If you have a broken door handle on a 2005-2009 Kia Spectra, a new one can be installed.
This is a common problem for Kia with many broken door latches.
A handy DIY type of person can replace a broken door handle.
It does require removing the indoor panel and the wires that connect to it and work in a tight space in the door.
The rear outside door handles is harder compared to the front handles.
Recently I had an outside door handle on the passenger side break off on a 2006 Kia Spectra and need to be replaced.
Below are the steps I used to replace it.
Tools and Parts Needed
- New Door Handle
- 10mm socket with extension and ratchet.
- Philips Screwdriver
- Flathead Screwdriver
The first step is to order a new door handle.
Each handle is different such as passenger side rear or fount along with driver-side handles.
Amazon all the different handles listed, making them easy to order.
The good news is they are low-cost items.
Note: The same outside handles fit the 2005-2009 Spectra sedan and the 2005-2009 Spectra5 hatchback.
Kia part numbers are 82650-2F000 front left, 82660-2F000 front right, 83650-2F000 rear left and 83660-2F000 rear right.
Dorman sells them as 80753 front left, 80752 front right, 83583 rear left and 83584 rear right.
Note: Most replacement handles come in smooth black and can be painted to match the car.
*This site contains affiliate links for which a commission earned.
Example Door Handle on Amazon (Paid Affiliate Link)
Depo 323-50007-101 Front Passenger Side Exterior Door Handle
Available Here on Amazon
How To Replace a Door Handle on a (2005-2008) Kia Spectra
- Remove the inside door panel.
- Remove the left side bolt (10mm). Sometimes the window needs to be rolled down 1-2 inches.
- Remove the right side bolt (10mm).
- Remove any broken pieces so the new handle can go into place.
- Insert the front part of the new handle. There is a clip on the front that needs attached to the inside.
- Tighten the bolt on the inside finger-tight.
- The back side of the door handle has a black clip that goes around the inside white plastic.
- Align the small plastic lock section.
- Align the hole for the bolt to go in.
- Insert and tighten the bolt.
- Tighten the other bolt.
- Test the handle.
- Reinsert the inside door panel.
Note: A plastic trim tool pops the door panel clips loose without breaking them.
Peel back the plastic vapor barrier only as far as needed and press it back down before the panel goes on.
Note: The driver front handle has the key lock and the old lock cylinder moves over to the new handle.
Summary
Replacing a door handle on a 2005-2009 Kia Spectra can be done by a handy DIY type person.
The plastic pieces can be a pain to get together, so be sure to take your time and go slow.
The front part goes in first followed by the rear section.
The handle has two clips on the front and the back that attach around the inside plastic section.
I replaced the Driver’s side front door handle on a 2007 Kia Spectra, but the handle seems to poke out a bit when you pull it open. It seems like it didn’t quite “lock on” or “clip in” correctly. The handle seems to have a ridge that a white plastic part is supposed to “fall” into. The door opens but the handle seems to stay a bit out. Any feedback would help if someone’s sees this, thanks.