2008 Kia SPECTRA5
Only 16 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2008: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 18 |
| 2007 | 10 |
| 2008 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
11 of 16 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
I was in a car accident on June 19, 2017. A vehicle hit my Kia at a speed of 30 - 40 MPH in the front driver's wheel base. None of the airbags deployed. I was making a left turn out of a shopping center, moving less than 10 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-25
Driving alone on highway at approximately 55MPH after dark. Hit a cow causing approximately $7,000 damage to Kia SPECTRA5 vehicle front end body, bumper, etc. Airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-30
Also filed under Structure
Purchased a 2008 Kia spectra 5 in 2009. For 3 years it was a good commuter car. Then weird things started happening out of the blue. First, the car wouldn't allow us access by use of the key fob. It would unlock then lock.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-12
Also filed under Electrical system
Vehicle speed control
2 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
There is absolutely no anti slip resistance on the pedals at all. There has been numerous of times, where my mother or my foot would slip off the brake onto the gas causing us to move forward towards the object in front of us.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-20
Seats
2 of 16 total reports mention: seats.
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 16 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Electrical system
2 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Kia SPECTRA5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2008 Kia SPECTRA5 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 2008 Kia SPECTRA5?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Kia SPECTRA5 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.