2008 Kia Spectra Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 12%of 121 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Kia Spectra, 12% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 3 a fire, 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.
“Dashboard airbag light illuminated, and nothing I tried--scanner, calling the dealer, and inspecting it myself--seems to be addressing the issue. I see multiple people are experiencing simpler symptoms. The light illuminates as usual upon ignition and shuts off as normal. It then comes back on around 10 to 20 seconds after the car starts, and it does not shut off until I turn off the car. The it sounds like a warranty issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10787951, filed 2015-11, 103,000 miles“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“I bought my 2008 Kia Spectra in june of 2015. About a month after the purchase my door locks started acting up occasionally. Now it is an almost everytime occurance. I will unlock my door via key fob, and it will instantly, and automatically, relock itself(all doors). When it does decide to unlock, and stay that way until I enter the vehicle, as soon as I open the drivers door all doors wil lock. I find this quite annoying, and dangerous due to the fact that I have a child, and a wife, and I would rather not have my vehicle prevent them from entering, or exiting the vehicle safetly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819655, filed 2016-01, 129,785 miles“I drive a 2008 Kia Spectra. I've owned the car for roughly 4 yrs. Within the last month my car continues to stall. This occurs generally when I'm coming to a stop and turning. The dash lights will all come on and my wheel locks up in the direction I was turning. When I turn my car off and turn it back on, the lights will turn off, but my RPM's rev up to a minimum of 3. I have taken the vehicle to two auto mechanics. They have changed a fuel temp. Sensor and switched out all my spark plugs. Both mechanics have plugged the vehicle up to the machine and it reads clear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10652527, filed 2014-11, 88,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10575457, filed 2014-03, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile…
- 10034064Jun 1, 2010Kia: pcm upgrade for a/c cut out during high load conditions. This reflash has enhanced a/c control logic to improve performance with a/c cut out during high load conditions.
- 10026566Aug 22, 2008Kia: parking lamps on and battery discharge intermittently overnight.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 10 | 9% |
| 2008 | 14 | 12% |
| 2007 | 16 | 11% |
| 2006 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 11 | 11% |
| 2004 | 7 | 10% |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% |
| 2002 | 9 | 10% |
| 2001 | 4 | 10% |
| 2000 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kia Spectra
61 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBrakes
6 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 28, 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