kia spectra Problems

kia spectra 2008 Complaints

AIR BAGS

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

Reported in: WARWICK RI || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE122485

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

parking lights sometimes turn on several minutes after removing keys and exiting car, this car has automatic headlights, the switch can be turned off if desired, unlike daytime running lights that are on all the time. we have 2 identical cars and both have the same issue. dealer checked car out and told us there are no other reports and that we are opening the car door before turning the ignition off and causing the problem. even though i was sure that was not the case, we took the advice and did as we were instructed. within a few weeks the problem returned,this time not caught for 15 hours, running the battery down. dealer has no solution and told us that most people turn the switch off anyway, but this defeats the purpose of automatic headlights. the problem happened 3 times with each car before we left the switch off, neither of us use the lights during the day any longer because of the problem.

Reported in: ROCHESTER NY || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE122685

AIR BAGS

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.

Reported in: SCOTTSVILLE KY || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: SCOTTSVILLE KY || Crash: N || VIN #:

SEAT BELTS

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 computer, sensor, and seat belt. the contact suffered a concussion and a police report was filed. the components in the vehicle were labeled as defective and after all the repairs were made, the air bag indicator continued to illuminate inappropriately. recently, the contact attempted to avoid a deer and another crash occurred. the air bags failed to deploy again. the vehicle has not yet been repaired and is currently at an auto body shop waiting to be appraised. the failure and current mileages were 10,000.

Reported in: MANCHESTER TN || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE161485

AIR BAGS

Reported in: MANCHESTER TN || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE161485

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

Reported in: MAUMELLE AR || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121685

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

when the auto switch for the lights is on sometimes the parking lights will not turn off when the car is turned off and the keys removed. we often have to get back in the car, insert/remove the key, then open/close the door to get the lights to go off. once, during the day we failed to notice the light on and the battery was completely drained.

Reported in: MAUMELLE AR || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121685

AIR BAGS

'08 kia spectra hit across right front & slammed in right quarter panel. vehicle equipped with 6 air bags...non of which deployed. wife suffered fractures to all her ribs & sternum and a broken left arm. nine days in shock trauma in baltimore, two weeks in rehab hospital and now getting rehab help at home.

Reported in: FELTON DE || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE122X85

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl*the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact attempted to start the vehicle and noticed that it no longer had power and that none of the electrical components were functioning. the vehicle has not been inspected, to determine the cause of the failure. the failure and current mileages were 4000.

Reported in: ARLINGTON TX || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121385

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

no indication of any problems with car or battery noticed whatsoever upon entering and starting the vehicle.. the complaint incidence occurred after driving approx 2 blocks and parking and turning off car and upon getting out of car noticed smoke coming from front driver side corner of hood. since there was a baby in the car first action was to remove child to safe area and called 911. within approx 5 minutes massive amounts of smoke pouring from hood cracks. bystanders attempted to open hood and spray with borrowed fire extinguisher but could not open hood. when firetruck arrived they could not get hood open either and had to pry it open at which point flames erupted but were then quickly put out by fire department (goldsboro nc car fire at tj maxx store on sept 28, 2009) fire determined to have started in battery/fuse box area - fire department determined fire was electrical but cause could not be determined due to extreme amount of damage resulting from fire it appears that there was some kind of electrical malfunction that occurred suddenly and without any advance warning or signs of any problems before this incidence. nothing was possible to be done to "correct" the problem except to extinguish the fire. the consequence was that the entire front end of the car was charred and the car totaled. the fire department arranged to have car towed from parking lot where fire occurred to lot where final inspection made. luckily, circumstances allowed for almost immediate awareness of fire occurring and that driver and passenger were in a safe place with communication available. if circumstances had been different, the results could have been disastrous.

Reported in: GOLDSBORO NC || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE122385

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

on january 4th 2010 at 4:30am another driver pushed me off the road. and my 2008 kia spectra flew up a hill hit two trees at full speed then with full force hit a telephone pole. when my car hit the little hill only my drivers air bag deployed how ever i was still going about 49 mph. during this time of hitting trees some how my seat belt came out of the locking mechanism. after my stay in the hospital i went to see the car and none and i mean none of my side air bag had gone off when they should have. the back of my car went around a telephone pole and the rear air bags did not go off. the air bags in my seat did not go off i have permanent short term memory loss. all and all these kia spectra''s and all kia's should not be allowed on the road in 2008 i was in a car wreck at my fault at 40 mph and my drivers air bag did not go off and my seat belt did not lock up.

