2008 Kia Spectra problems
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Common 2008 Kia Spectra problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2008 Kia Spectra, several common problems have been reported:
- Airbag Sensor Issues: Owners have reported problems with the airbag system, specifically related to failing occupant sensors on the passenger side. This issue can result in airbag warning lights staying on and, in some cases, airbags failing to deploy when needed.
- Electrical Problems: Complaints include various electrical issues such as fidgety door locks, failing key fobs, and the car randomly starting for no reason. One common issue is door locks engaging and disengaging at random, affecting the car's security and convenience.
- Exterior Lighting Malfunctions: Some owners have experienced problems with the parking lights engaging while the car is turned off. Even after turning off the car and removing the key, the parking lights remain on, indicating a potential electrical issue affecting the lighting system.
- Mechanical Reliability: Despite being a reliable car for many owners, there have been reports of issues such as noisy operation of hydraulic lifters, low service life of high voltage wires, spark plugs, and ignition coils. These mechanical problems can impact the car's performance and longevity.
- Transmission Concerns: The Kia Spectra 2008 has faced complaints related to transmission issues, including problems shifting gears. Transmission problems can lead to drivability issues and affect the overall performance of the vehicle.
- General Reliability: Overall, the 2008 Kia Spectra has been noted for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. However, the reported problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and addressing any issues promptly to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
By addressing these common problems proactively and ensuring regular maintenance, owners of the 2008 Kia Spectra can mitigate potential issues and enjoy a more reliable driving experience.
What problems do 2008 Kia Spectra have?
Top 2008 Kia Spectra Problems
- Software Update Available to Correct Transmission Issues. 181 people have reported this. ...
- Oxygen Sensor Code Due to Failed Electrical Connections at Sensor. ...
- Kia Issues New Alternator to Replace Weak One. ...
- Failure of AC Compressor Clutch. ...
- Use Only Kia Approved Transmission Fluid.
Is 2008 Kia Spectra a good car?
Driving the Used 2008 Kia Spectra
Ride quality is good, but we found that a decent crosswind can have its way with the tall, lightweight five-door. In the end, if you subscribe to the theory that it's better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, the Spectra5 might be ready to show you a good time.
How many miles can a 2008 Kia Spectra last?
But you've got to dock a point for squishy suspension and bare-bones entertainment features. Reliability 8/10 – The 2008 Spectra promises cheap repairs and a good 200,000 before the first major breakdown. It's not exactly a Toyota, but it ain't a Jeep, either.
Are Kia Spectras reliable?
Reliability should be one of the first things you look for in a vehicle. If you drive a compact car, it's more vital than ever. A used compact vehicle might be cheap, but expensive crashes and sudden breakdowns aren't. The Kia Spectra is a generally reliable option if you pick the best years available.
2008 Kia Spectra car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Spectra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Kia Spectra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Kia Spectra
The NHTSA has received 136 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Kia Spectra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Kia Spectra vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
- VIN: KNAFE121085
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-29
- VIN: KNAFE122585
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-18
- VIN: KNAFE122585
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: Knafe121985
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-23
- VIN: KNAFE121585
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-01
- VIN: KNAFE122385
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-19
- VIN: KNAFE161785
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-07
- VIN: KNAFE122885
- Components: WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-23
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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*JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNAFE161085
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-01
- VIN: KNAFE161385
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL WON'T SET.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-25
- VIN: KNAFE121585
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-01
- VIN: KNAFE161X85
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-09
- VIN: KNAFE121085
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-23
- VIN: KNAFE121185
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER KEEPS GOING OUT. IT WILL WORK FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, BUT MID DAY IT DROPS TO ZERO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-20
- VIN: KNAFE121685
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: MY CAR IS REVVING, EVEN IN PARK. IF IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES ARE HARD TO PUSH AS WELL.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ANTI SLIP RESISTANCE ON THE PEDALS AT ALL. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS OF TIMES, WHERE MY MOTHER OR MY FOOT WOULD SLIP OFF THE BRAKE ONTO THE GAS CAUSING US TO MOVE FORWARD TOWARDS THE OBJECT IN FRONT OF US. IT FINALLY GOT ME AND I HIT THE SIDE OF MY HIGHSCHOOL WHICH DAMAGED MY HOOD AND BUMPER. I WOULD REALLY HAVE HATED IF ONE OF MY FRIENDS OR ANYONE AT ALL WERE IN FRONT OF MY CAR OR IF THE AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. I GOT LUCKY THIS TIME BUT WHAT ABOUT NEXT TIME?
