2008 Kia Spectra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 121 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Kia Spectra, 5% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving normally going 45 MPH on a rural street using my cruise control. When I was coming up to the stop, I hit the brakes to slow down, and the engine immediately accelerated. I slammed on the brakes and the engine ran faster. I put the car in neutral (the engine rpms red-lined), and turned the key off and the vehicle slowed under normal braking. I started the vehicle back up, and tested the problem. The cruise control was not disengaging with the brake pedal. When I got home, I checked the brake lights, and they were not working. …”
NHTSA complaint #10684236, filed 2015-02, 160,920 miles“Intermittingly, after starting the vehicle, engine begins revving. Intermittingly, while slowing & stopping at a traffic light, engine begins revving and attempts to lurch forward. I have to press the break very hard to keep vehicle from moving forward. Fred anderson Kia, raleigh, nc investigated this problem on 7/10/15 but was unable to recreate the problem. They re-cleaned the throttle body. The issue has continued on and off since then. On 8/20/15, after approximately 45 minutes of highway driving, I pulled into the parking lot at work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10750044, filed 2015-08, 97,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10605992, filed 2014-06, 90,000 miles“The contact owned a 2008 Kia Spectra. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact applied the brakes while approaching a red light. The engine shut down, and the steering and brakes failed. The vehicle crossed the intersection and crashed into the rear driver side of another vehicle. The brake and steering lights indicators remained illuminated. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The air bags failed to deploy. Two injuries were sustained, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10934704, filed 2016-12, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
- 10026566Aug 22, 2008Kia: parking lamps on and battery discharge intermittently overnight.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 6 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 7% |
| 2006 | 10 | 10% |
| 2005 | 10 | 10% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 18 | 20% |
| 2002 | 15 | 16% |
| 2001 | 7 | 18% |
| 2000 | 4 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kia Spectra
61 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Kia Spectra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology