2009 Kia Spectra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Kia Spectra carries a complaint index of 100, the highest among the five model years with data, and ranks worst overall. It earns an Avoid verdict, driven mainly by 76 airbag complaints (67% of all complaints) involving 15 crashes.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 5 Spectra years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 114
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 23.5 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 2
Top 2009 Kia Spectra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags76 (67%)
- Structure & Body16 (14%)
- Engine14 (12%)
- Electrical System12 (11%)
- Seat Belts9 (8%)
- Brakes6 (5%)
- Fuel System4 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (4%)
- Other3 (3%)
- Steering3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy in frontal and side-impact crashes, sometimes at low speeds around 25 mph, leaving occupants with serious injuries.
- Some owners report a burning odor from the airbag system after a crash where the airbags did not fire.
- Seat belts have failed to lock during collisions at the same time airbags failed to deploy.
- Engine-related complaints describe repeated stalling shortly after purchase, in one case five times.
- Brake pedals reportedly go soft mid-stop, requiring extra pedal travel before the ABS engages, and rotors/calipers have been found badly worn or scorched during routine service.
- Owners report a vehicle that lurched forward when the brake was applied, causing a collision with the car ahead.
2009 Kia Spectra recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Kia Spectra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Spectra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Kia Spectra reliable?
- NHTSA complaint data ranks the 2009 Spectra worst among the five model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict. Airbags are the dominant problem area, accounting for 67% of complaints.
- What is the main problem with the 2009 Kia Spectra?
- Airbags are the top problem area, with 76 complaints (67% share) and 15 crashes, at a median failure mileage of 71,000 miles. Many owners describe airbags failing to deploy in collisions.
- Does the 2009 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Spectra, unlike the 2005, 2006, and 2007 model years, which had one or two each.
- How does the 2009 Spectra compare to other Spectra years?
- The 2009 model has a complaint index of 100, higher than 2008 (75), 2007 (50), 2006 (25), and 2005 (0), making it the worst-ranked year of the five tracked.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Kia Spectra?
- EPA rates the 2009 Spectra at 26.5 mpg combined (23.5 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,450.