Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2009 Kia SPECTRA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

114 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

71,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data updated: . 93 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 71 of 114 complaints (62.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1311.4%
Electrical and battery issues54.4%
Transmission and shifting32.6%
Engine operation21.8%
Steering behavior21.8%
Fuel system concerns10.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
71
Seats
11
Electrical System
10
Seat Belts
9
Vehicle Speed Control
6
Engine
5
Air Bags:Frontal
4
Fuel/Propulsion System
4
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags71
Seats11
Electrical System10
Seat Belts9
Vehicle Speed Control6
Engine5
Air Bags:Frontal4
Fuel/Propulsion System4

Air Bags: 71; Seats: 11; Electrical System: 10; Seat Belts: 9; Vehicle Speed Control: 6; Engine: 5; Air Bags:Frontal: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
13
25,000 to 49,999
13
50,000 to 74,999
24
75,000 to 99,999
25
100,000 to 149,999
15
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00013
25,000 to 49,99913
50,000 to 74,99924
75,000 to 99,99925
100,000 to 149,99915
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 13; 25,000 to 49,999: 13; 50,000 to 74,999: 24; 75,000 to 99,999: 25; 100,000 to 149,999: 15; 150,000 and above: 3

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (25). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2009
3
2010
8
2011
6
2012
4
2013
8
2014
21
2015
24
2016
21
2017
5
2018
6
2019
5
2020
1
2021
1
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20093
20108
20116
20124
20138
201421
201524
201621
20175
20186
20195
20201
20211
20231

2009: 3; 2010: 8; 2011: 6; 2012: 4; 2013: 8; 2014: 21; 2015: 24; 2016: 21; 2017: 5; 2018: 6; 2019: 5; 2020: 1; 2021: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 13 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10269983 · 2009-05-26 (May 26, 2009)

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10284929 · 2009-09-22 (September 22, 2009)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA EX/LX/SX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO SECURE HER IN THE SEAT. AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE UPPER AND LOWER PART OF HER BODY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. SHE HAS A COPY OF INDIANA POLICE REPORT 09022263. SHE FILED COMPLAINT NUMBER K1645446 WITH THE MANUFACTURER. PICTURES OF THE FAILURE ARE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND C…

Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10284929 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10290344 · 2009-10-30 (October 30, 2009)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SHE REACHED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO GRAB A BABY CUP, WHICH CAUSED HER TO ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE INFANT. SUBSEQUENTLY SHE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,059.

Owner-reported narrative. 22,059 miles reported. Look up ODI 10290344 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10300382 · 2010-01-20 (January 20, 2010)

FRIDAY EVENING BEFORE LAST, MY DAUGHTER (17 YRS OLD AND A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL) WAS RIDING WITH HER FRIEND AND WAS HIT BY A CAR IN THE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER AREA. THE CAR MY DAUGHTER WAS RIDING IN, A 2009 KIA SPECTRA, WAS TOTALED. YET, DESPITE THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK. HENCE, MY DAUGHTER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES, HER NOSE WAS BROKE, SHE RECEIVED BLOOD IN THE VENTRICLES OF THE BRAIN AND SHE IS EXTREMELY SORE, TO SAY THE LEAST. FUNNY THING IS THAT…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10300382 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10313669 · 2010-02-24 (February 24, 2010)

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) WE TALKED WITH THE SALESMAN [XXX] AT MARTIN SWANTY KIA ON 07/24/2009 ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY , HE SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT! SO WE BOUGHT IT. WE WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 08/12/2009 AND TALKED WITH SERVICE PERSONNEL AND WE WERE TOLD TO RETURN WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS OFF SO THEY COULD VERIFY IT! WE WENT TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 09/10/09 WHEN I WAS SITTING IN…

Owner-reported narrative. 142 miles reported. Look up ODI 10313669 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10317743 · 2010-03-08 (March 8, 2010)

2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ON SNOW COVERED STREET, APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL WAS FIRM AND CAR SLOWING, THEN THE PEDAL WENT SOFT AND DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 1-2 INCHES AND THEN FIRMED UP AGAIN. THIS CAUSED THE ABS TO BE APPLIED, CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT AS OTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC DID NOT HAVE STOP SIGN. THIS IS APPROXIMATELY THE 20TH TIME THAT WHEN STOPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS GONE FROM FIRM TO SOFT, WHILE SOFT BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSES 1-2 INCHES, AND THEN FIRMS. THIS CAUSES A DELAY IN THE CAR SLOWING…

Owner-reported narrative. 9,720 miles reported. Look up ODI 10317743 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10323817 · 2010-04-05 (April 5, 2010)

I WAS DRIVING A KIA SPECTRA THAT WAS RENTED FROM ENTERPRISE RENTAL CAR. A CAR RAN A STOP SIGN IN THE RAIN AND I HIT THE CAR. THE CARS COLLIDED AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE, WITH THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE KIA HITTING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL OF THE SUBARU OUTBACK. I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MILES PER HOUR. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE BUMPER OF THE KIA TO BE BROKEN AND PUSHED IN ALL ALONG THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND IT BUCKLED THE HOOD OF THE CAR. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL OF THE SUBARU COLLAPSED INWARD TOWARDS THE CAR AND THE CAR SPUN ABOUT 90 DEGREES ON IMPACT. MY MAI…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10323817 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10326468 · 2010-04-19 (April 19, 2010)

TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED TO THE ON AND OFF POSITION INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT MUST BE POSITIONED PROPERLY BEFORE THE SENSOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATION. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE OR REPAIR THE AIRBAGS. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE HAD BEEN CONTINUOUS SINCE…

Owner-reported narrative. 50 miles reported. Look up ODI 10326468 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

114 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

81.6%Usable mileage93 / 114 records
100.0%Valid incident date114 / 114 records
100.0%Valid filing date114 / 114 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates114 / 114 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2000200120022003200420052006200720082009
Air Bags
417.4%
ODI 10088414 · 1,819 mi

THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEP COMING ON AFTER STARTING THE CAR. FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD IT'S THE CLOCK SPRING,SECOND TIME IT WAS THE AIR BAG MODULE ,THIRD TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CLOCKY SPRING MODULE AGAIN.*AK

Look up ODI 10088414 at NHTSA ↗

410.0%
ODI 10080996 · 58,000 mi

I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION CAUSING MY CAR TO BE SLAMMED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK BROKE. I HAVE RECEIVED A LOWER BACK INJURY, SHOULDER AND ARM INJURY, AND HEAD INJURY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED, SO THERE ARE NO REPAIRS TO BE DONE. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE. THROUGH SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND OTHERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO, (SEAT BACK FAILURE) AND I DO KNOW THERE IS A SUIT PENDING IN THE STATE OF FL. I AM SURE THE MANUFACTURER…

Look up ODI 10080996 at NHTSA ↗

1010.9%
ODI 10020276 · 1,800 mi

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMER AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *NLM PH

Look up ODI 10020276 at NHTSA ↗

55.6%
ODI 10016417 · 45 mi

POSESS A 2003 KIA SPECTRA GT THAT WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. ONLY ONE PERSON IN THE VEHICLE BUT BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AIRBAG BROKE WINDSHIELD AS WELL AS SIDE CASING THAT HELD THE SEAT BELTS IN PLACE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE IN THIS VEHICLE OR ANY VEHICLE FOR THAT MATTER? PIECES OF THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE SHATTERED AND SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED HARM TO ANYONE THEY CONTACTED. PLEASE ADVISE. *JB

Look up ODI 10016417 at NHTSA ↗

1318.3%
ODI 10091094 · 17,000 mi

WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OUR SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAGS FAILED TO WORK. WE WERE BOTH THROWN INTO THE WINDSHEILD . SUFFERED INJURIES TO BACK, HEAD AND NECK. TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL BY EMS. OUR VECICLE 2004 KIA SEPTRA 4 DOOR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB

