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Air bagsPart report

2009 Kia Spectra Air bags Problems

Complaints
76about this part
Share
67%of 114 total for the year
Median mileage
71,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 76 complaints about the air bags of the 2009 Kia Spectra, 67% of the 114 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 15 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The airbag light is constantly on now on my dash near my speedometer. It also illuminates on the passenger side as 'on' and 'off' while my husband is sitting there. This has been going on for about a month now for the driver's dash light, and 2 months for the passenger airbag indicator. I've owned this car for 2 years, no accidents, and now a legally required safety feature appears to be malfunctioning. That is a horrible investment, and should not be legally ok.”

NHTSA complaint #10915748, filed 2016-10, 106,000 miles

“Recently, in october 2013 at 75,217 miles, I had it serviced due to an airbag warning light on the console. The light was diagnosed as a problem with the passenger side seat occupant mat cushion. In other words, the passenger air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. I discovered that this is an extensive repair involving the replacement of the passenger seat itself. The cost of which was $1,717.11 for parts and labor. …”

NHTSA complaint #10561224, filed 2014-01, 75,217 miles

“The driver and passenger side airbag lights a staying on. I was told this could have them deploy while driving or not deploy at all if there in a accident. I have read many post about this issue with Kia's and there should be a recall on such safety components.”

NHTSA complaint #10564781, filed 2014-02, 110,000 miles

“Passenger seat does not always sense there is a passenger setting in the seat. The dealer replaced the passenger seat once and it did work ok for about two months they now refuse to work on it till they see proof of it not working. They claim company policy will not allow them to work on it. I feel they are putting my passengers in the way of harm and could be liable for injury or death.”

NHTSA complaint #10374030, filed 2011-01, 13,096 miles

“I am filing this for my mom. She rear ended a car who had stopped the flow of traffic at a green light to let a vehicle out of a parking lot. My mothers air bags did not deploy and she received a double open fracture to her right ankle and a fractured sternum and intense chest traura. She was life flighted to a hospital in wv ruby memorial she underwent surgery and they saved her right foot they wher unsure if they could save and talked before surgery of possible amputation”

NHTSA complaint #10722372, filed 2015-05, 17,689 miles

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20097667%
20086150%
20075637%
20064646%
20054342%
20042637%
20031112%
20022224%
2001923%
2000939%

Other parts of the 2009 Kia Spectra

Seats
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 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