Owners have filed 163 complaints
about the 2008 KIA Spectra with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 67
Against the median year of the KIA Spectra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
64.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
97.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
97.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1310.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1814.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2620.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4031.0%
150,000+ miles
86.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2008peak 5Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 KIA Spectra
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE15031Opened 1 Sep 2015Closed 11 Feb 2016AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 embedded 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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cleveland, NCCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Duplicate transactions that we're compromising but verified through multiple accounts that were unauthorized and purchased by another provider or driver that was added to orginal policy along with several price gouges in Individual policies that had ties to driving history altered n edited it would seem to cause infamation to the cost of the driver would be expected to pay we meaning the eight orginal known targets at first glance all were verified as fatca act needing to be filed and then problems with verification of identity and us citizenship even from. 15 states that had alternate unauthorized banking information on file to match so.e bussiness n private insurance policies bought n then deliberately bolos begin called on the victims for reprocessed purposes of a new getaway car for the villain in this scenario. We also found that multiple devices that were begin paid for were attached through pre paid account to the orginal account that was authorized user ot driver has no prior knowledge of the added account or debit card that made the transactions or the fact that the mail was begindeffered and altered to manipulate the issues further from finding the assailants that are using victims as scapegoats by the end of the fun I. Ruin my life with the damage to keep on touching and effecting everything else.
NHTSA complaint #11443367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesMonroe, NCCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE TRAVELLING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER OF HER VEHICLE SUSTAINED BACK, HEAD AND ARM INJURES WHILE THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OCCUPANTS OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE AS THE AIR BAGS FAILED DEPLOY HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 185,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB*DT*DT
NHTSA complaint #11309068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesSmyrna, GA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE METAL COVERING ON THE INTERIOR DOOR PULLS IS PEELING OFF. THIS JAGGED METAL CUT MY FINGER. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS OF INJURY FROM THIS ON LINE ALSO. FURTHER, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE INTERIOR DOOR PULL IF THE DOOR IS LOCKED.
NHTSA complaint #11308810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesColumbus, OH1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER OPENED PASSENGER-SIDE DOOR WITH INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. DOOR HANDLE/METALLIC COATING SEPARATED AT SEAM AND CUT/PINCHED OCCUPANT'S RIGHT RING FINGER. HANDLE SEAM NOW SEPARATED/SHARP. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11043427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesEast Alton, ILCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
TAKATA RECALL WAS RUNNING THE PAPER ROUTE FOR THE TELEGRAPH AND A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE INSURANCE SAID LOSS CAUSE BUT AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF AND SOME HOW ENDED UP IN SALVAGE...
NHTSA complaint #11023779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesEast Alton, ILCrash
ENGINE
TAKATA RECALL WAS RUNNING THE PAPER ROUTE FOR THE TELEGRAPH AND A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE INSURANCE SAID LOSS CAUSE BUT AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF AND SOME HOW ENDED UP IN SALVAGE...
NHTSA complaint #11023779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 209,000 milesNashville, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that all three brake lights failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the brake light switch assembly multi-connector wiring harness needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The contact found information on other Kia recalls for other years, makes, and models that described the same parts failure. The contact found information on SC077 (Brake Switch), SC298 (Light Assembly), and SC299 (Light Assembly). The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 209,000.
NHTSA complaint #11758253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockville, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
After starting car, for first 15-20 mins, all normal. After speedometer go erratic (showing slower than actual speed - or - higher than actual speed) and soon after it just stops working. No check engine light. Dangerous to drive without knowing actual speed. Have to use mobile phone app like Waze or something which shows apx speed. Upon internet search, I found there are many Kia spectra Ex (from 05-09 models) reported similar issues. This situation is dangerous as driver may be following speedometer on highway and ending up driving slower than actual speed. NHTSA should issue a recall. Kia - as usual - never acknowledged issue to save money. Dealership recommending me buy a new car rather than fixing the issue or at least attempting to fix it. When declined for trade-in (or buy a new car) they demanded upfront diagnostic charges without telling me what is actual issue.
