zinc coated parts.
What if I bought my Kia Spectra used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Spectra is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall number 11V256 when scheduling the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V256000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V256 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V256000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →