RoadVitals

2009 Kia Borrego Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
88
Latest Jul 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Kia Borrego, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Something within the brake system is causing my shifter to not communicate with the brakes and will not allow my car to go into reverse or park. It stays stuck on drive or neutral. The only thing I can do is shut the car off and can’t do much except for move around the key until I can put the car into park. Then that is hot and starts making under the hood hot. Then the check engine light will go on and off. It is also making a leak of brake fluid somewhere which is making the brakes go to the floor and making it dangerous when trying to stop the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11700707 · filed Nov 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Borrego EX. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, while driving into her driveway, the vehicle inadvertently applied the brakes, bringing it to a sudden stop. As a result, the contact stated that her friend, who had been following her, collided with the rear of the vehicle. No air bags were deployed. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. No police report was filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 172,534.

NHTSA ID 11526782 · filed Jun 13, 2023
All 19 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have owned this car since it was new. Anchors Kia hung up on me 3x as I tried to get 2 recall items addressed. I then called the Kia hotline and got hung up on. All I want is my recalled item taken care of…

NHTSA ID 11623868 · filed Nov 6, 2024

I absolutely love my kia borrego and have been trying to find a way to give the car back and end payments on it because I can't afford to put parts on it anymore. I'm on disability and can't seem to find the real issue after thousands of dollars in failed attempts. My transmission has not been shifting and if it does shift, it's sudden and aggressive. It will rev up higher than normal and if you continue holding the gas at all it will jerk you as you are driving. It has nearly caused me to swerve or be hit by anyone following. It feels like someone hits the car from behind very hard. Not only is it scary, it is aggressive and could cause whiplash or harm to my children. On 3 occasions I have been driving and my seat belt has randomly popped off on the driver seat and twice in the passenger seat. It's awful I have to plan where I will park or my route because my car randomly shuts off while driving which is dangerous on the curvy roads where I live and the car mostly doesn't shift at all while driving after all the money I've wasted trying to have it fixed. This car was the best thing that I have ever owned until it became a dangerous, unreliable nightmare.

NHTSA ID 11577331 · filed Mar 14, 2024
All 16 reports naming electrical

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I absolutely love my kia borrego and have been trying to find a way to give the car back and end payments on it because I can't afford to put parts on it anymore. I'm on disability and can't seem to find the real issue after thousands of dollars in failed attempts. My transmission has not been shifting and if it does shift, it's sudden and aggressive. It will rev up higher than normal and if you continue holding the gas at all it will jerk you as you are driving. It has nearly caused me to swerve or be hit by anyone following. It feels like someone hits the car from behind very hard. Not only is it scary, it is aggressive and could cause whiplash or harm to my children. On 3 occasions I have been driving and my seat belt has randomly popped off on the driver seat and twice in the passenger seat. It's awful I have to plan where I will park or my route because my car randomly shuts off while driving which is dangerous on the curvy roads where I live and the car mostly doesn't shift at all while driving after all the money I've wasted trying to have it fixed. This car was the best thing that I have ever owned until it became a dangerous, unreliable nightmare.

NHTSA ID 11577331 · filed Mar 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Borrego. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the front passenger’s and the front driver’s side seat belts unlatched independently without warning. The contact latched the seat belts, but the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. On another occasion while turning off the vehicle, the contact noticed that the key and the ignition were hot, but no warning light was illumined. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle shifted into neutral independently without warning. The dealer was contacted and stated there was no recall for the failure. Additionally, while attempting to unlock the driver’s side door, several attempts were needed before the door unlocked. The contact also stated that the failure also occurred while exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11543202 · filed Sep 7, 2023
All 11 reports naming seat belts

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA BORREGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ECU WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WAS JERKING AND FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DELAND KIA (2322 S. WOODLAND BLVD, DELAND, FL 32720, (386) 734-7800) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ECU MODULE AND STOP LAMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.