NHTSA complaint #11602117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Park, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
I have tires sized 195/60r15. I was having problems with shaking at a certain speed. my mechanic checked all the options that could have been mechanical and directed me to a tire shop. I brought the car in for them to check for balance. rims, etc. During the inspection, they discovered that both rear tires, driver and passenger side were separating. I had never had problems with tires until I purchased these. The third attached photo was after I first purchased the tires. The piece was shaved off and I don't know why. I had to replace it. I contacted this office on November 19, 2023, with the initial complaint about the tires. Tracking number 11555870.
NHTSA complaint #11568735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Park, FL
TIRES
195/60/15 I purchased four new tires From Prospect Tire and Wheels on September 23, 2022, with an alignment. In August of this year, 2023, I returned because of an issue with one of the tires, and the alignment. They told me after replacing the most serious issue that all four tires had "bubbles". They weren't willing to do anything except to rotate the "bad" tires to the rear of the car and sell me one other that absolutely had to be replaced. They offered me the contact information for their distributors as they had no idea which one it was they got the tires from. I contacted Cooper about the issue and the representative I spoke to, Julie, said they had no record of them because these particular tires were destined for Mexico? In my response below, I indicate when the tires were first purchased up until now, because I've had nothing but issues with them since.
NHTSA complaint #11555870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, NCCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Duplicate transactions that we're compromising but verified through multiple accounts that were unauthorized and purchased by another provider or driver that was added to orginal policy along with several price gouges in Individual policies that had ties to driving history altered n edited it would seem to cause infamation to the cost of the driver would be expected to pay we meaning the eight orginal known targets at first glance all were verified as fatca act needing to be filed and then problems with verification of identity and us citizenship even from. 15 states that had alternate unauthorized banking information on file to match so.e bussiness n private insurance policies bought n then deliberately bolos begin called on the victims for reprocessed purposes of a new getaway car for the villain in this scenario. We also found that multiple devices that were begin paid for were attached through pre paid account to the orginal account that was authorized user ot driver has no prior knowledge of the added account or debit card that made the transactions or the fact that the mail was begindeffered and altered to manipulate the issues further from finding the assailants that are using victims as scapegoats by the end of the fun I. Ruin my life with the damage to keep on touching and effecting everything else.
NHTSA complaint #11443367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluefield, WV
AIR BAGS
The passenger air bag has failed. The dash light stays on due to issue and the air bag itself stays off per the light on the airbag on/off alert. I contacted the dealership who quoted me over $100 just to take a look at it, but was told this seems to be an issue with Spectras that they see pretty commonly.
NHTSA complaint #11435341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesDurham, NC
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR STARTED FAILING WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2017 AND HAS SINCE COMPLETELY FAILED, WHICH HAS CAUSED THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO TURN ON. THE KIA DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE $140 TO RUN AN AIRBAG DIAGNOSTIC AND FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED, I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT, WHICH MAY COST MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR. MY CONCERN AT THIS POINT IS WHETHER OR NOT ANY OF THE AIRBAGS WILL BE DEPLOYED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #11416583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vinton, VA
AIR BAGS
YES SO MY AIR BAG LIGHT WHEN I GOT THE CAR WAS OFF AN IT JUST POPPED UP COUPLE WEEKS AGO! I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO TRY TO FIX IT AN STILL IS ON. I EVEN BROUGHT A NEW DRIVER SEAT AN IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. MY BE HOPE HAS BEEN PARKED SINCE THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON.
