2009 Kia Spectra Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Kia Spectra.

2008newer >
Complaints
152
Crashes
29
Fires
1
Injuries
18
Fatalities
2
Recalls
0

Worst 2009 Kia Spectra Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#171 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:71,715 mi
Crash-related:13
Fires:1
#211 complaints

Seat-Related Issues

Avg mileage:76,957 mi
#310 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:58,200 mi
Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Kia Spectra.

Airbags
71
complaints
Crashes
13
Fires
1
Avg Miles
71,715
Seat-Related Issues
11
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
76,957
Electrical Faults
10
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
58,200
Seat Belt Issues
9
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
50,833
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
85,333
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
79,750
Air Bags:Frontal
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Side/Window
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Kia Spectra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Kia Spectra Years

2009 Kia Spectra — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2009 Kia Spectra reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2009 Kia Spectra has 152 NHTSA complaints, 29 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Airbags with 71 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2009 Kia Spectra?
Top reported problems: Airbags (71 complaints, avg 71,715 mi); Seat-Related Issues (11 complaints, avg 76,957 mi); Electrical Faults (10 complaints, avg 58,200 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Kia Spectra?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 70,433 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2009 Kia Spectra?
NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Kia Spectra include 29 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 18 injuries, and 2 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2009 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 2009 Kia Spectra as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 2009 Kia Spectra?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Kia Spectra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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