2009 KIA SPECTRA

0 recalls, 152 complaints - 56 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

152 total complaints 29 crashes 1 fires 18 injuries 2 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	71
SEATS	11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	9
SEAT BELTS	9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	6
ENGINE	5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	4
SERVICE BRAKES	4

Incident date: Nov 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the active air flap controller. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notifi... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 2021

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

Incident date: Dec 31, 2021

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

Incident date: Dec 31, 2021

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

Incident date: Feb 18, 2020

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WE THINK THE OCS SENSOR MAT IS BAD. KIA HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR VEHICLES BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 2006-2009 TO HAVE A OCS SENSOR MAT REPLACED FOR FREE FOR A PERIOD OF 15 YEARS REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE.

Incident date: Aug 8, 2019

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON EVEN IF SEAT IS OCCUPIED. IN ADDITION THE AIRBAG "OFF" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED NEXT TO THE CLOCK AND IS ALWAYS IN THE 'OFF', POSITION. BOTH LIGHTS REMAIN IN THAT CONDITION WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY MODE (IN PARK) OR DRIVING IN MOTION. A SAFETY INSPECTION SHOWE... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2019

Incident date: Aug 15, 2019

ON DECEMBER 18, 2018, I HAD A TIRE SEPARATE. THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED FROM LONG TIRE COMPANY IN TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA ON JUNE 15, 1916 (SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION OF THE PURCHASE). THE TIRE WAS FULLY COVERED BY WARRANTY AT THAT TIME, AND I ONLY PAID TO HAVE A NEW ONE INSTALLED (SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2019

DRIVER'S SEATBELT OFTEN FAILS TO LOCK IN AND POPS OPEN MID-DRIVE. IT IS OFTEN NOT APPARENT THAT THE BELT HASN'T LOCKED UNTIL IT POPS OPEN. THIS WOULD BE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS IN AN ACCIDENT.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2019

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2011. SINCE THEN ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN I STOP MY CAR AT A LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN, THE CAR MOVES FORWARD EVEN AFTER I STEP ON THE BRAKE. I THEN HAVE TO QUICKLY PUT THE BRAKE ON AND TURN THE CAR OFF OR ELSE I'M A HIT SOMEONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 14, 2019

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... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 14, 2019

Crash

Incident date: Jan 14, 2019

Crash

Incident date: Mar 13, 2018

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. *DSY THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER DIED AS A RESULT OF INJURIES FROM THE AIRBAG DURING THE CRASH. THE M... Read more

Crash 1 deaths

Incident date: Oct 9, 2018

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. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2018

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 SEA... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2018

Incident date: Jun 24, 2018

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. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQU... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 6, 2018

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. IT TORE AN ARTERY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HER BRAIN AND BRUISED THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BRAIN. BRAIN SURGERY WAS DONE BUT SHE COULD NOT ... Read more

Crash 1 deaths

Incident date: Mar 16, 2017

AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES, THE "AIRBAG IS OFF" LIGHT STAYED ON UNTIL THE CAR WAS RESTARTED. THIS IS CITY DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER OF 150 LBS. TOOK THE KIA TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE LIGHT ON AND THEY VERIFIED THE OCS SENSOR MAT MALFUNCTION. THE OCS SENSOR MAT WAS REPLACED MARCH 16, 2017. ABOUT A ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 19, 2017

I HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE 64 WEST. I PRESSED MY BRAKES TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL, AND IT DIDN'T WORK. I TRIED AGAIN, AND I STILL COULDN'T GET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO STOP. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES VERY HARD AND THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND I FINALLY... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2016

TAKATA RECALL I OWN A 2009 KIA SPECTRA I'VE HAD IT SINCE 2014. I MOVED & ABOUT A YEAR AGO MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR WAS STATIONARY I WENT TO GET CAME BACK IN MY CAR & NOTICED IT WAS ON. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT BECAUSE WHERE I LIVED YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO DO VEHICLE INSPECTIONS. NOT TOO L... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2016

Incident date: May 9, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT SWERVED AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AFTER TRYING TO AVOID A DEER. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 16, 2017

THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT ON MY KIA SPECTRA 2009 LOCKS UP ONCE IN A WHILE SO I CANNOT PUT MY SEATBELT ON. IT WILL LOCK NO MATTER IF I'M PULLING SLOWLY OR FAST. I AM NOT STEPPING ON THE BREAK WHEN IT LOCKS. THE CAR CAN BE MOVING OR STATIONARY WHEN IT LOCKS. THIS HAPPENS 5 TIMES OUT OF 10 WHEN I AM IN... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2017