Reported in: COAL TOWNSHIP PA || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE122485

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

excessive brake fade when there are three adults in vehicle. either when the road is wet or dry, warm or cold.

Reported in: LAMBERTVILLE MI || Crash: N || VIN #: KNADE123586

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

trunk latch will not release without the key (from the interior button or the remote). every time the weather gets below freezing the trunk release brakes again.

Reported in: STRASBURG VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121975

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl*the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that the vehicle shut off while driving 40 miles per hour. the vehicle has been repaired several times but the failure continued to occur. the dealer offered the contact a new vehicle instead of repairing the one he owns; however, the newer models experienced the identical failure. the failure mileage was 3000. the current mileage was 40,126.

Reported in: BOSSIER CITY LA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121185

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl*the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. while traveling at 20 mph the contact noticed black smoke coming inside the vehicle from the air ventilation system. she pulled over to the side of the road and shut the engine off. a loud clicking sound could be heard coming from the engine. after examining the front end of the vehicle and finding no signs of a fire or smoke the contact re entered the vehicle and noticed that flames were coming out from under the dashboard and steering wheel. the fire department was called to extinguish the fire and a fire report was filed for the incident. the vehicle was destroyed. the failure and current mileages were 91,000.

Reported in: WYCO WV || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121X75

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1. the check light on kia spectra 2008 remained on startup. 2. took the car to don beyer kia in falls church, va. they ordered a part 31435-1ea00 sensor - fuel and installed it. 3. now cannot put fuel in gas tank.

Reported in: FALLS CHURCH VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121385

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated when engaging the interior heat, the defroster would automatically engage and cause the vehicle to stall. the dealer advised the compressor had failed an any repairs would be at the contacts expense. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current was unknown.

Reported in: NEWNAN GA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121885

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

kia vehicles,fuel system failure, mfg blames government for this, it is due to tank over fill, when fuel is up into fill neck it puts to much fuel in tank and inturn flooding some fuel canister of the system and this causes the vehicle to die, a severe design flaw, i have had three stall outs, the third almost caused a major accident i was pulling into heavy flow of fast moving traffic when the car up and died, mfg says nothing can be done to correct from a mechanical stand point cause it meets gov-specs, customer must not allow the tank to be over filled.

Reported in: LANEXA VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121X85

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

intentionally t-boned and side impact airbags didn't deploy. now my airbag light is on.

Reported in: LOUDON TN || Crash: Y || VIN #:

AIR BAGS

passenger air bag light shows "off' with a passenger sitting in the seat. my wife is 5 ft. even, and weighs over 135 lbs. but the light will not turn off for her. i tried it (i weigh around 200) and it went off. the dealer where i purchased the car went out of business.

Reported in: MENIFEE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE122285

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

tl*the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. upon starting the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the fuel system sensor was replaced. the failure occurred three times. after each failure, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who replaced the same sensor. the contact also stated that the motor shook, the brakes squeaked and the accelerator pedal became very hot. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the crankshaft was replaced. the failure mileage was 232 and the current mileage was approximately 35,000. updated 04-05-13 *bf the consumer also stated the crank shaft sensor failed.

Reported in: HOUMA LA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121285

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Reported in: HOUMA LA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121285

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

when my wife sits in the passenger seat, the air bag activation system does not activate approximately 50% of the time. this is a serious safety issue since she would have no air bag deployment in the event of an accident. there should be some way for me to activate the system when she is a passenger.

Reported in: FORT WORTH TX || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121685

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

when my son, who is 12 years old sits in the front passenger seat (weighs 103 pounds) the light goes off sometimes or stays on sometimes for the airbag system, but when my fiancee who is in excess of 180 pounds sits in the seat, the airbag light stays on, thus would not deploy in case of an accident. this happens sporadically, not constantly.

Reported in: SAINT AUGUSTINE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121485

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that the passenger air bag light illuminated with the passenger seat unoccupied. the vehicle was taken to the dealer on numerous occasions and they could not duplicate the failure. the air bag light continued to illuminate but the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and a claim was filed but no further assistance was offered. the failure mileage was 32,000.

