MYRModel Year Report

2009 Kia Spectra

● Typical for this model
2009 Kia Spectra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:03:45.997Z

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, 2009 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
2009: 114 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200023
200140
200292
200390
200471
2005103
2006100
2007152
2008120
2009114

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 62%

62% of complaints: air bags — 71 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
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, 20181204

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, 20180716

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, 20180705

SEATS 10%

10% of complaints: seats — 11 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

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, 20090526

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20231120

SEAT BELTS 8%

8% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20150901 — PE (closed 20160211)

Occupant Classification System

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2009 Kia Spectra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (71 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2004 ● 2003

WORST YEARS

◆ 2007 ● 2008 ● 2005

See all years ranked →

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 62% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Spectra have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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