Is the 2009 Kia Borrego reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Borrego?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Borrego have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Kia Borrego

○ Not enough data

2009 Kia Borrego
RENDERED 2026-10-31T16:57:31.985Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 88
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2009: 88 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	2
2009	88
2010	2
2011	0
2012	0
2013	0
2014	0
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

18% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Borrego EX. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, while driving into her driveway, the vehicle inadvertently applied the brakes, bringing it to a sudden stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-06-13

Power train

18% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Electrical system

17% · 15 reports

Seat belts

13% · 11 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Borrego. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the front passengerâs and the front driverâs side seat belts unlatched independently without warning. The contact latched the seat belts, but the failure persisted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-07

Steering

10% · 9 reports

Show complaint excerpts

My brand new 2009 Borrego pulls to right and I should keep steering wheel to left side when I want to drive it straight forward. The dealership mechanics attempted to fix it five times but failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-09-18

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2012-06-15Service brakes, hydraulic12V245000 Kia is recalling certain model year 2009 Borrego vehicles, manufactured from May 2, 2008, through January 20, 2009, equipped with non-adjustable brake pedals. Certain pedal mounts may have a…

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal mount, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2012. Owners may contact Kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year…

Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-11-30Structure23V692000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Borrego vehicles. The headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 30, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC286.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Kia Borrego — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 16 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V245000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 23V692000 · Structure

FAQ

Is the 2009 Kia Borrego reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Borrego?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Borrego have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.