STEERING IS LOCKED AND CANNOT BE ROTATED IN THE MORNING WHEN STARTED. IT HAPPENED TWICE FROM LAST DAYS WHILE I'M REMOVING CAR OUT OF GARAGE IN REVERSE MODE. I APPLIED BRAKES AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND CHECKED THE STEERING AGAIN THEN IT WORKED WELL. I HOPE THIS PROBLEM WON'T COME WHEN I WAS ON FREEWAY... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2016

I INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY IN MY VEHICLE RECENTLY,AFTER REMOVING THE OLD BATTERY I TRIED TO GET THE NEW BATTERY OUT OF THE CAR, WHICH WAS IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR. THE DOORS HAPPENED TO BE LOCKED BUT THE DRIVERS DOOR WINDOW WAS DOWN. WITH THE BATTERY OUT NONE OF THE DOORS WOULD OPEN, I REACHED IN... Read more

Incident date: Dec 27, 2016

AIR BAG LIGHT IS MALFUNCTIONING,GOT LETTER FROM KIA SAYING IT IS UNDER WARRENTY AND DEALER WILL NOT FIX

Incident date: Aug 15, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL LUGS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL LUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAIL... Read more

Incident date: Oct 16, 2016

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED WHEN PERSON IS SITTING IN THE SEAT.

Incident date: Aug 1, 2016

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON NOW ON MY DASH NEAR MY SPEEDOMETER. IT ALSO ILLUMINATES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AS 'ON' AND 'OFF' WHILE MY HUSBAND IS SITTING THERE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW FOR THE DRIVER'S DASH LIGHT, AND 2 MONTHS FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR. I'VE OWNED T... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 19, 2016

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... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2016

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, ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2016

Incident date: Feb 6, 2016

WHEN COMMUTING ON A FREEWAY GOING THE SPEED LIMIT (65) APPROACHING A BEND, A CAR SUDDENLY APPEARED AROUND THE BEND THAT WAS BROKEN DOWN IN THE LEFT LANE. UNABLE TO SWERVE BECAUSE OF A LARGE TRUCK NEXT TO ME, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES, ONLY TO HIT ICE AND BEGIN SPINNING UNCONTROLLABLY ON THE FREEWAY. FI... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 4, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE15031 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Incident date: Jul 6, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE OCS MAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRM... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2016

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY, 60000 MILES ON CAR. AFTER READING ALL COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE IT SEEMS TO ME IT IS A MANUFACTURER ISSUE AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED TO REPAIR PROBLEM.

Incident date: Dec 26, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SENSOR MAT AND SEAT BELT CIRCUIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFA... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2015

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. I WENT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE COST OF +2000 USD. AFTER DOING MY SEARCH I FOUND THAT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM STARTED AS WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTIO... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2015

THE LIGHT WENT ON AS THE VEHICLE PASSED 100K MILES. THE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AS THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. NOT FOR LONG, THE LIGHT REMAINED ON SINCE THEN. WENT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY ESTIMATED MORE THAN 2K USD TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT. THEY EXPLAINED THAT THE SENSOR MAT IS ATTACHED TO THE SEAT AN... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2016

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REMAINS "OFF" EVEN WHEN OCCUPIED. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE $1900 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT WHICH IS WHERE THE SENSOR IS KEPT. BLUE BOOK VALUE OF THE CAR IS NOT EVEN $5000, SEEMS RIDICULOUS TO SPEND THAT MUCH FOR AN ENTIRE SEAT WHEN THE WHOLE CAR IS BARELY WORTH ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 18, 2015

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 18, 2015

Incident date: Jan 1, 2014

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE (BOUGHT IT USED), AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR BEGAN WORKING ERRATICALLY. WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE OVER $1500 TO FIX, THOUGHT I WAS A VICTIM OF BAD LUCK BUT READ THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE THAT SEEM TO INDICATE IT'S A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF KIA. ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 2016

THE PASS. AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WITH A LITTLE WEIGHT ON THE SEAT. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WILL COST $1800 TO FIX AND THERE IS NO RE-CALL ON THIS. ALSO THEY SAID NONE OF THE AIR BAGS WILL WORK UNTIL FIXED. A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE OR HAD THIS PROBLEM.

