2009 Kia Spectra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Kia Spectra: 0 recalls, 114 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (76): the most common themes are warning light on (36), fails to deploy (13).
- Seats (11): the most common themes are warning light on (4).
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are door / lock issues (5), stalls / loses power (3), electrical failure (3).
- Seat belts (9): the most common themes are warning light on (4), stalls / loses power (3).
The 2009 Kia Spectra has 114 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 10 Spectra model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 91). Complaints peaked in 2015 (24 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 71,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (121 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Kia Spectra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Kia Spectra have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2009 Kia Spectra. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2009 Kia Spectra problems?
Owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (76), seats (11), electrical (10).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Kia Spectra get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Kia Spectra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.