Look up ODI 10091094 at NHTSA ↗

2423.3%
ODI 10123785 · 3,400 mi

I HAVE ADVANCED AIRBAGS IN MY CAR AND A LIGHT "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF " LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT LETS ME KNOW WHEN THE AIRBAG IS OFF. ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS THE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT HAS ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS STAYED ON FOR UP TO 10 MINUTES. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW AND I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT SEVERAL TIMES AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK IT OUT BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO DO IT. I'M WORRIED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THAT THE…

Look up ODI 10123785 at NHTSA ↗

3838.0%
ODI 10158728 · 223 mi

ON THE AFTERNOON OF THE 25TH DAY OF MAY IN THE YEAR 2006, MY WIFE AND MYSELF WERE DRIVING DOWN I-5 SB TO MAMC FOR HER HOSPITAL APPT. WE WERE THEN INVOLVED IN A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT OFF NEXT TO THE OFF RAMP OF EXIT 123. WE TRIED TO SLOW DOWN IN TIME BEFORE NOTICING THE JUST WRECKED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US AND MY ABS IN MY 2006 KIA SPECTRA SX DID NOT ENGAGE, MY TIRES THEN LOCKED UP AND I SKIDDED AND SLID INTO THE STOPPED VEHICLE. WE HIT THEM DOING APPROX. 35-45 MPH AND SMASHED IN THE FRONT OF OUR CAR. AT THAT TIME MY AIRBAGS (BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENG…

Look up ODI 10158728 at NHTSA ↗

5435.5%
ODI 10197338 · 29,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED IN THE IGNITION. THE DRIVER SUFFERED HEARING LOSS IN THE LEFT EAR, WHIPLASH IN THE NECK, AND A CUT ON THE ARM. THE REAR PASSENGER WAS A NINE YEAR OLD CHILD WHO SUFFERED HEAD INJURIES. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 29,000.

Look up ODI 10197338 at NHTSA ↗

5444.6%
ODI 10249105 · 500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR DOES NOT DIM WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE SENDING A RE-CALIPER SWITCH TO REPAIR THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. TWO WEEKS LATER, NO ONE HAS CALLED THE CONTACT REGARDING THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. UPDATED 12/15/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB

Look up ODI 10249105 at NHTSA ↗

7162.3%
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.5%
ODI 10594233 · 92,600 mi

2001 KIA SPECTRA 1.9 LT ENGINE [YES, SOME MODELS WERE MADE WITH THIS SIZE ENGINE.] CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVE WAY JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT. NEIGHBORS CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT AT 2:30 AM. CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. FIRE CHIEF FOUND NO EXTERNAL SOURCE OF IGNITION. FIRE CHIEF SAYS ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE TRAVELED DOWN FUEL LINES TO GAS TANK. ENTIRE CAR BURNED. CAR IS TOTALED. FIRE CHIEF CANNOT SAY IF THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL, WIRING OR WHAT TYPE OF PROBLEM IN ENGINE. BOUGHT CAR NEW IN OCT 2001, ONE OWNER CAR. PLEASE ADVISE IF ANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR …

Look up ODI 10594233 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 10072691

THE VEHICLE DROPS SERIOUS POWER WHEN THE AC AND RADIO ARE ON. IF I TRY ROLLING WINDOWS DOWN WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT WITH THE AC AND RADIO ON, LOSE MORE POWER.*AK

Look up ODI 10072691 at NHTSA ↗

77.8%
ODI 10064274 · 7,191 mi

THIS LETTER IS BEING WRITTEN AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT (CASE # FHPH040FF003275) INVOLVING MY 2003 KIA SPECTRA GSX AND ANOTHER VEHICLE ON MARCH 6, 2004.*AK THE CRUISE CONTROL CONTINUED TO WORK UNTIL ABOUT 1:00PM ON INTERSTATE 10 WHEN I WAS IN THE SLOW LANE AND DRIVING AT 70 MPH (SPEED LIMIT) WITH THE CRUISE ON. I WAS SLOWLY CATCHING UP TO TWO TRUCKS IN MY LANE, WHEN THE REAR TRUCK STARTED TO PASS THE SLOWER TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. TRAFFIC BEHIND ME WAS CATCHING UP TO ME AT THE SAME TIME AS THE PASSING TRUCK PULLED INTO THE PASSING LANE. I HAD …

Look up ODI 10064274 at NHTSA ↗

68.5%
ODI 10126959

DT: CONSUMER HAS FILED A SAFETY COMPLAINT #6259431 WITH FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. CONCERNING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON SAME ISSUE AS STATED IN ODI #10125427. ALSO, CONSUMER SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER KIA MOTORS. MANUFACTURER SAID SOMEONE WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH CONSUMER WITHIN 3 DAYS. IT HAS BEEN 2 WEEKS AND CONSUMER HAS NOT HEARD ANYTHING. CONSUMER SAID THAT TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR FOR NO REASON. LAST TIME VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER IT WOULD NOT GO VERY FAST, AND THE ENGINE WAS VERY SLUGGISH. CONSUMER SAID THAT I…

Look up ODI 10126959 at NHTSA ↗

87.8%
ODI 10148216 · 52 mi

DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY MADE THE REPAIR WITHOUT DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 52 MILES. AT 14000 MILES THE FAILURE REPEATED AND THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON 1/19/06 THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. *JB

Look up ODI 10148216 at NHTSA ↗

44.0%
ODI 10468049 · 96,000 mi

VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. SUDDENLY WENT TO ZERO. INTERMITTENTLY WORKS. UNABLE TO DETERMINE SPEED OF VEHICLE AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR

Look up ODI 10468049 at NHTSA ↗

159.9%
ODI 10229588

2007 KIA SPECTRA WITH DEFECTIVE AUTO-OFF HEADLAMPS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DIE AND HIM TO NEED A JUMPSTART. HE ALSO STATES THAT THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON PERIODICALLY AND WILL SOMETIMES STAY ON. *KB THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH FAILED, AS WELL AS THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. *JB

Look up ODI 10229588 at NHTSA ↗

1411.6%
ODI 10260020 · 3,000 mi

2008 KIA SPECTRA, THE PARKING LIGHTS COME ON BY THEIR SELF WHEN ITS AROUND 20* OUTSIDE AND WHEN ITS AROUND 80* OUTSIDE THE ALARM WANT SET THE LIGHTS JUST BLANK ON AND OFF. ALSO I HAVE A REALLY BAD RATTLE COMES FROM THE AIR BAGS SO IT SOUND IN THE DASH AND DRIVERS SIDE POST AIR BAG. HAVE TOOK THE CAR IN 3 TIMES AND A WEEK PER TIME, AND SO FAR NOTHING AS BEEN FIXED. *TR

Look up ODI 10260020 at NHTSA ↗

108.8%
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
14.3%
ODI 756194

BRAKES GRINDING/SQUEALING/REDUCED STOPPING POWER (18 MONTHS BEFORE REPLACED BY DEALER) VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN FOOT REMOVED FROM PEDAL AND I WAS FORCED TO RIDE AND COME CLOSE TO LOCKING THE BRAKES BEFORE I HIT A BASE SECURITY GUARD AFTER ARRIVING HOME VEHICLE CONTINUED SURGING WHILE AT IDLE(STILL WAITING ON PARTS/APPOINTMENT FROM DEALER, STILL DRIVING THE CAR WITH THESE BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD ONE OF THEIR RENTAL CARS) ELECTRICAL SHORTS STARTING FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE SPARK PLUGS(DUE TO FAULTY DEALER INSTALLATION OF AUTO START, I HAVE …

Look up ODI 756194 at NHTSA ↗

12.5%
ODI 759164

MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY TO PICK UP OUR SON FROM SCHOOL,WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. AS SHE STEP ON THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP,IT SEEM TO BE ACCELARATING. SHE ALMOST REAR-ENDED A TRUCK, SHE HAD TO RUN A RED LIGHT,THANK GOD THE ROAD BEGAN TO GO UP HILL AND SHE FORCED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AT WHICH TIME VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. SHE IS 8 1/2 MONTH PREGNANT, DEALER CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. WE DO NOT TRUST VEHICLE ANY LONGER. *AK