NHTSA complaint #11395287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWilson, NC
WHEELS
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 7 MARCH 2020. AS SOON AS I TURN TO PARK IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB, THE CAR TURNED OFF. I TRY TO CRANK IT ON 3 TIMES IT WOULDN'T LET ME. SO I WENT IN TO WORK, THANK GOD I MADE IT TO THE PARKING LOT AT LEAST. AFTER RUNNING TO AUXINE TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT (THEY WERE NO HELP) I MADE FEW CALLS BETWEEN FRIENDS AND CAR COMPANIES. TURNED OUT IT WAS THE TIMING BELT THAT SNAPPED AND IT'S BECAUSE IT WASN'T CHANGE FOR A LONG TIME AND I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS. SO WITH THE TIMING BELT MESSING UP, IT MESS UP THE ENGINE ALSO. I AM NOW WITH NO CAR JUGGLING BETWEEN RIDES AND TAXIS TO TAKE TO WORK. I REALLY LOVE MY KIA AND I AM SO SAD THIS HAPPENED. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS HAPPENED AT ZAXBYS PARKING LOT (WHERE I WORK AT) IN WILSON, NC.
NHTSA complaint #11318347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWilson, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 7 MARCH 2020. AS SOON AS I TURN TO PARK IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB, THE CAR TURNED OFF. I TRY TO CRANK IT ON 3 TIMES IT WOULDN'T LET ME. SO I WENT IN TO WORK, THANK GOD I MADE IT TO THE PARKING LOT AT LEAST. AFTER RUNNING TO AUXINE TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT (THEY WERE NO HELP) I MADE FEW CALLS BETWEEN FRIENDS AND CAR COMPANIES. TURNED OUT IT WAS THE TIMING BELT THAT SNAPPED AND IT'S BECAUSE IT WASN'T CHANGE FOR A LONG TIME AND I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS. SO WITH THE TIMING BELT MESSING UP, IT MESS UP THE ENGINE ALSO. I AM NOW WITH NO CAR JUGGLING BETWEEN RIDES AND TAXIS TO TAKE TO WORK. I REALLY LOVE MY KIA AND I AM SO SAD THIS HAPPENED. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS HAPPENED AT ZAXBYS PARKING LOT (WHERE I WORK AT) IN WILSON, NC.
NHTSA complaint #11318347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWilson, NC
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 7 MARCH 2020. AS SOON AS I TURN TO PARK IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB, THE CAR TURNED OFF. I TRY TO CRANK IT ON 3 TIMES IT WOULDN'T LET ME. SO I WENT IN TO WORK, THANK GOD I MADE IT TO THE PARKING LOT AT LEAST. AFTER RUNNING TO AUXINE TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT (THEY WERE NO HELP) I MADE FEW CALLS BETWEEN FRIENDS AND CAR COMPANIES. TURNED OUT IT WAS THE TIMING BELT THAT SNAPPED AND IT'S BECAUSE IT WASN'T CHANGE FOR A LONG TIME AND I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS. SO WITH THE TIMING BELT MESSING UP, IT MESS UP THE ENGINE ALSO. I AM NOW WITH NO CAR JUGGLING BETWEEN RIDES AND TAXIS TO TAKE TO WORK. I REALLY LOVE MY KIA AND I AM SO SAD THIS HAPPENED. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS HAPPENED AT ZAXBYS PARKING LOT (WHERE I WORK AT) IN WILSON, NC.
NHTSA complaint #11318347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesMonroe, NCCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPECTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE TRAVELLING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER OF HER VEHICLE SUSTAINED BACK, HEAD AND ARM INJURES WHILE THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OCCUPANTS OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE AS THE AIR BAGS FAILED DEPLOY HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 185,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB*DT*DT
NHTSA complaint #11309068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesSmyrna, GA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE METAL COVERING ON THE INTERIOR DOOR PULLS IS PEELING OFF. THIS JAGGED METAL CUT MY FINGER. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS OF INJURY FROM THIS ON LINE ALSO. FURTHER, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE INTERIOR DOOR PULL IF THE DOOR IS LOCKED.
NHTSA complaint #11308810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMankato, MN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL WON'T SET.
NHTSA complaint #11258758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMankato, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CRUISE CONTROL WON'T SET.
