2008 Kia Spectra: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 120 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (48% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
120
owner complaints
3
fire reports
76,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: air bags (48%)3 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)48% · 53 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)9% · 10 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)9% · 10 complaints
Seat Belts6% · 7 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)5% · 5 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)3% · 3 complaints
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2024
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2021
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2020
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2020
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2019
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2018
“My airbag light is staying on when occupied. I'm at almost 60,000 mls. Thought I saw something about a recall sometime ago so l was surprised that I couldn't find any considering the complaints l've been seeing. I don't have to many passengers as my children were always in back and just started riding in front. So I'm not sure how long it could have been going on. Just wanted to let someone know another 08' s light is lit. Thanks for your time.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2018
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2017
“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...”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Aug 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 20 of these complaints and injuries in 21 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines2.0L
Cylinders4
FuelGasoline
TransmissionManual/Standard
How other years compare
Check your exact Spectra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2008 Kia Spectra reliable?
NHTSA has 120 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Kia Spectra. The most complained-about area is air bags (48% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Kia Spectra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.