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SteeringPart report

2008 Kia Spectra Steering Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
4%of 121 total for the year
Median mileage
116,086miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Kia Spectra, 4% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,086 miles. 1 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 my car, march 2013 and the car died while pulling into the driveway. I was at a red light in may 2014 and the car died at the stop light. For those two incidents the Kia dealership indicated an issue with the charcoal canister. Now, I have a third incident that occurred april 25, 2015, I was driving approximately 40 miles per hour and the wheels locked up and the car died while driving on a main street. My vehicle has been at the dealership for 3 business days and they are not able to determine why the car is stopping. This is a safety issue for me. …”

NHTSA complaint #10713606, filed 2015-04, 110,000 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 contact owns a 2008 Kia Spectra. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 122,171....updated 07/19/16 updated 06/15/18”

NHTSA complaint #10875325, filed 2016-06, 122,171 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11080151, filed 2018-03

“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 miles

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200933%
200854%
200743%
200633%
20051010%
200434%
200344%
200244%
200113%
200014%

Other parts of the 2008 Kia Spectra

Air bags
61 complaints
Vehicle speed control
15 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Engine
10 complaints
Other or unknown
10 complaints
Exterior lighting
8 complaints
Seat belts
8 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Fuel system
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 30, 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