Look up ODI 759164 at NHTSA ↗

55.4%
ODI 10009468

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.*JB

Look up ODI 10009468 at NHTSA ↗

22.2%
ODI 10144843 · 48,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN OR WHILE BRAKING OR PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT VEHICLE REVVED AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 1/11/2006 - THE TRANSMISSION LINE HAD COME OFF AND CAUSE COOLANT TO LEAK. THE LINE WAS REPAIR AND TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED BUT TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THREE TIMES AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR THREE TIMES. TH…

Look up ODI 10144843 at NHTSA ↗

79.9%
ODI 10092639 · 900 mi

WHILE DRIVING AND UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER EIGHT TIMES. ALSO, THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHICH MADE A BANGING NOISE. *AK *JB

Look up ODI 10092639 at NHTSA ↗

1211.7%
ODI 10161817 · 11,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE ODOMETER FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. AND IN SOME CASES, THE SPEEDOMETER INCREASED TO 110 MPH WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10161817 at NHTSA ↗

44.0%
ODI 10170961 · 6,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT WITH BRAKE PRESSURE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE, AND LURCHED BACKWARDS, CRASHING INTO A TREE STUMP WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, AND THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE REAR. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP TO AWAIT INSPECTION BY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10170961 at NHTSA ↗

106.6%
ODI 10279912 · 4,500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A REVVING NOISE COMING FROM THE GEAR SHIFTER. SHORTLY AFTER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ACROSS THE STREET. SHE ATTEMPTED TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID DRIVING INTO A DITCH. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL STRUCK THE GUARDRAIL, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THROUGH BUSHES AND UP A HILL. THE SPEED FINALLY BEGAN TO DECREASE AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THERE WERE NO SERIOUS INJURIES, ONLY HEADA…

Look up ODI 10279912 at NHTSA ↗

1411.6%
ODI 10424490 · 48,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNG FORWARD AND ACCELERATE, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED VIA EMAIL, BUT THE CONTACT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

Look up ODI 10424490 at NHTSA ↗

65.3%
ODI 10430181 · 31,000 mi

WHILE STOPPED, VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD AND ACCELERATES, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE RPMS RACED WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN PARK, BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED TO RACE EVEN HIGHER. I HAD TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION TO STOP THE RPMS FROM RACING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. *TR

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Air Bags:Frontal
313.0%
ODI 8015759

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

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512.5%
ODI 10058451 · 66,000 mi

ON A FRONT SLIGHTLY LEFT INPACT TO MY VEHICLE, MY AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT.I WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH, I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING A RATHER LARGE BUMP AND BRUISE. I HAVE PAIN TURNING MY NECK AND IN MY SHOULDERS AND WILL SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THIS.

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1213.0%
ODI 10001079

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON THE HIGHWAY HIT A CURB. AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND THEN HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. TS....*AK

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66.7%
ODI 10009567

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB

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68.5%
ODI 10093411 · 1,312 mi

ON AN IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT END OF THIS NEW CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES AND HOUR, THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FAILED TO DEPLOY.*AK

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54.9%
ODI 10126542 · 1,700 mi

DT: CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, AND WHEN SHE TRIED TO STEER THE CAR TO THE RIGHT IT CONTINUED TO GO TO THE LEFT. APPROXIMATELY FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO THIS THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WENT IN TO A GUARD RAIL ON SOUTHBOUND 14 FREEWAY IN PALMDALE, CA. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. ONLY THE PASSENGER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE REMAINED. . WHEN THE CAR HIT THE GUARD RAIL, IT WAS THROWN TO THE OTHER …

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44.0%
ODI 10178949 · 2,800 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN HER 2006 KIA SPECTRA THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A FACTOR, NEITHER WAS THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO RAN THE VEHICLE THROUGH DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND CONCLUDED THAT THE AIRBAG WORKED. THE DEALER HAS TOLD THE CONTACT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2800. *JB UPDATED 03/02/07. *JB

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21.3%
ODI 10247654 · 7,000 mi

HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH MY VEHICLE, IN WHICH THE CAR ACCELERATED AND I CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE SENSOR IN FRONT OF THE CAR DIDN'T OPEN THE FRONT AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL. THANK GOD I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT, IT KEPT ME FROM CRASH HEAD ON THROUGH THE WIND SHIELD. I WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AND HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. WHEN I CALLED THE KIA DEALERSHIP ABOUT WHAT HAD HAPPEN TO THE CAR AND THE DEFECT OF THE AIRBAGS NOT OPENING UP, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER GOT VERY NASTY WITH ME, LIKE THEY DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBI…

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43.3%
ODI 10277305

ON OUR 2008 KIA SPECTRA THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MEANS THE BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2008. *TR

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43.5%
ODI 10300382

FRIDAY EVENING BEFORE LAST, MY DAUGHTER (17 YRS OLD AND A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL) WAS RIDING WITH HER FRIEND AND WAS HIT BY A CAR IN THE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER AREA. THE CAR MY DAUGHTER WAS RIDING IN, A 2009 KIA SPECTRA, WAS TOTALED. YET, DESPITE THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK. HENCE, MY DAUGHTER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES, HER NOSE WAS BROKE, SHE RECEIVED BLOOD IN THE VENTRICLES OF THE BRAIN AND SHE IS EXTREMELY SORE, TO SAY THE LEAST. FUNNY THING IS THAT…

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Power Train:Automatic Transmission
28.7%
ODI 10138590 · 52,670 mi

TRANSMISSION HOUSING EXPLODED,COMPANY REFUSES TO BACK WARRANTY. *NM

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37.5%
ODI 10025275 · 13,500 mi

TRANSMISSION MODULE ON ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING TRANSMISSION DAMAGE, LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED. SECOND TRANSMISSION BLEW A FRONT PUMP SEAL WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES WHILE ON OUR VACATION/HONEYMOON. THIRD TRANSMISSION REPLACED WHILE ON VACATION OUT OF STATE. CURRENT (THIRD) TRANSMISSION IS STILL SLIPPING. HAVE NOT SOUGHT OUT SERVICE FOR THIS FAILURE YET AS WE DO NOT TRUST THE DEALERSHIPS IN OUR AREA. WE HAVE WRITTEN KIA CERTIFIED MAIL OVER A MONTH AGO TO BE REIMBURSED FOR EXCESS EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO THESE MECHANICAL FA…

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88.7%
ODI 10029142 · 19,000 mi

TRANSMISSION: CAR WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD, ONLY REVERSE. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IT HAS BEEN IN FOR THIS COMPLAINT.*AK

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1213.3%
ODI 10012167

THE ENGINE MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NLM THE DOOR WAS MISALIGNED, REAR LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, SNOW HAD GOTTEN INTO THE REAR SEAT(S), THE VEHICLE LEAKED, SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE, CLICK NOISE IN THE WIPERS WHEN ON A LOW SPEED, PULLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE PER MECHANIC, AND PULLING WHEN SHIFTED. SCC

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1318.3%
ODI 10082086

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, WILL NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHEN VEHICLE IS CHANGING GEARS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM

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32.9%
ODI 10153313

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2005 KIA SPECTRA WHICH HAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION--A FACT NOT DISCLOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP LAST WEEK REVEALED OTHER KIA SPECTRAS HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH HARD SHIFTING AND THAT KIA HAS THE MATTER "UNDER INVESTIGATION". I NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *NM

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11.0%
ODI 10713798

2006 KIA SPECTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION, STEERING AND VEHICLE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE SHIFTING PANEL NEEDED TO REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10713798 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.9%
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

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Seat Belts
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.5%
ODI 896643

VEHICLE HIT A DEER AND SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN CONSUMER. HIT HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD. SUFFERED BACK/ NECK AND KNEE INJURIES. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 8000. *AK

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33.3%
ODI 10058058 · 12 mi

WHILE DRIVING 30 TO 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN INVOLVED IN A CRASH, AND AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK SEAT BELT OVER THE LEFT SHOULDER RELEASED AND FAILED TO HOLD UP AS WELL. CONSUMER SUFFERED LARGE LACERATION ACROSS LEFT EYE. *LA

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66.7%
ODI 10012167

THE ENGINE MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NLM THE DOOR WAS MISALIGNED, REAR LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, SNOW HAD GOTTEN INTO THE REAR SEAT(S), THE VEHICLE LEAKED, SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE, CLICK NOISE IN THE WIPERS WHEN ON A LOW SPEED, PULLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE PER MECHANIC, AND PULLING WHEN SHIFTED. SCC

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11.4%
ODI 10489492 · 140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED MONTHS LATER THE SEAT BELT SPRINGS FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT FAILURE MILEAGE 143,000.