Reported in: GRANADA HILLS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE122585

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that the drivers side door and passenger door would not open from the inside. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. the manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 74,000.

Reported in: BELLEVUE NE || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121785

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

2008 kia spectra, purchased new jan 2008, 20k miles, passenger air bag light only goes off (active) when a person of around 200 lbs sits in it. my grandchildren, some of which are 120 or more lbs, do not set it off. i have been making them sit in the back seat, but after reading the crash complaints, where air bags never went off, i am very concerned about their safety as well as my own. i do not care to be involved in an accident to see if they will work! not acceptable, especially in a small car. *kb

Reported in: ISLE MN || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owned a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel suddenly pulled to the right and the driver crashed into a pole. upon impact, the airbags did not deploy. the driver suffered major injuries to his chest and later went to the hospital own his own for treatment. the police were not notified and a report was not filed. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and they informed the contact that there was nothing wrong with airbags. the vehicle was deemed destroyed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and inspected the vehicle. the failure mileage was approximately 14,800.

Reported in: BULUTH MN || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE121985

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

Reported in: BUCKEYE AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121185

SEAT BELTS

the rear seat belts lock up when you start to pull then around you and they will not turn loose so you can get then on. *tt

Reported in: FLORENCE SC || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121385

SEAT BELTS

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. while traveling 40 mph, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. the contact stated that the air bags did not deploy and the seat belt failed. as a result, the contact sustained two fractured collar bones. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and had not been inspected for the failure nor repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 103,207. updated 03/05/12*lj updated 03/08/12

Reported in: PLEASANT GARDEN NC || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE121285

AIR BAGS

Reported in: PLEASANT GARDEN NC || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE121285

AIR BAGS

my son has a 2008 kia spectra and i have a 2009 kia spectra. both cars have difficulty turning on the front passenger air bag when the car is/has been cold and my wife sits in the front passenger seat. she weighs approx 105 pounds and when the cars have been sitting in the cold, the sensors in the seat do not register that she's there. consequently the passenger air bag is automatically turned off and would not deploy if we were in an accident. i have spoken with the kia dealer about it and they say that if functions normally. but it doesn't. if the weather's warm, neither car seems to have the problem as often.

Reported in: COLORADO SPRINGS CO || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owned a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that while traveling in rainy weather, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a pole. the front driver frontal and side curtain air bags failed to deploy. the driver sustained severe injuries from the impact and was killed. the failure and the current mileage was 41,000. updated 04/23/12 updated 05/08/12*lj spoke with consumer, there was one death and no injuries. updated 05/151/2

Reported in: JACKSONVILLE AR || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE121585

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

this has happened twice. the first time was on 12/29/08. the car would not start when my wife tried to back it out of the garage. the mechanics eventually determined that we must have overfilled the gas tank. today -- 9/4/12 -- it happened again. i forgot about the problem we had in 08 and mistakenly filled up the gas tank. for the last 30 miles i've driven it, it has stalled out at least six times and frequently shuddered. i'm very concerned that it won't start tomorrow morning.

Reported in: LAKELAND FL || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121285

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 plugs needed to be replaced. in addition, the contact has experienced surging in the vehicle when coming to a complete stop. after the surging, the rpm's would race to high numbers. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 4,200. the current mileage was approximately 7,700.

Reported in: MARINO OH || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121X85

ENGINE

Reported in: MARINO OH || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121X85

ENGINE

i paid cash for a kia 08/09,the engine light came on when it was drop off by the dealership.i call right back i was told to bring it in. this continue 3 times after, the crank shaft went out,the fuel sensor was the 4 time with me 1 time with the other owner. she put 3500mi. on the car fact. my title said, 200 mi. then, the gas peddle was so hot i could not keep my foot on it. i was call by kia, park the car or it will blow up on you. i was on the road next to a cane field no houses close to me. i'm 65 yrs. old, been going for over 38 mo. because the dealer was louisiana new car commissioner(1) he keeping me at bay. this car was on it way back to kia manfacture. but was sold to me because i paid cash. they they tried to buy back the car from a loan co. where i took a loan on it. they laugh at me tell me i'm on my own. i still have the warranty on it. could you help me. this was a new car i was sold even though some one else had it before me for months 3500mi. yet on my title it said 200mi.