NHTSA ID 11400210 · filed Mar 10, 2021

WHILE DRIVING STEP ON BRAKES TO SLOW AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS RELATED TO BRAKES LITE UP AND CAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN DRIVE OR NEUTRAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES THE LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF . HAD CAR CHECKED AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUND AS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS THIS CAR IS USED BY WIFE AND CHILDREN DAILY. WITH ALL THINGS CONSIDERED WE HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES AND INCLUDES ABS MODULE,TRANSMISSION MODULE SPEED SENSOR, OR THE MAIN MODULE WHICH IS TROUBLING WHAT DO WE DO TAKE A GUESS WHAT TO REPLACE. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. AS ALL OF THE PARTS LISTED HAVE A HEAVY PRICE TO HAVE CHANGED.

NHTSA ID 11400089 · filed Mar 10, 2021
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKE AND BRAKE SWITCH WAS ONCE A RECALL PART HAD IT REPLACED NOW IT GONE BAD AGAIN CAUSING ME TO HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE ESC OFF AND A DECLINE TRUCK SYMBOL IN LIT UP RED

NHTSA ID 11172839 · filed Jan 29, 2019

I HAD JUST STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD CAME ON. ECS, ABS, BREAK, ENGINE, 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND CRUISE CONTROL ERROR, AND THE SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOESN'T WORK. I PULLED INTO THE NEAREST AUTO PARTS PLACE AND THEN DISCOVERED I COULDN'T PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. I HAD TO MANUALLY USE THE SHIFT LOCK. THEY RAN THE COMPUTER AND IT SHOWED A SPEED SENSOR ERROR. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR. SOMETIMES IT LASTS A WEEK, THEN ACTS NORMAL FOR MONTHS OR A FEW HOURS, THEN GOES OFF AGAIN. THIS MAKES IT REALLY HARD TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON. EVERY TIME WE TRY TO TAKE IT IN, IT SEEMS TO WORK JUST FINE AND THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. WHEN I CALLED KIA THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO.

NHTSA ID 10965932 · filed Mar 14, 2017
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE STEERING WHEEL, SINCE NEARLY BRAND NEW, WILL NOT RAISE OR LOWER AT TIMES. THIS IS DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY FOR SHORTER DRIVERS. IF THE AIRBAG WERE TO BE DEPLOYED THIS WOULD RESULT IN POSSIBLY FATAL HEAD/NECK INJURIES. THE STEERING WHEEL STAYS IN THE FULLY TILTED POSITION, EVEN WHEN DRIVING.

NHTSA ID 11399946 · filed Mar 9, 2021

MY MOTHER AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 6/27/20 AND IT WAS IN THE AFTERNOON. WELL I DROVE IT HOME AND IN THE WAY HOME THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AND THE LIGHT FOR THE TIRES. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT FIRST OF ALL THAT ALL THE TIRES WERE DIFFERENT TIRES. AND ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF TREADS. BUT THEN THE VEHICLE KEPT GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. THE MORE I DROVE IT THE HARDER IT WAS TO HOLD IN THE ROAD. THEN IT STARTED RAINING. I THOUGHT SERIOUSLY THAT I COULD DIE WITH THIS AS BAD AS IT WAS. AND TO TOP THAT OFF I TRIED TO TURN ON THE WIPERS AND THEY STARTED FALLING ABOUT FROM BEING DRY ROTTED. I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE . FOR MYSELF AND FOR OTHERS. SO THEN I TRIED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND HIS DAUGHTER ANSWERED THE PHONE AND I ASKED TO TALK TO WHO SHE REFERRED TO AS HER FATHER. AND SHE SAID HE MAY NOT BE IN ALL DAY AND I TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE SAID SOMEONE WOULD CALL ME BACK. I WAITED TILL WHEN THEY ALMOST CLOSE AND NO ONE CALLED . I TRIED TO CALL BACK AND THEY WOULD NOT ANSWER. AT WHICH TIME MY MOTHER GOT ON THE PHONE WITH HER CREDIT CARD PEOPLE AND ASKED THEM TO STOP THE PAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE AND THEY AGREED. AND TOLD US TO MAKE SURE THE VEHICLE GOT BACK UP THERE TO THEM. HONESTLY THAT WAS THE SCARED AS I EVER BEEN DRIVING SOMETHING. BUT I GOT IT BACK TO THEM. IT'S ONLY BEEN THE 3 DAY WHEN ALL THIS UNFOLDED. NOW THEY ARE SAYING THAT THEY ARE GONNA TREAT IT LIKE A REPOSSESSION. AND THREATENING MY 77 YEAR MOTHER. AND THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF THEIR BUSINESS. MY MOTHER TOLD THEM THE VEHICLE WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZZARD LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND IT WAS DANGEROUS TO MY LIFE CAUSE IT WAS A WONDER THAT I DIDN'T GET KILLED THE LITTLE I DROVE IT. SHE DROVE BEHIND ME IN THE VEHICLE ON THE WAY BACK AND SEEN HOW THE VEHICLE WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID 11342344 · filed Jul 30, 2020
All 9 reports naming steering