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21.9%
ODI 10151619 · 10,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WERE IT WAS DEEMED TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

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22.0%
ODI 10474247 · 105,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 40 E APPROACHING EXIT 153 IN HEAVY RAINFALL. APPROXIMATELY 0.25 MILES FROM THE EXIT THE TRUCK ALREADY ON THE EXIT AHEAD OF ME BEGAN APPLYING ITS BRAKES. PRE-BRAKING MEASURES WERE TAKEN. THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND I COLLIDED WITH THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND FLEW FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD BEEN BRAKING THE ENTIRE TIME, BUT MY SEAT-BELT DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED BRUISING, SEVERE HEADACHES, AND MINOR CUTS AS A RESULT. INSURANCE DECLARED CAR AS TOTAL LOSS. *TR

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53.3%
ODI 10284460

THE FLOOR MAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY 2007 KIA SPECTRA WILL NOT REMAIN ANCHORED. ALTHOUGH I'M WRITING THIS COMPLAINT IN 2009, THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2007. I RECENTLY BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE DOOR LOCKS (WHICH LOCK ON THEIR OWN IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU UNLOCK THEM) AND I BROUGHT MAT ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHILE THERE. THEY PROCEEDED TO PUSH THE MAT BACK INTO THE ANCHOR (LIKE I HAVEN'T TRIED THAT HUNDREDS OF TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS?), BUT IT WAS OUT AGAIN WITHIN A …

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86.6%
ODI 10264069 · 10,000 mi

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. MECHANIC IN THE SEAT. THE INDICATOR DIMMED; THEREFORE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS FINE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAILED WHEN THE CRASH OCCURRED. KIA REPLACED THE AIR BAG …

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97.9%
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

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Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.5%
ODI 10651640

CAR SMELLS HORRIBLY LIKE GAS FUMES WHEN TURNED ON, MORE SO IN THE COLDER TEMPERATURES. SO MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE, I'M SURPRISED KIA HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL. BREATHING GAS FUMES FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME CAN POSSIBLY CAUSE CANCER OR OTHER PROBLEMS...WOULD BE HORRIBLE IF KIA HAD A LAWSUIT ON THEIR HANDS FOR FAULTY EQUIPMENT CAUSING HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THEIR CAR OWNERS... *TR

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

22.2%
ODI 10552421 · 70,000 mi

WENT TO TURN ON MY HEATER TODAY AND THE SMELL OF GASOLINE FILLED MY CAR, 4-DOOR SEDAN. THE CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MANY OF THE OTHER OWNERS MENTIONED BEFORE E.G. A BRAKE FLUID LEAK, SQUEALING BRAKES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS ALWAYS SLOW TO KICK IN WHEN PULLING OFF FROM A STOP. NEVER EXPERIENCED A GAS LEAK PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER CAR I OWNED. *TR

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

32.9%
ODI 10557669 · 231,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE FUEL TANK STRAPS BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STRAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V256000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 231,000.

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77.0%
ODI 10704406 · 1 mi

I WAS APPROACHING GERMANTOWN AVENUE FROM MT. AIRY AVENUE WITH THE EXPECTATION OF MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ON TO GERMANTOWN AVENUE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. I GRIPPED THE WHEEL AND TRIED TO RECOVER CONTROL OF THE CAR AND WAS SUCCESSFUL WITHIN INCHES OF A VEHICLE TURNING ONTO MT. AIRY AVENUE. THE ACCELERATOR TOOK CONTROL OF MY CAR (AND ME).I RECOVERED CONTROL OF MY CAR. LATER IN THE DAY WHILE DRIVING THE SAME EVENT HAPPENED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FACT THAT I WAS NOT IN A "TURN MODE" *TR

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1711.2%
ODI 10493696 · 31,404 mi

THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS TANK ON MY AUNT'S 2007 KIA SPECTRA. AFTER FILLING THE TANK WITH FUEL, THE CAR STALLS AND CUTS OFF. SHE TOOK THE CAR TO KIA AND PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED. HOWEVER, IT HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES SINCE. SHE WAS TOLD TO BE SURE NOT TO TOP OFF THE FUEL. SHE HAS NEVER TOPPED OFF OR OVER FILLED. YET IT STILL HAPPENS. SHE HAS BEEN FORTUNATE TO THIS POINT BECAUSE IT HASN'T STALLED WHEN SHE'S BEEN ON A FREEWAY OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *TR

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10.8%
ODI 10650333 · 85,000 mi

MY VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG "OFF" ILLUMINATING WITH A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A HALF DOZEN OCCASIONS THAT I HAVE NOTICED AND GOES OFF WHEN THE PASSENGER ADJUSTS THEIR SITTING POSITION. THE VEHICLE SURGES INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STOPPED. ADDITIONALLY BRAKE PEDAL HAS STUCK ON A FEW OCCASIONS WHEN THE ENGINE IS COOL. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO CUT OUT ON OCCASION WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO RESTART, AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THESE ALL HAPPEN INTERMITTENTLY W…

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43.5%
ODI 10670532 · 86,000 mi

ENGINE KEPT DYING ON ME AFTER I FILLED UP THE TANK. I HAVE HAD VEHICLE OR 3 YEARS NOW AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I DON'T TOP OFF THE TANK SO I DON'T KNOW HOW I COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I FIND IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THESE CONDITIONS STALLING OUT IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WITH NO WARNING NOT EVEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH 3 KIDS IN THE CAR AND GAS COMING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR ONTO THE GROUND. I TOOK IT TO KIA DEALER AND WAS TOLD I OVERFILLED THE TANK AND THAT WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER DAMAGE OF CHARCOAL FILTER AND ALL AIR AND CAB…

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Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

43.9%
ODI 10515719

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND EXHIBITED A KNOCKING SOUND PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR THAT CAUSED THE RADIATOR TO RUN DRY AND NOT SEND COOLANT TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR

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55.0%
ODI 10790347

FROM THE 2ND DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE 6/27/2015 WHEN I TURNED ON A/C THE CAR HAS BEEN HESITATING AND STALLING. EVERY TIME I STARTED AND STOPPED AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. AND EVEN IN TRAFFIC . MAKING THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE UNSAFE.AND SO IVE BEEN COMPLAINING EVER SINCE. THEY SAID IF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN I WONT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXPENSE. HOWEVER THE CHECK ENG. NEVER CAME ON.

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74.6%
ODI 10469564 · 112,000 mi

CAR TOOK ME OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STRAIGHT INTO A TREE DEAD CENTER ROUGHLY GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!!!! HIT MY HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. AND NOW TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF IT WAS THE DEALERSHIP SELLING DEFECTIVE CARS OR IF ITS KIA DEFECT. NOT UNDERSTANDING THIS WHOLE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY THING BECAUSE THE SAFETY GRAPH EXPLAINS 0-8 MPH AIRBAGS WILL NEVER GO OFF 8-14 MPH AIRBAGS ARE POSSIBLE BUT NOT LIKELY 14-ABOVE AIRBAGS SHOULD DEPLOY ALWAYS. *TR

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108.3%
ODI 10481543 · 4,200 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE OIL CHANGED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE MASS AIR SENSOR FLOW FILTER AND SPARK PLU…

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54.4%
ODI 10503234 · 78,000 mi

I WAS VISITING MY FIANCE IN UTAH WHEN A TAN CAR HIT MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT END. WE BOTH WERE PUT INTO A SPIN AND HE HIT ME A SECONDARY TIME. MY CAR HAS SINCE BEEN TOTALED OUT AND LABELED AS BEYOND SALVAGE. THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS MISSING AND THERE IS SEVER ENGINE DAMAGE. THE AUTO BODY SHOP AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID I NEEDED TO CONTACT KIA AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE AIRBAG FAILURE TO DEPLOY. KIA SAID MY CAR IS BUILT TO COLLAPSE A CERTAIN AMOUNT BEFORE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY. THEY ALSO SAID SINCE I WAS PUT INTO A SPIN MY CAR DID NOT DECELERATE …

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Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags53,250–94,500 mi74,000 mi58
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10290344 · 22,059 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SHE REACHED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO GRAB A BABY CUP, WHICH CAUSED HER TO ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE INFANT. SUBSEQUENTLY SHE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,059.

