KnownCarProblems2009 Kia Spectra Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 114 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Kia Spectra, most often about the air bags (67% of complaints, typically around 71,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Spectra model year since 2000.
Most common 2009 Kia Spectra problems
Air bags
76 complaints · 67%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Spectra. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH he was involved in a head on collision and the air bags did not deploy. There was a strong burning odor coming from the air bags. The vehicle was destroyed. Both the manufacture and the dealer have not been notified. The approximate failure…
My airbag light had been flashing off and on intermittently, and I had thought that it was when there was no weight in the passenger seat to activate it. At some point after that, it stopped flashing and was on constantly. I brought my car in for its yearly inspection and it was not passed due to the fact that my air…
Seats
11 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 74,000 miles.
The airbag warning light came on. Took the car to morrie's minnetonka Kia dealer. They diagnosed the ocr seat mat failed causing the airbag system to become inoperative. Quoted $1,941.02 for repair needing a replacement seat cushion assembly par ki88202-2f703390. The seat ocr failure should not disable the entire…
My airbag light had been flashing off and on intermittently, and I had thought that it was when there was no weight in the passenger seat to activate it. At some point after that, it stopped flashing and was on constantly. I brought my car in for its yearly inspection and it was not passed due to the fact that my air…
Electrical
10 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 56,500 miles.
My vehicle has had multiple problems over a 4 to 5 month period to start around the start my passenger side door handle broke, next my seat belt sensor shorted out, after that my air bag light came on after taking it in to the dealer I was informed I had not only faulty wiring in my vehicle but that my passenger side…
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the engine failed to start after several attempts. The battery was jump started in order for the engine to operate. The failure recurred intermittently which required the battery to be recharged each time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where…
Seat belts
9 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Spectra. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed the front drivers side seat belt would lock when it was buckled; however, the seat belt warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing who stated the seat…
I own a Kia Spectra 2009 at the beginning of the month the airbag light on the dash came on and stays on. The airbag light that is in the center console for the passenger seat (which indicates if on/off) is not working at all. Called Kia and spoke with a representative and was told because of the mileage the warranty…
Engine
8 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles.
I was visiting my fiance in utah when a tan car hit my driver's side front end. We both were put into a spin and he hit me a secondary time. My car has since been totaled out and labeled as beyond salvage. The entire front end is missing and there is sever engine damage. The auto body shop and my insurance company…
While unoccupied vehicle with automatic transmission rolled forward several yards in parking lot on very slight grade though transmission was in "park," engine was not running, ignition was turned to "off," ignition key removed, and all doors were locked. Vehicle was driven into parking space and was last in "drive"…
Brakes
6 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 88,000 miles.
I purchased the vehicle in 2011. Since then once in awhile when I stop my car at a light or a stop sign, the car moves forward even after I step on the brake. I then have to quickly put the brake on and turn the car off or else I'm a hit someone was in front of me. I have taken it to the dealer and I'm told that I…
When I applied the brake, the car sped up and lurched forward hitting the vehicle ahead of me which was stopped at a traffic light; I had a mechanic inspect it, he said it was the brake calipers and replaced the calipers, and rotors, and the problem has continued to occur..have had it back to the mechanic 3 times and…
Speed control
6 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 85,500 miles.
While driving the accelerator stuck, causing the car to start speeding , I applied the pedal brakes the engine continued racing, the car continued rolling it wound not stop. I managed to shut off the engine which then stopped the car.I restarted the car, started driving again the engine started racing and the car…
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…
Body and structure
5 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 68,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
While pulling my car out of a parking space, I drove forward at a low speed and heard a swooshing sound of water from behind the dashboard near the glove box area. As I continued to drive my car for a period of time, the sound became worse. I took my car to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnostic testing. The…
My daughter owns a 2009 Kia Spectra a friend getting in the rear seat tried to open the door and the outside handle broke-off. About 6 months later the front inside driver-side door handle stop working. About 1 year later on jan-31-2014 the front out-side drivers-side handle broke-off. Now no way to with no way to…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2009 Kia Spectra recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Occupant classification system
Summary
The subject vehicle population is my 2007-2009 kia spectra vehicles.consumers report that the SRS (air bag) warning light is illuminated in their vehicle.the focus of the investigation was the failure of the front seat passenger occupant classification system (ocs) sensor mat.this sensor mat is embedded in the front passenger seat cushion and is intended to detect child seats and small statured occupants who could be harmed by deployment of the passenger frontal air bag.the ocs may develop a failure due to an open circuit in the sensor mat caused by the mat cracking during use.an open circuit in the ocs sensor mat is detected as a fault in the system by the air bag diagnostic. A trouble code
Questions about the 2009 Kia Spectra
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Spectra?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (76 complaints, typically around 71,000 miles); seats (11 complaints, typically around 74,000 miles); electrical (10 complaints, typically around 56,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Spectra have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Kia Spectra. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2009 a bad year for the Kia Spectra?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Spectra model year since 2000, with 114 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.