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-21
- VIN: KNAFE161785
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (SUA): CRUISE CONTROL (CC) SET TO ~85 MPH, SUDDEN LURCHING RED-LINE ACCELERATION OCCURRED, CC WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. HAD TO FIGHT MY VEHICLE (PULL E-BRAKE) TO GET SAFELY TO FREEWAY SHOULDER THEN TURN IGNITION OFF. CAR CONTINUED TO TRY TO RED LINE AFTER IGNITION KILLED, SHIFTING THRU ALL GEARS, BATTERY TERMINALS DISCONNECTED OR CC MODULE DISCONNECTED. VERIFIED BRAKE LIGHTS WORKED FINE AFTER PULLING OVER. 1ST INCIDENT - BEHIND AN 18-WHEELER, ALMOST REAR ENDED SAID 18-WHEELER! AFTER ~2HRS THE CAR "RESOLVED" ITSELF & STOPPED TRYING TO ACCELERATE. 2ND INCIDENT - HAD TO NAVIGATE MULTIPLE CARS AROUND & PULLED OVER IN A CURVE! DID NOT RESOLVE ITSELF THIS TIME - ROOT CAUSE PER PITRE KIA: CC CABLE "BROKEN" (WOULD NOT ENGAGE/DISENGAGE ACCELERATION COIL AS NEEDED). EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS EVEN WITH AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER!! 1. OUT-OF-CONTROL ACCELERATION RUN-AWAY MAN-SLAUGHTER DEATH-TRAP CAR = NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE TO DRIVE INCL 16 Y.O. SON WHO I INTENDED TO GIVE THIS VEHICLE TO NOR CAN MY DISABLED SISTER (WHO IS LEARNING TO DRIVE) DRIVE IT SAFELY!! 2. EXCESSIVE WEAR & TEAR TO ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES ETC FOR RED LINED ACCELERATION! 3. AFTER RESEARCH, FOUND OUT THE SAFETY MECHANISM THAT WOULD MORE SAFELY SHUT DOWN THE CARS IN THESE TYPE OF INSTANCES WAS CHOSEN BY MFG TO NOT INSTALL (KIA BUYS CAR IF RUNAWAY VEHICLE MAKES HEADLINE NEWS OR IF DEATHS THERE ARE MAJOR LAWSUITS). ABSOLUTELY HORRIFYING TO THINK IT WOULD HAVE KILLED MY 16 Y.O. SON LIKE THIS ARTICLE: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2017/KIA-SUED-FOR-95-MILLION-IN-DEATHS-OF-TWIN-BOYS.SHTML
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-11
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-18
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-26
- VIN: KNAFE121185
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-12
- VIN: KNAFE162685
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: PURCHASED A 2008 KIA SPECTRA 5 IN 2009. FOR 3 YEARS IT WAS A GOOD COMMUTER CAR. THEN WEIRD THINGS STARTED HAPPENING OUT OF THE BLUE. FIRST, THE CAR WOULDN'T ALLOW US ACCESS BY USE OF THE KEY FOB. IT WOULD UNLOCK THEN LOCK. THE VEHICLE FLIP THE DOOR UNLOCK LEVER BACK AND FORTH LIKE A GHOST WAS MOVING. SECOND, THE CAR WOULD BLOW A FRONT HEAD LAMP ALMOST EVERY 6 MONTHS LIKE CLOCK WORK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE FROM PARK. THIRD, THE FRONT CONSOLE CONTROLLING THE FAN, HEAT ETC. WOULD JUST STOP WORKING ONLY TO START WORKING A FEW HOURS OR DAYS LATER. ESPECIALLY PROBLEMATIC IN WINTER. FOURTH, THE OCS SENSOR MAT FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS MALFUNCTIONED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR STATIONARY. IN ADDITION THE CAR HAS A DANGEROUS LAG IN GAINING SPEED WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AT HIGH SPEEDS ON INTERSTATES. I GUESS I'M JUST WAITING FOR THE NEXT GREMLIN TO APPEAR. WILL NEVER OWN A KIA AGAIN.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAFE121885
- Components: STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: 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...
