MYRModel Year Report

2008 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2008 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:03:52.052Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Spectra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 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 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

AIR BAGS 45%

45% of complaints: air bags — 54 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPECTRA.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200213

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, 20130905

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, 20121206

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12%

12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20240715

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE 8%

8% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
SEAT BELTS 7%

7% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALER TESTED THE AIR BAG SENSOR BY PLACING A 200 LBS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20090403

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20150901 — PE (closed 20160211)

Occupant Classification System

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (54 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2004 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

◆ 2007 ● 2009 ● 2005

See all years ranked →

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 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Spectra have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.