Model year
2008 Kia Spectra
NHTSA lists 0 recalls and 121 complaints for the 2008 Kia Spectra (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are AIR BAGS (54), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (14). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,500–$2,600, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2002 92 complaints
- 2003 90 complaints
- 2004 71 complaints
- 2005 103 complaints
- 2006 100 complaints
- 2007 152 complaints
- 2008 121 complaints
- 2009 114 complaints
Recalls
No recalls are listed for this name in the matched NHTSA file.
Complaints
121 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 20, fire flag on 3, injury field 21, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE15031 | Occupant Classification System · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION | Sep 1, 2015 | Feb 11, 2016 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra · 2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 32 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Spectra · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 30 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2008 Kia Spectra at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.