Look up ODI 10290344 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10313669 · 142 mi

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) WE TALKED WITH THE SALESMAN [XXX] AT MARTIN SWANTY KIA ON 07/24/2009 ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY , HE SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT! SO WE BOUGHT IT. WE WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 08/12/2009 AND TALKED WITH SERVICE PERSONNEL AND WE WERE TOLD TO RETURN WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS OFF SO THEY COULD VERIFY IT! WE WENT TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 09/10/09 WHEN I WAS SITTING IN…

Look up ODI 10313669 at NHTSA ↗

Seats68,000–97,800 mi74,000 mi7
ODI 10374030 · 13,096 mi

PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT ALWAYS SENSE THERE IS A PASSENGER SETTING IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER SEAT ONCE AND IT DID WORK OK FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS THEY NOW REFUSE TO WORK ON IT TILL THEY SEE PROOF OF IT NOT WORKING. THEY CLAIM COMPANY POLICY WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO WORK ON IT. I FEEL THEY ARE PUTTING MY PASSENGERS IN THE WAY OF HARM AND COULD BE LIABLE FOR INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

Look up ODI 10374030 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10500601 · 65,000 mi

I OWN A KIA SPECTRA 2009 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THAT IS IN THE CENTER CONSOLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT (WHICH INDICATES IF ON/OFF) IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. CALLED KIA AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE THE WARRANTY NOT COVER THIS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE COST OF THE SEAT REPLACEMENT IS GOING TO $1637.31. BY THE LOOKS OF THIS IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN MODELS FOR KIA. I CAN NOT JUSTIFY THIS AMOUNT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT REPLAC…

Look up ODI 10500601 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10607838 · 74,000 mi

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR TO MORRIE'S MINNETONKA KIA DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED THE OCR SEAT MAT FAILED CAUSING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. QUOTED $1,941.02 FOR REPAIR NEEDING A REPLACEMENT SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY PAR KI88202-2F703390. THE SEAT OCR FAILURE SHOULD NOT DISABLE THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND WITH THE VERY EXPENSIVE FIX I BELIEVE MOST ARE JUST DRIVING THE CAR WITHOUT REPAIR. I THINK KIA SHOULD RECALL OR PROVIDE A PART TO DISABLE THE SWITCH MAKING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INOP…

Look up ODI 10607838 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System25,750–90,650 mi56,500 mi8
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459206 · 68,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OVER A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD TO START AROUND THE START MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, NEXT MY SEAT BELT SENSOR SHORTED OUT, AFTER THAT MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED I HAD NOT ONLY FAULTY WIRING IN MY VEHICLE BUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED AND TOOK FOUR YEARS TO BE CAUGHT UNFORTUNATELY THIS ALL DIDN'T OCCUR IN MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND I COULDN'T CLAIM THE LEMON LAW. BECAUSE NOW THE COMPANY EXPECTS ME TO REPLACE ALL OF…

Look up ODI 10459206 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10566514 · 45,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE BATTERY WAS JUMP STARTED IN ORDER FOR THE ENGINE TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHICH REQUIRED THE BATTERY TO BE RECHARGED EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10566514 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts24,750–67,250 mi62,500 mi6
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10284929 · 9,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA EX/LX/SX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO SECURE HER IN THE SEAT. AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE UPPER AND LOWER PART OF HER BODY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. SHE HAS A COPY OF INDIANA POLICE REPORT 09022263. SHE FILED COMPLAINT NUMBER K1645446 WITH THE MANUFACTURER. PICTURES OF THE FAILURE ARE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND C…

Look up ODI 10284929 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10442488 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD LOCK WHEN IT WAS BUCKLED; HOWEVER, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10442488 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control73,000–105,500 mi85,500 mi6
ODI 10430181 · 31,000 mi

WHILE STOPPED, VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD AND ACCELERATES, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE RPMS RACED WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN PARK, BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED TO RACE EVEN HIGHER. I HAD TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION TO STOP THE RPMS FROM RACING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. *TR

Look up ODI 10430181 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10554807 · 69,000 mi

CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT ABOUT 40MPH. I BRAKED WHILE PULLING UP TO A STOP LIGHT AND IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF. RPMS INCREASED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR WAS TRYING TO GET BACK UP TO SPEED. I COULDN'T TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL MANUALLY EITHER. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL FINALLY SHUT ITSELF OFF. NOW CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. I THINK THE FUSE BURNED OUT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR

Look up ODI 10554807 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10618381 · 85,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR STUCK, CAUSING THE CAR TO START SPEEDING , I APPLIED THE PEDAL BRAKES THE ENGINE CONTINUED RACING, THE CAR CONTINUED ROLLING IT WOUND NOT STOP. I MANAGED TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE WHICH THEN STOPPED THE CAR.I RESTARTED THE CAR, STARTED DRIVING AGAIN THE ENGINE STARTED RACING AND THE CAR STARTED SPEEDING, I APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE PEDAL BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME FINALLY THE CAR SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. *TR

Look up ODI 10618381 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range83,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10503234 · 78,000 mi

I WAS VISITING MY FIANCE IN UTAH WHEN A TAN CAR HIT MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT END. WE BOTH WERE PUT INTO A SPIN AND HE HIT ME A SECONDARY TIME. MY CAR HAS SINCE BEEN TOTALED OUT AND LABELED AS BEYOND SALVAGE. THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS MISSING AND THERE IS SEVER ENGINE DAMAGE. THE AUTO BODY SHOP AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID I NEEDED TO CONTACT KIA AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE AIRBAG FAILURE TO DEPLOY. KIA SAID MY CAR IS BUILT TO COLLAPSE A CERTAIN AMOUNT BEFORE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY. THEY ALSO SAID SINCE I WAS PUT INTO A SPIN MY CAR DID NOT DECELERATE …

Look up ODI 10503234 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10620812 · 57,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 10 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AND BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

Look up ODI 10620812 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863846 · 89,000 mi

THIS CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME. I TURN ON MY CAR, FEET AREN'T ON THE PEDALS, MY RPMS REV AND SPUTTER UP TO 4,000+ WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAUNCH ME A BIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES I'LL BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HARD. CROSS-TRAFFIC FLOWING. SUDDENLY MY ENGINE REVVS AND MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD. WTF KIA? I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA ONCE AND THEY TOLD ME ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS EVEN WORTH AND MORE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10863846 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range19,998 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10374030 · 13,096 mi

PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT ALWAYS SENSE THERE IS A PASSENGER SETTING IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER SEAT ONCE AND IT DID WORK OK FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS THEY NOW REFUSE TO WORK ON IT TILL THEY SEE PROOF OF IT NOT WORKING. THEY CLAIM COMPANY POLICY WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO WORK ON IT. I FEEL THEY ARE PUTTING MY PASSENGERS IN THE WAY OF HARM AND COULD BE LIABLE FOR INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

Look up ODI 10374030 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10386259 · 26,900 mi

THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN A FRONT PASSENGER IS SEATING IT IS STILL INDICATE " AIRBAG OFF" WE DO NOT KNOW IF THE AIRBAG IS ON OR NOT. *TR

Look up ODI 10386259 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range86,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10670532 · 86,000 mi