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-13
- VIN: KNAFE121885
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND IT DROVE FINE. AFTER I SIGNED PAPERS TO BUY THE VEHICLE, I DROVE IT HOME. ON THE WAY HOME I WAS DOING THE SPEED LIMIT WHICH IS 65MPH BUT I ALWAYS STAY A LITTLE UNDER THAT SPEED LIMIT. I GOT TO ABOUT 65 AND BOOM IT WAS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION HAD COME THROUGH THE FLOOR AND IT FELT AS IF I WAS GOING TO BE EJECTED FROM THE CAR! THAT SCARED ME TO DEATH!!! AFTER THAT IT STARTED DRAGGING SO I HAD TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVE THE CITY STREETS WITH MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS ON BECAUSE I COULD DO NO MORE THAN 35-40 MPH. I GOT THE CAR NOV 2016 AND THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT. ITS DOING THE SAME THING JUST SITTING IN A DRIVE THROUGH. IT KICKS BACK SO HARD IT HURTS MY NECK. IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HITS ME FROM THE BACK EVERYTIME. I WOULD REALLY Y LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I CAN HAVE THIS REPAIR TAKEN CARE OF BECAUSE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE READ A LOT OF REVIEWS ONLINE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. IT'S BEEN DOING IT SINCE DAY ONE AND I NEED IT FIXED BECAUSE IT HURTS REALLY BAD. I DIDN'T DO THIS TO THE VEHICLE. IT HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT SPEED YOU'RE DOING AND THEN ACTS LIKE IT'S STUCK IN HIGH GEAR AND TAKES OFF SLOWLY AFTER IT JERKS.
Negative 2008 Kia Spectra car reviews
Positive 2008 Kia Spectra car reviews
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You have owned your Spectra SX twice now. You bought it used in 2014 when it had 280,000 miles on it and have hardly had to do anything to it. It runs as if it were a brand new car. You got rid of it in April of 2016 when it had 302,000 miles on it to get a 06 Yukon Denali. Recently, this year, you got it back at 304,000 miles and now it has 305,000 miles and is still running like new. It's a great car that you love because it's roomy and has great quality.
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I used to own a fully loaded 2005 Ford Freestyle and never had any issues with it until the transmission suddenly failed. Recently, I purchased a Kia, which is a simple car that I could afford at the moment. Although I was disappointed with the lack of 'extras', I was pleasantly surprised by its impressive acceleration. It's a four-door sedan that feels like a 'sleeper' car. The interior is user-friendly, with easy-to-find and operate features such as the radio, trip meter, and lights. This car would be an excellent choice for someone looking for a starter vehicle. I plan to keep it for a year to build my credit, and if I continue to be satisfied with it, I will become a Kia owner for life! By the way, I purchased this car from a Kia dealership, and it was in excellent condition. The mechanic had fixed everything that needed attention. The only issue I have had after owning it for six months is that the driver's door cannot be opened from the inside, which seems to be a common problem among Spectra owners.
