There are no safety recalls for the 2009 Kia Spectra, but owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA.
2009 Kia Spectra problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Air Bags | 78 | |
| Seats | 11 | |
| Electrical System | 10 | |
| Seat Belts | 9 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Engine | 5 | |
| Structure | 5 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 4
- Structure › Body — 3
- Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
- Structure › Body › Door — 1
- Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2009 Kia Spectra complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Air Bags · reported Feb 25, 2020
The airbag light is on and we think the OCS sensor mat is bad. Kia has an extended warranty for vehicles between the years of 2006-2009 to have a OCS sensor mat replaced for free for a period of 15 years regardless of mileage.
Air Bags · at 120,000 miles · reported Sep 9, 2019
Airbag warning light is always on even if seat is occupied. In addition the airbag "off" message was displayed next to the clock and is always in the 'off', position. Both lights remain in that condition whether the vehicle is stationary mode (In park) or driving in motion. A safety inspection showed a b1448 code.
Wheels · at 139,000 miles · reported Aug 22, 2019
On december 18, 2018, I had a tire separate. These tires were purchased from long tire company in titusville, florida on june 15, 1916 (See attached documentation of the purchase). The tire was fully covered by warranty at that time, and I only paid to have a new one installed (See attached documentation of my paying long tire company for the the installation on december 12, 2018). This past week, august 15-22, 2019, two more tires separated (See attached documentation). This was observed by schlenker auto (See attached). The tires are hercules tour 4.0 plus 195/60 r15 (Also contains numbers…
Seat Belts · reported May 31, 2019
Driver's seatbelt often fails to lock in and pops open mid-drive. It is often not apparent that the belt hasn't locked until it pops open. This would be especially dangerous in an accident.
Service Brakes · at 88,000 miles · reported May 17, 2019
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 have to bring it there when it's happening. This is happened a few times since 2011. It always happened when I would step on the brake at a stop light or a stop sign when my car should be motionless however it would keep going even though I stepped on the brake. I have not kept track…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2009 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2009 Kia Spectra as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Kia Spectra?
Owners report air bags problems most often (78 reports), followed by seats (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.