NHTSA complaint #11258758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesAdairsville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WILL RANDOMLY STALL. BEEN TO THE MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES AND WE CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. DOESN'T MATTER IF YOUR GOING DOWN THE ROAD OR JUST IDLING IN THE YARD STALLS OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11258235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesAdairsville, GA
ENGINE
WILL RANDOMLY STALL. BEEN TO THE MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES AND WE CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. DOESN'T MATTER IF YOUR GOING DOWN THE ROAD OR JUST IDLING IN THE YARD STALLS OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11258235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rose Hill, NC
SEATS
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON
NHTSA complaint #11244868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rose Hill, NC
AIR BAGS
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON
NHTSA complaint #11244868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesLexington, KY
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT (RED WARNING LIGHT) STARTED TO STAY ON CONSTANTLY. THIS MEANS THAT AIR BAG WILL PROBABLY NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF CRASH (TO BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE WHEN SEARCHING ON GOOGLE ABOUT THIS ISSUE). BEFORE THIS LIGHT TURNED ON (RED LIGHT ON AIR-BAG), I EXPERIENCED AN ISSUE WITH "PASSENGER AIR-BAG OFF" LIGHT STAYING ON - DESPITE SOMEONE IS PRESENT ON PASSENGER SEAT (MEANING THAT AIR-BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AS COMPUTER IS NOT SENSING ANYBODY SEATING THERE). I WOULD NEED TO STOP-BY ON ROAD SIDE, THEN TURN VEHICLE OFF COMPLETELY, ASKED A PERSON ON PASSENGER SEAT TO GO OUT - WAIT FOR A WHILE - AND THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE AND REQUEST A PERSON TO GET BACK ON SEAT. LATER ON, THIS WAY NO LONGER WORKING. COMPUTER RESET NO LONGER WORKING. FRIENDS WARNED ME THAT - IT IS SIGN OF AIR-BAG SYSTEM FAILURE AND KIA SHOULD GET IT FIXED (IT COMES UNDER SAFETY). THIS ISSUE IS CONSTANT IRRESPECTIVE IF VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11228462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesCleveland, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SPEEDOMETER KEEPS GOING OUT. IT WILL WORK FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, BUT MID DAY IT DROPS TO ZERO
NHTSA complaint #11203224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesAurora, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY CAR IS REVVING, EVEN IN PARK. IF IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES ARE HARD TO PUSH AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11181442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesAurora, CO
ENGINE
MY CAR IS REVVING, EVEN IN PARK. IF IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES ARE HARD TO PUSH AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11181442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesPocahontas, AR
POWER TRAIN
WHEN GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, IT FEELS LIKE I HIT SOMETHING (I DID NOT). MY SPEED DECREASE SO MUCH THAT IT TURNED OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL. GLAD NO-ONE WAS BEHIND ME. IT STARTED FEELING VERY SLUGISH WITH HIGH RPMS. I STOPPED FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. RESTARTED MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 3RD GEAR. I STOPPED AGAIN THIS TIME FOR OVER AN HOUR. STARTED MY CAR AND DROVE ANOTHER 15 MILES. IT SHIFT FINE. CHWCK EMFINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. NEXT, MORNING STARTED MY CAR AND DROVE. I HAD NO PROBLEMS. 4 DAYS LATE, DRIVING MY CAR 38 MILES AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME WITH THE SAME ISSUE, TAKE OFF IS VERY VERY SLOW. THIS IS NOT A CONSTANT PROBLEM. I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE PROBLEM WILL START.
NHTSA complaint #11111881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
STEERING
THE CAR RANDOMLY STARTS. WHEN THE CAR IS FINALLY STARTED SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT, THE WINDOWS RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN, THE LOCKS RANDOMLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THEMSELVES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANIC SHOPS INCLUDING ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST AND THE DEALERSHIP. NONE OF THEM ARE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.
NHTSA complaint #11080151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.