ENGINE KEPT DYING ON ME AFTER I FILLED UP THE TANK. I HAVE HAD VEHICLE OR 3 YEARS NOW AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I DON'T TOP OFF THE TANK SO I DON'T KNOW HOW I COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I FIND IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THESE CONDITIONS STALLING OUT IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WITH NO WARNING NOT EVEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH 3 KIDS IN THE CAR AND GAS COMING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR ONTO THE GROUND. I TOOK IT TO KIA DEALER AND WAS TOLD I OVERFILLED THE TANK AND THAT WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER DAMAGE OF CHARCOAL FILTER AND ALL AIR AND CAB…

Look up ODI 10670532 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10863846 · 89,000 mi

THIS CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME. I TURN ON MY CAR, FEET AREN'T ON THE PEDALS, MY RPMS REV AND SPUTTER UP TO 4,000+ WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAUNCH ME A BIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES I'LL BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HARD. CROSS-TRAFFIC FLOWING. SUDDENLY MY ENGINE REVVS AND MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD. WTF KIA? I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA ONCE AND THEY TOLD ME ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS EVEN WORTH AND MORE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10863846 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11141083 · 23,000 mi

MY 2009 KIA SPECTRA HAD APPROXIMATELY 23,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT FROM A KIA DEALER IN OCTOBER 2017. TWO DAYS AFTER PURCHASING MY KIA, I RETURNED TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND REPORTED THAT I NOTICED THE CAR WAS IDLING TO HIGH AFTER USING THE AIR CONDITIONER OR AFTER DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOTHING AND DID NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY, THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO LAUNCH FORWARD AFTER I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN REMOVING MY FOOT OFF THE …

Look up ODI 11141083 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 231 reports

2008: 31 complaints · 2009: 21 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2008111831
200961421
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
200812100
200911301

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsSeatsElectrical SystemSeat BeltsVehicle Speed ControlEngineAir Bags:FrontalFuel/Propulsion System
Air Bags—
7
ODI 10500601 · 65,000 mi

I OWN A KIA SPECTRA 2009 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THAT IS IN THE CENTER CONSOLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT (WHICH INDICATES IF ON/OFF) IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. CALLED KIA AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE THE WARRANTY NOT COVER THIS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE COST OF THE SEAT REPLACEMENT IS GOING TO $1637.31. BY THE LOOKS OF THIS IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN MODELS FOR KIA. I CAN NOT JUSTIFY THIS AMOUNT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT REPLAC…

Look up ODI 10500601 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10607838 · 74,000 mi

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR TO MORRIE'S MINNETONKA KIA DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED THE OCR SEAT MAT FAILED CAUSING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. QUOTED $1,941.02 FOR REPAIR NEEDING A REPLACEMENT SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY PAR KI88202-2F703390. THE SEAT OCR FAILURE SHOULD NOT DISABLE THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND WITH THE VERY EXPENSIVE FIX I BELIEVE MOST ARE JUST DRIVING THE CAR WITHOUT REPAIR. I THINK KIA SHOULD RECALL OR PROVIDE A PART TO DISABLE THE SWITCH MAKING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INOP…

Look up ODI 10607838 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10721336

THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY KIA SPECTRA STAYS ON AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME $1600 FOR THE B1448 CODE WHICH IS PASSENGER SEAT MAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, AND MY CAR IS UNDER 80000 MILES. I THINK THAT AMOUNT IS REALLY HIGH FOR A SENOR TO FIX AND KIA SHOULD FIX AND RECALL THE AIRBAG ISSUE SINCE IT IS A HIGH RISK FOR THE SAFETIES OF AMERICAN LIVES. NHTSA SHOULD MAKE KIA RECALL THE AIRBAG ISSUE. THANK YOU *TR

Look up ODI 10721336 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459206 · 68,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OVER A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD TO START AROUND THE START MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, NEXT MY SEAT BELT SENSOR SHORTED OUT, AFTER THAT MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED I HAD NOT ONLY FAULTY WIRING IN MY VEHICLE BUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED AND TOOK FOUR YEARS TO BE CAUGHT UNFORTUNATELY THIS ALL DIDN'T OCCUR IN MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND I COULDN'T CLAIM THE LEMON LAW. BECAUSE NOW THE COMPANY EXPECTS ME TO REPLACE ALL OF…

Look up ODI 10459206 at NHTSA ↗

4
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459206 · 68,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OVER A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD TO START AROUND THE START MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, NEXT MY SEAT BELT SENSOR SHORTED OUT, AFTER THAT MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED I HAD NOT ONLY FAULTY WIRING IN MY VEHICLE BUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED AND TOOK FOUR YEARS TO BE CAUGHT UNFORTUNATELY THIS ALL DIDN'T OCCUR IN MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND I COULDN'T CLAIM THE LEMON LAW. BECAUSE NOW THE COMPANY EXPECTS ME TO REPLACE ALL OF…

Look up ODI 10459206 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10500601 · 65,000 mi

I OWN A KIA SPECTRA 2009 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THAT IS IN THE CENTER CONSOLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT (WHICH INDICATES IF ON/OFF) IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. CALLED KIA AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE THE WARRANTY NOT COVER THIS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE COST OF THE SEAT REPLACEMENT IS GOING TO $1637.31. BY THE LOOKS OF THIS IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN MODELS FOR KIA. I CAN NOT JUSTIFY THIS AMOUNT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT REPLAC…

Look up ODI 10500601 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10503234 · 78,000 mi

I WAS VISITING MY FIANCE IN UTAH WHEN A TAN CAR HIT MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT END. WE BOTH WERE PUT INTO A SPIN AND HE HIT ME A SECONDARY TIME. MY CAR HAS SINCE BEEN TOTALED OUT AND LABELED AS BEYOND SALVAGE. THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS MISSING AND THERE IS SEVER ENGINE DAMAGE. THE AUTO BODY SHOP AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID I NEEDED TO CONTACT KIA AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE AIRBAG FAILURE TO DEPLOY. KIA SAID MY CAR IS BUILT TO COLLAPSE A CERTAIN AMOUNT BEFORE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY. THEY ALSO SAID SINCE I WAS PUT INTO A SPIN MY CAR DID NOT DECELERATE …

Look up ODI 10503234 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10300382

FRIDAY EVENING BEFORE LAST, MY DAUGHTER (17 YRS OLD AND A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL) WAS RIDING WITH HER FRIEND AND WAS HIT BY A CAR IN THE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER AREA. THE CAR MY DAUGHTER WAS RIDING IN, A 2009 KIA SPECTRA, WAS TOTALED. YET, DESPITE THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK. HENCE, MY DAUGHTER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES, HER NOSE WAS BROKE, SHE RECEIVED BLOOD IN THE VENTRICLES OF THE BRAIN AND SHE IS EXTREMELY SORE, TO SAY THE LEAST. FUNNY THING IS THAT…

Look up ODI 10300382 at NHTSA ↗

0
Seats
7
ODI 10500601 · 65,000 mi

I OWN A KIA SPECTRA 2009 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THAT IS IN THE CENTER CONSOLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT (WHICH INDICATES IF ON/OFF) IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. CALLED KIA AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE THE WARRANTY NOT COVER THIS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE COST OF THE SEAT REPLACEMENT IS GOING TO $1637.31. BY THE LOOKS OF THIS IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN MODELS FOR KIA. I CAN NOT JUSTIFY THIS AMOUNT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT REPLAC…

Look up ODI 10500601 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10607838 · 74,000 mi

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR TO MORRIE'S MINNETONKA KIA DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED THE OCR SEAT MAT FAILED CAUSING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. QUOTED $1,941.02 FOR REPAIR NEEDING A REPLACEMENT SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY PAR KI88202-2F703390. THE SEAT OCR FAILURE SHOULD NOT DISABLE THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND WITH THE VERY EXPENSIVE FIX I BELIEVE MOST ARE JUST DRIVING THE CAR WITHOUT REPAIR. I THINK KIA SHOULD RECALL OR PROVIDE A PART TO DISABLE THE SWITCH MAKING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INOP…

Look up ODI 10607838 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10721336

THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY KIA SPECTRA STAYS ON AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME $1600 FOR THE B1448 CODE WHICH IS PASSENGER SEAT MAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, AND MY CAR IS UNDER 80000 MILES. I THINK THAT AMOUNT IS REALLY HIGH FOR A SENOR TO FIX AND KIA SHOULD FIX AND RECALL THE AIRBAG ISSUE SINCE IT IS A HIGH RISK FOR THE SAFETIES OF AMERICAN LIVES. NHTSA SHOULD MAKE KIA RECALL THE AIRBAG ISSUE. THANK YOU *TR

Look up ODI 10721336 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 11140540 · 95,600 mi

TAKATA RECALL, HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON AND NOW I HAVE A LIGHT ON ON MY DASH ALL THE TIME, I GUESS THE TIRE PLACE THREW AWAY OR KEPT SPECIAL VALVE STEMS, HOW DO I TURN OFF LIGHT. THE FRONT SEAT, SEAT CUSHION CAME LOOSE FROM THE SEAT FRAME WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CANYON ROAD ,NOW I CAN LIFT THE SEAT CUSHION AND SEE THE FRAME AND FLOOR BELOW AND DINT KNOW IF CUSHION WILL COME COMPLEATLY OFF NEXT TIME I DRIVE DOWN THE CANYON ROAD

Look up ODI 11140540 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10500601 · 65,000 mi

I OWN A KIA SPECTRA 2009 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THAT IS IN THE CENTER CONSOLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT (WHICH INDICATES IF ON/OFF) IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. CALLED KIA AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE THE WARRANTY NOT COVER THIS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE COST OF THE SEAT REPLACEMENT IS GOING TO $1637.31. BY THE LOOKS OF THIS IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN MODELS FOR KIA. I CAN NOT JUSTIFY THIS AMOUNT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT REPLAC…

Look up ODI 10500601 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10374030 · 13,096 mi

PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT ALWAYS SENSE THERE IS A PASSENGER SETTING IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER SEAT ONCE AND IT DID WORK OK FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS THEY NOW REFUSE TO WORK ON IT TILL THEY SEE PROOF OF IT NOT WORKING. THEY CLAIM COMPANY POLICY WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO WORK ON IT. I FEEL THEY ARE PUTTING MY PASSENGERS IN THE WAY OF HARM AND COULD BE LIABLE FOR INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

Look up ODI 10374030 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System
2
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459206 · 68,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OVER A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD TO START AROUND THE START MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, NEXT MY SEAT BELT SENSOR SHORTED OUT, AFTER THAT MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED I HAD NOT ONLY FAULTY WIRING IN MY VEHICLE BUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED AND TOOK FOUR YEARS TO BE CAUGHT UNFORTUNATELY THIS ALL DIDN'T OCCUR IN MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND I COULDN'T CLAIM THE LEMON LAW. BECAUSE NOW THE COMPANY EXPECTS ME TO REPLACE ALL OF…

Look up ODI 10459206 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11140540 · 95,600 mi

TAKATA RECALL, HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON AND NOW I HAVE A LIGHT ON ON MY DASH ALL THE TIME, I GUESS THE TIRE PLACE THREW AWAY OR KEPT SPECIAL VALVE STEMS, HOW DO I TURN OFF LIGHT. THE FRONT SEAT, SEAT CUSHION CAME LOOSE FROM THE SEAT FRAME WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CANYON ROAD ,NOW I CAN LIFT THE SEAT CUSHION AND SEE THE FRAME AND FLOOR BELOW AND DINT KNOW IF CUSHION WILL COME COMPLEATLY OFF NEXT TIME I DRIVE DOWN THE CANYON ROAD

Look up ODI 11140540 at NHTSA ↗

—
3
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459206 · 68,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OVER A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD TO START AROUND THE START MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, NEXT MY SEAT BELT SENSOR SHORTED OUT, AFTER THAT MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED I HAD NOT ONLY FAULTY WIRING IN MY VEHICLE BUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED AND TOOK FOUR YEARS TO BE CAUGHT UNFORTUNATELY THIS ALL DIDN'T OCCUR IN MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND I COULDN'T CLAIM THE LEMON LAW. BECAUSE NOW THE COMPANY EXPECTS ME TO REPLACE ALL OF…

Look up ODI 10459206 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10819109

THE BACK SEAL BELTS STOP WORKING. THEY WILL NOT COME OUT NO MATTER WHAT I TRY. THEY HAVE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I GOT THE CAT IN 2012. BUT NOW THEY WON'T COME OUT AT ALL. ALSO THE BLOWER FOR THE A/C OR HEAT STOPPED WORKING. I HAD TO SLAM MY HOOD FOR IT TO COME ON BUT NOW IT COMPLETELY STOPPED COMING ON.

Look up ODI 10819109 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10863846 · 89,000 mi

THIS CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME. I TURN ON MY CAR, FEET AREN'T ON THE PEDALS, MY RPMS REV AND SPUTTER UP TO 4,000+ WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAUNCH ME A BIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES I'LL BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HARD. CROSS-TRAFFIC FLOWING. SUDDENLY MY ENGINE REVVS AND MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD. WTF KIA? I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA ONCE AND THEY TOLD ME ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS EVEN WORTH AND MORE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10863846 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10863846 · 89,000 mi

THIS CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME. I TURN ON MY CAR, FEET AREN'T ON THE PEDALS, MY RPMS REV AND SPUTTER UP TO 4,000+ WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAUNCH ME A BIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES I'LL BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HARD. CROSS-TRAFFIC FLOWING. SUDDENLY MY ENGINE REVVS AND MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD. WTF KIA? I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA ONCE AND THEY TOLD ME ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS EVEN WORTH AND MORE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10863846 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts
4
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459206 · 68,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OVER A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD TO START AROUND THE START MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, NEXT MY SEAT BELT SENSOR SHORTED OUT, AFTER THAT MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED I HAD NOT ONLY FAULTY WIRING IN MY VEHICLE BUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED AND TOOK FOUR YEARS TO BE CAUGHT UNFORTUNATELY THIS ALL DIDN'T OCCUR IN MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND I COULDN'T CLAIM THE LEMON LAW. BECAUSE NOW THE COMPANY EXPECTS ME TO REPLACE ALL OF…

Look up ODI 10459206 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10500601 · 65,000 mi

I OWN A KIA SPECTRA 2009 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THAT IS IN THE CENTER CONSOLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT (WHICH INDICATES IF ON/OFF) IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. CALLED KIA AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE THE WARRANTY NOT COVER THIS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE COST OF THE SEAT REPLACEMENT IS GOING TO $1637.31. BY THE LOOKS OF THIS IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN MODELS FOR KIA. I CAN NOT JUSTIFY THIS AMOUNT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT REPLAC…

Look up ODI 10500601 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10500601 · 65,000 mi

I OWN A KIA SPECTRA 2009 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND STAYS ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THAT IS IN THE CENTER CONSOLE FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT (WHICH INDICATES IF ON/OFF) IS NOT WORKING AT ALL. CALLED KIA AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE THE WARRANTY NOT COVER THIS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE COST OF THE SEAT REPLACEMENT IS GOING TO $1637.31. BY THE LOOKS OF THIS IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN MODELS FOR KIA. I CAN NOT JUSTIFY THIS AMOUNT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT REPLAC…

Look up ODI 10500601 at NHTSA ↗

3
ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10459206 · 68,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS OVER A 4 TO 5 MONTH PERIOD TO START AROUND THE START MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE, NEXT MY SEAT BELT SENSOR SHORTED OUT, AFTER THAT MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED I HAD NOT ONLY FAULTY WIRING IN MY VEHICLE BUT THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED AND TOOK FOUR YEARS TO BE CAUGHT UNFORTUNATELY THIS ALL DIDN'T OCCUR IN MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND I COULDN'T CLAIM THE LEMON LAW. BECAUSE NOW THE COMPANY EXPECTS ME TO REPLACE ALL OF…

Look up ODI 10459206 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10819109

THE BACK SEAL BELTS STOP WORKING. THEY WILL NOT COME OUT NO MATTER WHAT I TRY. THEY HAVE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I GOT THE CAT IN 2012. BUT NOW THEY WON'T COME OUT AT ALL. ALSO THE BLOWER FOR THE A/C OR HEAT STOPPED WORKING. I HAD TO SLAM MY HOOD FOR IT TO COME ON BUT NOW IT COMPLETELY STOPPED COMING ON.