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT UNFASTENS WHILE DRIVING AND THE RIGHT REAR AND CENTER SEAT BELTS WILL NOT FASTEN WHETHER DRIVING OR SITTING STILL. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PROPEL FORWARD FULLY WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED TO INCREASE SPEED WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID 11406202 · filed Apr 3, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA BORREGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE BECAME RESISTANT TO REFUELING ATTEMPTS AND THE FUEL PUMP WOULD CONTINUOUSLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE AIR FILTER AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,945.

NHTSA ID 10469500 · filed Aug 7, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

After recall for brake light switch was performed at dealership on 7-12-2022 brake light switch sticks causing brake lights to be illuminated randomly. Brake lights stay lit after being parked and may also be lit during operation. This may cause a safety issue if following drivers cannot determine when brakes are applied. Dealership has not rectified this problem. Problem never existed before the recall was performed.

NHTSA ID 11479609 · filed Aug 16, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA BORREGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE NEED TO BE ADJUSTED AND THE STOP LAMP SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC).THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,452.

NHTSA ID 10852923 · filed Apr 1, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air bag - During a bad rain storm a couple years ago I had an accident and hit the center divider after entering the freeway going 50 mph instead of 65 mph and none of my airbags deployed. I let my insurance know as well as the repair shop but it is UNKNOWN if they actually checked. The light on my dash showed my airbags were on. Engine- My engine started to make a rattling noise that sounds like a diesel vehicle starting up during a cold starts. I have took it to the dealership I bought it from multiple times cause it has gotten louder and worst they claimed the looked at it and said that it was normal and decided to max out my GAP insurance so I can no longer take it in for that issue but my normal mechanic states that is not normal and it should not be making that noise. There were no lights or warning signs of any sort.

NHTSA ID 11618006 · filed Oct 4, 2024

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR HOME FROM CHURCH WHEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT OR ANYTHING, IT JUST CAME ON WITH NO REASON

NHTSA ID 11349870 · filed Aug 17, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air bag - During a bad rain storm a couple years ago I had an accident and hit the center divider after entering the freeway going 50 mph instead of 65 mph and none of my airbags deployed. I let my insurance know as well as the repair shop but it is UNKNOWN if they actually checked. The light on my dash showed my airbags were on. Engine- My engine started to make a rattling noise that sounds like a diesel vehicle starting up during a cold starts. I have took it to the dealership I bought it from multiple times cause it has gotten louder and worst they claimed the looked at it and said that it was normal and decided to max out my GAP insurance so I can no longer take it in for that issue but my normal mechanic states that is not normal and it should not be making that noise. There were no lights or warning signs of any sort.