Reported in: HOUMA LA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121285

AIR BAGS

vehicle hit from rear at high rate of speed and pushed into vehicle to drivers side and vehicle in front. fire dept at scene said the vehicle was impacted where airbag sensor is and should have gone off. no airbags went off. driver with serious injuries. children in back seat very minor injuries.

Reported in: MOUNTLAKE TERRACE WA || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE122685

AIR BAGS

i actually own 2 kias same year and model. air bag light would come on and off when someone would sit in passenger seat. then it started staying on all the time on so it was still under warranty so they replaced the sensor. now my husbands kia is doing the same exact thing and it is out of warranty so they refuse to fix it without charging me, so i have to ride with him at my own risk because i have no air bag protection on my side.

Reported in: MYRTLE BEACH SC || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121685

SEATS

i started to have issues with my seat belt's and i called the dealer and took it in and they said they couldn't find an issue i continue to have problem's took it back several time's and they said the same thing now my seat belt's in the back of my car do not work at all i took it back and they said it was out of warranty that i would have to pay for it. then after that i started having an issue with my passenger side seat and air bag the light on the dash next to the clock wouldn't go off or it just flickered and the air bag icon with the person on it came on and hasn't went off i told them about this issue as well and the said they couldn't find a problem but now that the light next to the clock has gone out and the person icon with the air bag on my dash just stay's on i took it to them and they said i would have to buy a passenger seat for $1,900.00 because my warranty for that part was up. i feel that they should fix these issues because they are a safety issue and i transport small children in my car.

Reported in: INDIANAPOLIS IN || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE161885

SEAT BELTS

Reported in: INDIANAPOLIS IN || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE161885

AIR BAGS

Reported in: INDIANAPOLIS IN || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE161885

AIR BAGS

this vehicle does not consistently sense the front passenger, resulting in the airbag sensor being in the "off" mode even when a passenger is sitting there. the vehicle was checked by a kia dealer, who said the computer did not note anything wrong. the service technician said "with some kia's, the sensor does not detect a passenger in the seat unless they are sitting directly in the middle of the seat." this concerns us greatly, as, if we are in an accident, the passenger air bag will not deploy if the sensor does not register a passenger in the seat.

Reported in: APPLETON WI || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121385

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that the cruise control engage light illuminated intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the stop lamp switch needed to be replaced. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the approximate failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.

Reported in: HOPEWELL VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121785

AIR BAGS

the sensor in the passenger seat was found to be defective during a state inspection. i had to replace the seat, which cost me $2,231.93. i was told by the autoshop, and by 2 different kia dealerships that this seems to happen alot in kias. i think that kia should reimburse me for this but don't know how to go about that. i see that they have recalled other models for airbag malfunctions. this model should be looked into as well.

Reported in: LOUISA VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE161785

AIR BAGS

there were no accidents leading up to a failure. the airbag light in my 2008 kia spectra ex suddenly came on. after taking it in to a dealer, i was notified that the entire bottom portion of the seat needed to be replaced. the car could not tell if there was a person in the passenger seat. this deactivated the entire airbag system. several other complaints are here: http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2008/kia/spectra/air_bags/problem.aspx. this does not seem to be an isolated issue, and should be addressed by kia.

Reported in: FORT WORTH TX || Crash: N || VIN #:

SEAT BELTS

ever since buying the car in 2010, the rear seat belts would intermittently lock-up for no reason. now, neither rear outboard retractor will unwind. the center seatbelt still works fine.

Reported in: FRANKLIN TN || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE161685

STRUCTURE:BODY

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that the interior driver's side door handle became detached from the vehicle. the contact had to open the window and engage the handle from the exterior of the vehicle in order to exit. the manufacturer informed the dealer that the handle was outside of warranty. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 76,000.

Reported in: SALSBURY MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

SEAT BELTS

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that the rear seat belts failed to lock. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

Reported in: DEL BALLE TX || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121085

POWER TRAIN

randomly while driving at highway speeds (55 - 70) the car will downshift violently with a sudden jerk, it will remain in that gear until you pullover, turn off the car and restart it in order to resume normal driving.

