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Electrical systemPart report

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 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2009109%
20081412%
20071611%
200655%
20051111%
2004710%
2003910%
2002910%
2001410%
200014%

Other parts of the 2008 Kia Spectra

Air bags
61 complaints
Vehicle speed control
15 complaints
Engine
10 complaints
Other or unknown
10 complaints
Exterior lighting
8 complaints
Seat belts
8 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
Latches, 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