MYRModel Year Report

2008 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2008 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:31.437Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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
120
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

51% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2008: 120 complaints 2008 120 2009: 114 complaints
2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2001 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2007 2008: 120 complaints 2008 120 2009: 114 complaints 2009
2000: 23 complaints 2000 2001: 40 complaints 2001 2002: 92 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2003 2004: 71 complaints 2004 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 100 complaints 2006 2007: 152 complaints 2007 2008: 120 complaints 2008 120 2009: 114 complaints 2009

2008: 120 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200023
200140
200292
200390
200471
2005103
2006100
2007152
2008120
2009114

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

51% · 61 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Kia Spectra.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-13

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. The contact was driving 40 MPH and crashed into a deer. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries and a police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-05

Vehicle hit from rear at high rate of speed and pushed into vehicle to drivers side and vehicle in front. Fire dept at scene said the vehicle was impacted where airbag sensor is and should have gone off. No airbags went off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-06

Vehicle speed control

13% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

After starting car, for first 15-20 mins, all normal. After speedometer go erratic (showing slower than actual speed - or - higher than actual speed) and soon after it just stops working. No check engine light.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-15

Electrical system

12% · 14 reports
FIRE

Engine

8% · 10 reports
CRASH

Seat belts

7% · 8 reports
CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2015-09-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2016-02-11 Occupant Classification System

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 61 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

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Best years1 year

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 2008 Kia Spectra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Kia Spectra is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Spectra?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Spectra have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

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