Reported in: KENNA WV || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE122385

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact was driving 40 mph and crashed into a deer. the air bags failed to deploy. the contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries and a police report was filed. the vehicle was not repaired or inspected for the cause of the air bag failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Reported in: FAYETTEVILLE TN || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE121085

AIR BAGS

2008 kia spectra ex w/ 38,125 miles on it. the air bag light stays on and after reading all the failure to deploy complaints, 1. i will sue the crap out of you rip offs if my bag does not deploy 2. i will never buy another kia as long as i live.

Reported in: AUBURN IN || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121885

AIR BAGS

the air bag light has illuminated on the dash cluster and the light for the passenger side airbags will some times come on and at other times will not, with a 200 pound adult in the passenger seat. i called kia dealership and was told it would be $100 to check the code. the code indicates b1448 ocs failure - mat sensor. dealership said there is only a five year 60,000 mile warranty on these parts. problem is you can not replace just the part, you have to buy the complete seat bottom at a cost of $800 - $2,000 depending on the dealership that you speak with. this is a large cost to replace every 3 - 6 years (depending on age and mileage). kia and hyundai have had recalls before for the same air bag systems in other vehicles but refuse to recall the part in the spectra.

Reported in: BEDFORD IN || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121485

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

the door locks began randomly not working when using the door lock/unlock buttons on both the driver side, as well as the front passenger side. there does not seem to be a problem when using the key fob. i mentioned this problem to my local kia dealer who brushed it off. now, 2 years later, it has gotten worse. i can rarely unlock the doors using the buttons. i would think this is a safety issue if i was unable to get out of my car in the event of an accident or fire. i am not sure if this would be covered under warranty. the car is less than 10 years old and has just under 73,000 miles.

Reported in: WAKE FOREST NC || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE162X75

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: WAKE FOREST NC || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE162X75

SEAT BELTS

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that the air bag light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the passenger front seat belt sensor had failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 23,000. updated 06/10/14*lj the consumer was advised that there was a recall for 2007 and 2006 models for the same failure. updated 06/11/2014 *js

Reported in: ARLINGTON WA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE161385

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact rented a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, she crashed into the rear of another vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy with the impact. the contact sustained contusions to the chest, right arm and left arm. there was also internal bleeding from the lungs and an injury to the right leg. a police report was not filed. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was to be repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was unavailable.

Reported in: GRAND PRAIRIE TX || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE121385

AIR BAGS

the air bag light has illuminated on the dash cluster and the light for the passenger side airbags will some times flash on and off like the exorcist. even with a 200 pound adult in the passenger seat.

Reported in: HAMPTON GA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121211

SERVICE BRAKES

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated the vehicle failed to stop after the brake pedal was applied and instead the vehicle suddendly accelerated crashing into a building. the air bags failed to deploy and the air bag light illuminated on the instrument panel. a police report was not filed. the driver sustained a neck injury. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor was it diagnosed. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage 95,000.

Reported in: NAPOLEONVILLE LA || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE121385

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Reported in: NAPOLEONVILLE LA || Crash: Y || VIN #: KNAFE121385

ENGINE

vehicle surges while driving and/or while stopped in traffic.

Reported in: WILKES BARRE PA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE122785

AIR BAGS

the airbag light stays on, now we are being charged over $1000 to get it fixed. is this a recall item? please reply.

Reported in: NORFOLK VA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121185

AIR BAGS

my air bag light has been on since i bought the car which was maybe a year ago, i did not know what it meant until i started doing research. i do not feel comfortable knowing my air bags may not work! the car lot failed to tell me anything about this problem. i am very upset and this needs to be fixed by kia or the car dealership.

Reported in: ST. AUGUSTINE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121885

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated that the front passenger side air bag light illuminated when the seat was occupied. the contact mentioned that the passenger side air bag light illuminated intermittently depending on the position the passenger was sitting. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the seat cushion needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 65,000.

Reported in: IRVING TX || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE121285

STRUCTURE:BODY

tl - the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. the contact stated intermittently the front drivers and passengers doors failed to open from the inside of the vehicle. the vehicle to a mechanic. the vehicle was repaired. the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unavailable. bt

Reported in: SUMMERVILLE GA || Crash: N || VIN #: KNAFE221295

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