NHTSA ID 11618006 · filed Oct 4, 2024

I absolutely love my kia borrego and have been trying to find a way to give the car back and end payments on it because I can't afford to put parts on it anymore. I'm on disability and can't seem to find the real issue after thousands of dollars in failed attempts. My transmission has not been shifting and if it does shift, it's sudden and aggressive. It will rev up higher than normal and if you continue holding the gas at all it will jerk you as you are driving. It has nearly caused me to swerve or be hit by anyone following. It feels like someone hits the car from behind very hard. Not only is it scary, it is aggressive and could cause whiplash or harm to my children. On 3 occasions I have been driving and my seat belt has randomly popped off on the driver seat and twice in the passenger seat. It's awful I have to plan where I will park or my route because my car randomly shuts off while driving which is dangerous on the curvy roads where I live and the car mostly doesn't shift at all while driving after all the money I've wasted trying to have it fixed. This car was the best thing that I have ever owned until it became a dangerous, unreliable nightmare.

NHTSA ID 11577331 · filed Mar 14, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Borrego. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the front passenger’s and the front driver’s side seat belts unlatched independently without warning. The contact latched the seat belts, but the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. On another occasion while turning off the vehicle, the contact noticed that the key and the ignition were hot, but no warning light was illumined. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle shifted into neutral independently without warning. The dealer was contacted and stated there was no recall for the failure. Additionally, while attempting to unlock the driver’s side door, several attempts were needed before the door unlocked. The contact also stated that the failure also occurred while exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11543202 · filed Sep 7, 2023

PURCHASED NEW 09 BORREGO IN JUNE 2010. TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AT 11,700 MILES, WOULD STAY AT 40MPH WITH FOOT OFF OF GAS PEDAL, SLIPPED IN 3RD AND 4TH GEARS. TOOK IN FOR REPAIRS AND THEY SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND TO COME PICK THE BORREGO UP UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE SHIPPED TO THEM. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS OK TO DRIVE IT THAT WAY, AND TO JUST BRING IT IN WHEN THE TRANSMISSION CAME IN. THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION (NEVER TOLD US THIS, UNTIL WE PICKED IT UP AND READ IT ON THE SERVICE TICKET). AT 11,900, AND ONLY 200 MILES AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, IT STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN. IT WAS JERKING VERY HARD BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE.AT THIS POINT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ALSO ON. I CALLED AND WAS TOLD TO WAIT FOR SEVERAL DAYS (THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS TOO BUSY TO GET THE VEHICLE IN) AND ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT, WENT TO LEAVE HOME AND THE BORREGO WOULDN'T GO OVER 20MPH. BY THE TIME I MADE IT AROUND THE BLOCK TO RETURN HOME, IT WOULDN'T GO OVER 15MPH. WHEN I PULLED OUT ON THE STREET WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 45, I HAD CARS READY TO PLOW INTO ME BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET THE VEHICLE TO GO!!!! IT IS NOW BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP (VIA FLATBED TOW TRUCK). SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS HAD GAS TANK ISSUES (REPLACED TANK AND NOW THE CO INSIDE THE VEHICLE IS AT LETHAL LEVELS), 4 ATTEMPTS TO GET THE AIRBAG LIGHT OFF, CHIPPING PAINT, SEATBACKS FALLING OFF, ETC. WE ARE NOW ASKING FOR KIA TO REPURCHASE THE SUV AND WE WILL BUY A CAR THAT'S NON KIA!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10399443 · filed May 7, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA BORREGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 72 MPH, THE SUN ROOF GLASS SHATTERED WITHOUT IMPACT. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIRBY KIA OF VENTURA (6424 AUTO CENTER DR, VENTURA, CA 93003) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE DEALER OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT FILED TWO CLAIMS WITH THE MANUFACTURER THAT WERE DENIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11327149 · filed Jun 3, 2020

SUN VISORS ON BOTH SIDES WILL NOT RETRACT UP TO ROOFTOP SO ITS BLOCKING VISIBILITY. THE RIGHT SIDE WENT OUT 1ST ABOUT A YEAR AGO, BUT WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE STOP WORKING ABOUT 3 MO.. THAT'S WHEN I HAVE A PROBLEM. SO FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS IS BEEN A BIG PROBLEM FOR ME.

