Fuel systemPart report

2009 Kia Spectra Fuel system Problems

Complaints: 4about this part
Share: 4%of 114 total for the year
Median mileage: 86,000miles
Trend: Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 2009 Kia Spectra, 4% of the 114 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 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.

“Engine kept dying on me after I filled up the tank. I have had vehicle or 3 years now and never had this problem before. I don't top off the tank so I don't know how I could have caused this problem. I find it dangerous to drive in these conditions stalling out in rush hour traffic with no warning not even check engine light with 3 kids in the car and gas coming out of the bottom of my car onto the ground. …”

NHTSA complaint #10670532, filed 2015-01, 86,000 miles

“My 2009 Kia Spectra had approximately 23,000 miles on it when I purchased it from a Kia dealer in october 2017. Two days after purchasing my Kia, I returned to the same dealership and reported that I noticed the car was idling to high after using the air conditioner or after driving on the freeway. The dealership did nothing and did not assume any responsibility for any repairs. Fast forward to today, the problem became worse and my vehicle began to launch forward after I stopped at a stop sign or traffic light. …”

NHTSA complaint #11141083, filed 2018-10, 23,000 miles

“This car is trying to kill me. I turn on my car, feet aren't on the pedals, my rpms rev and sputter up to 4,000+ without me doing anything. Sometimes it will launch me a bit when I'm trying to back out of a parking spot. Sometimes I'll be at a stop sign or a red light, completely stopped, foot on the brake, hard. Cross-traffic flowing. Suddenly my engine revvs and my car lunges forward. Wtf Kia? I've taken it to Kia once and they told me its a transmission problem that's going to cost more than the car is even worth and more money than I have to spend. So now what? …”

NHTSA complaint #10863846, filed 2016-05, 89,000 miles

Fuel system: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2009	4	4%
2008	5	4%
2007	34	22%
2006	15	15%
2005	4	4%
2004	3	4%
2003	5	6%
2002	3	3%
2001	2	5%

Other parts of the 2009 Kia Spectra

Air bags
76 complaints Seats
11 complaints Electrical system
10 complaints Seat belts
9 complaints Brakes
6 complaints Vehicle speed control
6 complaints Engine
5 complaints Body and structure
5 complaints Engine cooling
3 complaints Other or unknown
3 complaints Steering
3 complaints Wheels
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