Showing 50 of 152 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2009 KIA SPECTRA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	30.0	26.0	Regular	$2,350
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	32.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2009 KIA SPECTRA

56 manufacturer communications from 28 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	16
143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION	9
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	9
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR	2
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	2
171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH	2
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS	1

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

"REVISION: OWNER LETTER: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA?S HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KI

350000 EQUIPMENT

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

350000 EQUIPMENT

REVISION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS IS RE-NOTIFYING THE OWNERS OF THE 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES OF THE WARRANTY COV

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

350000 EQUIPMENT

REVISION: WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES REVISED INFORMATION RELATED TO BOTH THE CUSTOMER AND DEALER NOTIFICATION LETTER THAT WAS SEN

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

OWNER LETTER: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA?S HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KIA IS EXTENDI

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM: WTY001 - IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCS REPLACED, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR SOME OR ALL OF THAT EXPENSE. MAIL THIS COMPLETED REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM TO KIA, ALONG WITH

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATI

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

Q AND A: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION Q & A

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Q AND A: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION Q & A

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Q AND A: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION Q & A

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS)

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY001 - 2007-2009 MY SPECTRA (LD) FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY001) - THIS WARRANTY BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE EXTENSION OF WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CL

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT IN 2007~2009MY SPECTRA (LD) VEHICLES, PRODUCED F

350000 EQUIPMENT

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA SPECTRA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2004-2009 KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGI

350000 EQUIPMENT

"TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC122) - TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, KIA IS LAUNCHING THIS BULLETIN TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO VARIOUS VEHICLE UNDERBODY COMP

350000 EQUIPMENT

DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. WILL BE CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2

350000 EQUIPMENT

DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 20

350000 EQUIPMENT

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 ? UNDERBODY ? ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

KIA: AN ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION WILL BE APPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES UNDERBODY COMPONENTS TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION. MODEL 2004-09 SPECTRA, 2006-10 OPTIMA, 2006-11 RIO 2007-10 RONDO AND 2010-13 SOUL. *PE

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLI

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

KIA MOTORS: INSTALLING AN ADDITIONAL GROUND CABLE TO THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE SENSOR PROBLEMS. *RM

171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

KIA: ON SOME 2004-2009 SPECTRAS THE DOORS ARE LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT THE DRIVER COMMANDING THEM TO. *RM

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

KIA: ON SOME 2004-2009 SPECTRAS THE DOORS ARE LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT THE DRIVER COMMANDING THEM TO. *RM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA MOTORS: RELATING TO OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) USED IN CONSTANT VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (CVVT). IF AT ANY TIME OCV IS SUSPECTED AS A CAUSE OF ROUGH IDLING, POOR ACCELERTION, CAMSHAFT TIMING MISALIGNMENT RELATED TROUBLE CODES, MISFIRE RELATED

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

KIA: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY LABEL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY (LCC) WHEN CERTAIN ACCESSORIES ARE ADDED TO A COMPLETED VEHICLE PRI0

162310 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

KIA: DOORS LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT FROM THE RKE TRANSMITTER OR KEY SWITCH MAY BE CAUSED BY WEAR ON SWITCH CONTACTS IN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE. *PE

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

KIA: DOORS LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT FROM THE RKE TRANSMITTER OR KEY SWITCH MAY BE CAUSED BY WEAR ON SWITCH CONTACTS IN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE. *PE

171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

KIA: DOORS LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT FROM THE RKE TRANSMITTER OR KEY SWITCH MAY BE CAUSED BY WEAR ON SWITCH CONTACTS IN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE. *PE

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

KIA: DOORS LOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT FROM THE RKE TRANSMITTER OR KEY SWITCH MAY BE CAUSED BY WEAR ON SWITCH CONTACTS IN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE. *PE

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SPECTRA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2007

Occupant Classification System

The subject vehicle population is MY 2007-2009 Kia Spectra vehicles.Consumers report that the SRS (air bag) warning light is illuminated in their vehicle.The focus of the investigation was the failure of the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor mat.This sensor mat is embe... dded in the front passenger seat cushion and is intended to detect child seats and small statured occupants who could be harmed by deployment of the passenger frontal air bag.The OCS may develop a failure due to an open circuit in the sensor mat caused by the mat cracking during use.An open circuit in the OCS sensor mat is detected as a fault in the system by the air bag diagnostic. A trouble code will then be stored in the air bag control unit and the air bag warning light will be illuminated.If this fault is detected, the OCS will not suppress the front passenger air bag and in a crash of sufficient severity the front passenger air bag will deploy regardless of the nature or size of the child seat or occupant in the front passenger seat.The report counts shown above include only those reports that specifically address the issue covered by this investigation, failure of the OCS sensor mat.Reports alleging only that the ?air bag light is on with no cause stated, or where no cause was otherwise identified, were excluded as the air bag light could be illuminated for system faults other than an OCS malfunction.Kia's assessment was that the cracking was caused by owner abuse.The subject vehicles have been in service for an average of approximately eight (8) years.An analysis of Kia's warranty data for the subject vehicles, including a comparison with other agency and manufacturer data pertaining to similar OCS failure investigations, indicates that the subject vehicles experience a comparatively low complaint rate for this issue given the number of years the vehicles have been in service.Kia has implemented an extended warranty program for the OCS sensor mat providing for free replacement for 15 years regardless of vehicle mileage and will send owners of the subject vehicles letters notifying them of the potential hazards posed by OCS failure as well as the terms of the extended warranty.Consumers whose air bag warning light is illuminated will have the opportunity to have their vehicle diagnosed and, if a fault is indicated, have the OCS sensor mat repaired at no charge.In view of the comparatively low complaint rate and Kia's implementation of an extended warranty with owner notification, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by Kia mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by OCS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Details on Kia's extended warranty program, including a copy of both Kia's letter to the consumer and Kia's letter to their dealers, for the subject vehicle population will be available in the public file for this investigation. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at http://www?odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/ SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10789130, 10787308, 10785138, 10777856, 10765359, 10745773, 10746133, 10745528, 10721336, 10715846, 10712140, 10712046, 10706009, 10705387, 10681321, 10677080, 10673071, 10654873, 10654522, 10652472, 10651525,10643205, 10639671, 10638251, 10627289, 10621507, 10620724, 10615883, 10609000, 10607838, 10606252,10577842, 10568029, 10564527, 10561224,Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

