Good NHTSA and Poor IIHS Kia Spectra Ratings Raises Questions about Crash Test Methods

Kia to Meet with IIHS to Evaluate Test Results and Discuss Potential Upgrades to Spectra

The Arlington, Virginia-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently reported that the Kia Spectra fared worst

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently reported that the Kia Spectra fared worst in the compact car segment after a series of frontal offset crash tests. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

among five compact car entries, which included the best rated Mazda3, well rated Hyundai Elantra and acceptably ranked Suzuki Forenza (Chevrolet Optra) and Saturn ION, after a series of frontal offset crash tests.

Of interest, the Hyundai Elantra, which shares general architecture with the Spectra, earned a good overall rating, yet only after three tests revealed two design problems that led to recalls.

"The Kia Spectra's poor performance was a surprise," said IIHS chief operating officer Adrian Lund. "Most manufacturers have figured out how to design vehicles to do a

The Spectra is the first vehicle the IIHS has given a poor frontal crash rating to since 2001. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

good job of protecting people in frontal crashes. Kia lags behind its competitors."

Making the wound smart even more acutely is the fact that the Spectra is the first vehicle the IIHS has given a poor frontal crash rating to since 2001.

But how did this occur? After all, the Spectra received extremely high crash test marks from the leading U.S. automotive safety organization, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), giving Kia's compact a 4-star rating, out of a potential 5-stars, for frontal impact performance after the car underwent its rigorous NCAP test program.