2009 Kia Spectra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 114 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,190miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Kia Spectra, 2% of the 114 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,190 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.
“While unoccupied vehicle with automatic transmission rolled forward several yards in parking lot on very slight grade though transmission was in park, engine was not running, ignition was turned to off, ignition key removed, and all doors were locked. Vehicle was driven into parking space and was last in drive before being shut off. Visual inspection of shifter cable indicated correct installation and no apparent defect. Pawl appeared to be engaging normally.”
NHTSA complaint #10573619, filed 2014-03, 67,380 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Spectra. While driving 50 MPH, the contact rear-ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt did not lock. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle has stalled at least five times since the time it was purchased. The contact feels that the vehicle is unable to be driven and wants a refund or another vehicle from Kia. The current mileage was 29,000 and failure mileage was 13,000. Updated 06/03/09 the windshield wipers worked intermittently, the rear lights were inoperative. …”
NHTSA complaint #10269983, filed 2009-05, 13,000 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…
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 2009 Kia Spectra
76 complaintsSeats
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 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