MYRModel Year Report

2009 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2009 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:54.014Z

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
114
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

68% 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 2009: 114 complaints 2009 114
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 2009: 114 complaints 2009 114
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 2009: 114 complaints 2009 114

2009: 114 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

68% · 78 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Letter from senator roberts re: inquiry on behalf of constitute in regards to her mother's 2009 Kia Spectra airbags deployed too much force and injured her mother. *as see also ODI 11109673.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-04

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Kia Spectra. While driving 30 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into two fences, four tombstones, and a stone pillar in a cemetery.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-16

My mother rear ended another car on 3-6-18. My mom, [xxx], died 3-13-18 from injuries inflicted by an airbag deploying. It broke all her facial bones including her jaw.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-05

Seats

10% · 11 reports

Electrical system

9% · 10 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Kia Spectra. While driving 50 MPH, the contact rear-ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt did not lock. There were no injuries and a police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-05-26

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling and power train

I am having a problem with my hazard turning signal lights it won't turn on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-20

Seat belts

8% · 9 reports
CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

5% · 6 reports

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

2009 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 78 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 10 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 2009 Kia Spectra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Kia Spectra is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Spectra?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 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.