REAR DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER LEAKAGE

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER LEAKAGE IN 2002 KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES.THIS INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY KIA?S EARLY WARNING REPORT TO THE AGENCY FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004, WHICH CONTAINED A ... SINGLE FIELD REPORT THAT IDENTIFIED 13 INCIDENTS OF WHEEL CYLINDER LEAKAGE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE IN BOTH 4-DOOR SEDAN AND 5-DOOR HATCHBACK BODY STYLES.THE SAME PARTS SUPPLIER PROVIDES WHEEL CYLINDERS FOR BOTH VEHICLE TYPES, ALTHOUGH THEIR PART NUMBERS DIFFER.THESE PARTS ARE USED ON ALL MY2002-2004 SPECTRA ?TYPE-I? VEHICLES MANUFACTURED THROUGH 12/30/2003.ADDITIONALLY, MY2001-2005 KIA RIO VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/17/2004 USE THE SAME WHEEL CYLINDERS AS THE SUBJECT SPECTRA ?TYPE-I? 4-DOOR SEDAN.MY2004 SPECTRA ?TYPE-II? VEHICLES, WHICH STARTED PRODUCTION ON 12/8/2003, DO NOT USE THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS AS THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES.THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED ODI OF ONE COMPLAINANT WHOM ALLEGED A CRASH CAUSED BY, ?INADEQUATE BRAKE SYSTEM RESPONSE,? RESULTING IN ONE PERSON INJURED.HOWEVER, IT APPEARS THAT MULTIPLE CAUSAL FACTORS MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CRASH INCIDENT AND NO SINGLE FACTOR HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE PRIMARY CAUSE.IN TOTAL, ODI IS AWARE OF 5 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 1 FIELD REPORT, AND 813 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN 2002 KIA SPECTRA VEHICLES.NONE OF THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED DEGRADED STOPPING PERFORMANCE OR LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY CAUSED BY WHEEL CYLINDER LEAKAGE.TO DATE, THE COMPLAINT RATE IS 7.0 PER 100,000 VEHICLES AND THE WARRANTY RATE IS 1.13%.KIA?S ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY RETURN PARTS INDICATES A SLOW RATE OF FLUID LOSS; TESTS SHOWED A MAXIMUM FLUID LOSS RATE OF 1 CC PER 4000 BRAKE APPLICATIONS (THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR HAS A 134CC FLUID CAPACITY BETWEEN THE ?FULL? AND THE LEVEL AT WHICH THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED).KIA TESTING OF A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A LEAKING WHEEL CYLINDER SHOWED THAT AFTER 100 STOPS FROM 100 KM/H THE PEDAL STROKE INCREASED 5%, PEDAL FORCE INCREASED 13%, AND THE BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASED 7% (51.7M VS. 48.1M) WHEN COMPARED TO THE SAME VEHICLE WITH A NON-LEAKING WHEEL CYLINDER.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.Read more

KIA SPECTRA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SPECTRA across all model years (2004, 2007).

5 Total Recalls

1,219 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

263 Reported Crashes

24 Reported Fires

7 Reported Deaths

KIA SPECTRA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2009 (current)	0	152
2008	0	163	View
2007	1	206	View
2006	1	129	View
2005	2	130	View
2004	1	92	View
2003	0	132	View
2002	0	121	View
2001	0	56	View
2000	0	30	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2009 KIA SPECTRA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2009 KIA SPECTRA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2009 KIA SPECTRA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SPECTRA

KIA SPECTRA - All Years Overview

KIA SPECTRA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models