2008 Kia Spectra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 121 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Kia Spectra, 3% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles.
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.
“My car has approx 145000 miles. Drives great except for in the last few months it has a transmission problem. I googled the problem and numerous people have the exact same problem. After driving the car after sitting all night for about an hour you can be driving 5 MPH or 60 MPH the car will jerk hard...from the transmission. I have had the car inspected and fixed numerous times. Mechanic's say the transmission is in good condition. They have fixed numerous items on 3 different times with the transmission; flushed, welded, etc . …”
NHTSA complaint #11002080, filed 2017-06, 145,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11022403, filed 2017-09, 115,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11111881, filed 2018-07, 30 miles“Randomly while driving at highway speeds (55 - 70) the car will downshift violently with a sudden jerk, it will remain in that gear until you pullover, turn off the car and restart it in order to resume normal driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10532582, filed 2013-07, 165,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
- 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 7 | 7% |
| 2005 | 7 | 7% |
| 2004 | 16 | 23% |
| 2003 | 16 | 18% |
| 2002 | 12 | 13% |
| 2001 | 8 | 20% |
| 2000 | 2 | 9% |
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 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBody and structure
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