Look up ODI 10819109 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Vehicle Speed Control0000—000
Engine
1
ODI 10503234 · 78,000 mi

I WAS VISITING MY FIANCE IN UTAH WHEN A TAN CAR HIT MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT END. WE BOTH WERE PUT INTO A SPIN AND HE HIT ME A SECONDARY TIME. MY CAR HAS SINCE BEEN TOTALED OUT AND LABELED AS BEYOND SALVAGE. THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS MISSING AND THERE IS SEVER ENGINE DAMAGE. THE AUTO BODY SHOP AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID I NEEDED TO CONTACT KIA AND LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE AIRBAG FAILURE TO DEPLOY. KIA SAID MY CAR IS BUILT TO COLLAPSE A CERTAIN AMOUNT BEFORE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY. THEY ALSO SAID SINCE I WAS PUT INTO A SPIN MY CAR DID NOT DECELERATE …

Look up ODI 10503234 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10863846 · 89,000 mi

THIS CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME. I TURN ON MY CAR, FEET AREN'T ON THE PEDALS, MY RPMS REV AND SPUTTER UP TO 4,000+ WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAUNCH ME A BIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES I'LL BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HARD. CROSS-TRAFFIC FLOWING. SUDDENLY MY ENGINE REVVS AND MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD. WTF KIA? I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA ONCE AND THEY TOLD ME ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS EVEN WORTH AND MORE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10863846 at NHTSA ↗

00—0
2
ODI 10863846 · 89,000 mi

THIS CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME. I TURN ON MY CAR, FEET AREN'T ON THE PEDALS, MY RPMS REV AND SPUTTER UP TO 4,000+ WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAUNCH ME A BIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES I'LL BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HARD. CROSS-TRAFFIC FLOWING. SUDDENLY MY ENGINE REVVS AND MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD. WTF KIA? I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA ONCE AND THEY TOLD ME ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS EVEN WORTH AND MORE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10863846 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11445718

My car seems like someone entered something in my gas tank while i may been in the store

Look up ODI 11445718 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
1
ODI 10300382

FRIDAY EVENING BEFORE LAST, MY DAUGHTER (17 YRS OLD AND A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL) WAS RIDING WITH HER FRIEND AND WAS HIT BY A CAR IN THE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER AREA. THE CAR MY DAUGHTER WAS RIDING IN, A 2009 KIA SPECTRA, WAS TOTALED. YET, DESPITE THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK. HENCE, MY DAUGHTER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES, HER NOSE WAS BROKE, SHE RECEIVED BLOOD IN THE VENTRICLES OF THE BRAIN AND SHE IS EXTREMELY SORE, TO SAY THE LEAST. FUNNY THING IS THAT…

Look up ODI 10300382 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10374030 · 13,096 mi

PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT ALWAYS SENSE THERE IS A PASSENGER SETTING IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PASSENGER SEAT ONCE AND IT DID WORK OK FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS THEY NOW REFUSE TO WORK ON IT TILL THEY SEE PROOF OF IT NOT WORKING. THEY CLAIM COMPANY POLICY WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO WORK ON IT. I FEEL THEY ARE PUTTING MY PASSENGERS IN THE WAY OF HARM AND COULD BE LIABLE FOR INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

Look up ODI 10374030 at NHTSA ↗

0000—0
Fuel/Propulsion System00
1
ODI 10863846 · 89,000 mi

THIS CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME. I TURN ON MY CAR, FEET AREN'T ON THE PEDALS, MY RPMS REV AND SPUTTER UP TO 4,000+ WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAUNCH ME A BIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES I'LL BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HARD. CROSS-TRAFFIC FLOWING. SUDDENLY MY ENGINE REVVS AND MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD. WTF KIA? I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA ONCE AND THEY TOLD ME ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS EVEN WORTH AND MORE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10863846 at NHTSA ↗

00
2
ODI 10863846 · 89,000 mi

THIS CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME. I TURN ON MY CAR, FEET AREN'T ON THE PEDALS, MY RPMS REV AND SPUTTER UP TO 4,000+ WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING. SOMETIMES IT WILL LAUNCH ME A BIT WHEN I'M TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. SOMETIMES I'LL BE AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, HARD. CROSS-TRAFFIC FLOWING. SUDDENLY MY ENGINE REVVS AND MY CAR LUNGES FORWARD. WTF KIA? I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA ONCE AND THEY TOLD ME ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT'S GOING TO COST MORE THAN THE CAR IS EVEN WORTH AND MORE MONEY …

Look up ODI 10863846 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11445718

My car seems like someone entered something in my gas tank while i may been in the store

Look up ODI 11445718 at NHTSA ↗

0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

21 mentions · 18.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,217 mi (21 usable records).

ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10433691 · 43,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT SHE WAS UNDER THE REQUIRED WEIGHT FOR THE SEAT TO DETECT OCCUPANCY AND ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000. UPDATED 11/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME AIR BAG PROBLE…

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ODI 10442488 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD LOCK WHEN IT WAS BUCKLED; HOWEVER, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10442488 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 47,860 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10317743 · 9,720 mi

2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ON SNOW COVERED STREET, APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL WAS FIRM AND CAR SLOWING, THEN THE PEDAL WENT SOFT AND DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 1-2 INCHES AND THEN FIRMED UP AGAIN. THIS CAUSED THE ABS TO BE APPLIED, CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT AS OTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC DID NOT HAVE STOP SIGN. THIS IS APPROXIMATELY THE 20TH TIME THAT WHEN STOPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS GONE FROM FIRM TO SOFT, WHILE SOFT BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSES 1-2 INCHES, AND THEN FIRMS. THIS CAUSES A DELAY IN THE CAR SLOWING…

Look up ODI 10317743 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10876385 · 86,000 mi

THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE CAR DID NOT STOP BUT CONTINUED ACCELERATING. AT THIS TIME YOU COULD HEAR THE ENGINE MAKING A REVVING SOUND. HAD TO PRESS EXTREMELY HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK IN ORDER TO GET IT TO A STOP. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL. WE WERE ALMOST IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. THIS HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST ALSO. WHEN WE TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, THEY HOOK IT TO A COMPUTER AND EACH TIME THEY TELL US THAT NO CODES COME UP AND …

Look up ODI 10876385 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10269983 · 13,000 mi

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. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE THE TIME IT WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WANTS A REFUND OR ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM KIA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/03/09 *BF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, THE RE…

Look up ODI 10269983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10670532 · 86,000 mi

ENGINE KEPT DYING ON ME AFTER I FILLED UP THE TANK. I HAVE HAD VEHICLE OR 3 YEARS NOW AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I DON'T TOP OFF THE TANK SO I DON'T KNOW HOW I COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. I FIND IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THESE CONDITIONS STALLING OUT IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WITH NO WARNING NOT EVEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH 3 KIDS IN THE CAR AND GAS COMING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR ONTO THE GROUND. I TOOK IT TO KIA DEALER AND WAS TOLD I OVERFILLED THE TANK AND THAT WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER DAMAGE OF CHARCOAL FILTER AND ALL AIR AND CAB…

Look up ODI 10670532 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 95,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11184559 · 95,000 mi

WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE, THE CAR SPED UP AND LURCHED FORWARD HITTING THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME WHICH WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT; I HAD A MECHANIC INSPECT IT, HE SAID IT WAS THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND REPLACED THE CALIPERS, AND ROTORS, AND THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR..HAVE HAD IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC 3 TIMES AND HE SAYS HE CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM

Look up ODI 11184559 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 96,600 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10808320 · 96,600 mi

I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP.

Look up ODI 10808320 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b