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The Spectra 5 Auto is a blast to drive! It not only looks great, but it also handles the road like a dream. I test drove the Camry LE 2008 sedan and the Honda Civic 2008, but after considering all the elements, I decided to buy the Kia. It has excellent driving visibility (which is especially important for me since I'm short) and the hatchback is a great bonus in this price range (which is about $5K cheaper).
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2008 Spectra that I bought about 2 years ago with 18,000 miles Certified Pre-Owned. Overall, it's been a great car, but I have had some trouble with the front end. It shakes violently at highway speeds and makes a knocking noise, which has been a bit frustrating. I've taken it to a few places to get it fixed, but no one seems to be able to figure it out. I was told it might be the tires, so I replaced them, but unfortunately, the problem persisted. Now, I'm planning to spend around $500 to replace the front struts and hopefully resolve the issue. It's a shame that Kia says it isn't covered under the warranty, but I'm still happy with the car overall. It gets 30mpg and is SO FUN TO DRIVE! It's a bit slow, but still peppy and maneuverable, with good visibility. Plus, I love the sporty look, even if it's not the prettiest car out there.
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When I visited this dealership, I wasn't initially interested in a Kia. However, a friendly salesman convinced me to test drive a Spectra 5. To my surprise, the vehicle was incredibly quiet and smooth, with minimal road noise. The interior is not only stylish, but also very comfortable, with easy-to-use instruments and accessories while driving. I even drove this car cross country twice and found it to be very comfortable throughout the journey. The car's stylish design has caught the attention of numerous people who have inquired about it with great interest. In fact, my wife loved it so much that I gave it to her and bought another one, identical to it! The only thing I would change is to have headrests that pivot from front to back. Overall, it was a real treat to drive this car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Kia Spectra problems:
2008 Kia Spectra Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2008 Kia Spectra? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2008 Kia Spectra.
2008 Kia Spectra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
May 24, 2023 ... The Kia spectra is a very reliable car. Great gas mileage, plenty of space and comfort. Pretty basic car. The older the car got though, the more ...
Q&A: Common 2008 Kia Spectra Steering Problems - JustAnswer
Mar 15, 2022 ... 1/2 total would be the belt able to be pulled up or down 1/4 inch. At this point then, you should probably replace the steering gear since it is ...
2007 Kia Spectra EX Transmission Problems | Kia Forum
Jul 17, 2017 ... The solder connections on the solenoids are NOT the problem the connector solder joints can be... Dave. Massillon, Ohio, USA Drives. 2008 KIA ...
Kia Spectra 2008 Blower Motor Issues - Q&A for AC Not Working
Aug 10, 2012 ... Kia Spectra: I have a 2008 Kia Spectra. The blower stops working… · Disconnect the negative(-) battery terminal. · Disconnect the connector of ...
Other years of Kia Spectra
Are you having problems with your 2008 Kia Spectra?
Garth Harris 2024-04-22
It sounds like you've had a bit of a rough time with your car. It's frustrating when things go wrong, especially when you're left without transportation. I hope you're able to get everything sorted out soon. On the bright side, it's great to hear that your used Mazda has been reliable for you!
Karson Douglas 2024-04-05
Although the initial experience with the Spectra was disappointing, it is important to note that the gas cap door design was identified as the root cause of the issue. Despite the service department's inability to fix the issue, it is clear that the dealership honored the warranty by cleaning the door multiple times. While there were some concerns with the car's performance, it is important to note that these issues were addressed and resolved. Overall, the Spectra is a reliable car that can be trusted on the road.
Terence Hirthe 2024-01-18
I purchased this car less than a month ago and unfortunately it has already been in the shop twice. I understand that buying a used car can be risky, but I was hoping for a better outcome. The service department has informed me that the issue is with the spark plug wires and spark plugs, which need to be replaced every two weeks. I am disappointed to hear that they cannot replace them all at once if they are still under warranty. I hope that my warranty does not run out before the issue is resolved.