NHTSA ID 11265759 · filed Oct 2, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT LAMP - HEADLIGHT COMPONENTS STOPPED FUNCTIONING AFTER FLICKING ON AND OFF FOR OVER A YEAR DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. WHEN UNCOVERED IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE FRONT LAMP HEADLIGHT COMPONENT HAD SUSTAINED AN ELECTRICAL MELT DOWN RENDERING THE UNIT USELESS AND UNABLE TO REPLACE INDIVIDUAL WIRES OR SINGLE COMPONENTS AND IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER - BUMPER COMPONENTS ON THE R & I FRONT BUMPER UPPER COVER AND R & I FRONT BUMPER LOWER COVER FOR A TOTAL COST OF $468.43. THIS SITUATION RENDERS A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD SITUATION AND OVER-COSTS IN REPLACING A SIMPLE PART BY HAVING TO PURCHASE AN ENTIRE SECTION OF THE VEHICLE NOT PERTAINS TO THE ISOLATED ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10563488 · filed Feb 8, 2014

THE CHROME ON THE INSIDE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH HANDLE IS DELAMINATING CREATING A SHARP EDGE THAT CAN LACERATE SKIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10546901 · filed Oct 6, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Borrego. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the front passenger’s and the front driver’s side seat belts unlatched independently without warning. The contact latched the seat belts, but the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. On another occasion while turning off the vehicle, the contact noticed that the key and the ignition were hot, but no warning light was illumined. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle shifted into neutral independently without warning. The dealer was contacted and stated there was no recall for the failure. Additionally, while attempting to unlock the driver’s side door, several attempts were needed before the door unlocked. The contact also stated that the failure also occurred while exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11543202 · filed Sep 7, 2023

THE ELECTRIC CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER SEAT THAT LIFTS AND MOVES THE FORWARD AND BACKWARD COMES UNHOOKED CAUSING THE SEAT TO DROP TO LOWEST POSITION WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN B A SAFETY HAZARD BY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR WHILE DRIVING IF THE ARM SHOULD COME UNHOOKED AND SEAT FALL TO LOWEST POSITION. THE PICTURE ATTACHED IS THE HEAD OF THE ARM AND BRACKET IT CONNECTS TO. I CURRENTLY HAVE A BOLT IN IT TO HOLD IT TOGETHER

NHTSA ID 10892847 · filed Aug 3, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY MOTHER AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 6/27/20 AND IT WAS IN THE AFTERNOON. WELL I DROVE IT HOME AND IN THE WAY HOME THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AND THE LIGHT FOR THE TIRES. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT FIRST OF ALL THAT ALL THE TIRES WERE DIFFERENT TIRES. AND ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF TREADS. BUT THEN THE VEHICLE KEPT GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. THE MORE I DROVE IT THE HARDER IT WAS TO HOLD IN THE ROAD. THEN IT STARTED RAINING. I THOUGHT SERIOUSLY THAT I COULD DIE WITH THIS AS BAD AS IT WAS. AND TO TOP THAT OFF I TRIED TO TURN ON THE WIPERS AND THEY STARTED FALLING ABOUT FROM BEING DRY ROTTED. I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE . FOR MYSELF AND FOR OTHERS. SO THEN I TRIED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND HIS DAUGHTER ANSWERED THE PHONE AND I ASKED TO TALK TO WHO SHE REFERRED TO AS HER FATHER. AND SHE SAID HE MAY NOT BE IN ALL DAY AND I TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE SAID SOMEONE WOULD CALL ME BACK. I WAITED TILL WHEN THEY ALMOST CLOSE AND NO ONE CALLED . I TRIED TO CALL BACK AND THEY WOULD NOT ANSWER. AT WHICH TIME MY MOTHER GOT ON THE PHONE WITH HER CREDIT CARD PEOPLE AND ASKED THEM TO STOP THE PAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE AND THEY AGREED. AND TOLD US TO MAKE SURE THE VEHICLE GOT BACK UP THERE TO THEM. HONESTLY THAT WAS THE SCARED AS I EVER BEEN DRIVING SOMETHING. BUT I GOT IT BACK TO THEM. IT'S ONLY BEEN THE 3 DAY WHEN ALL THIS UNFOLDED. NOW THEY ARE SAYING THAT THEY ARE GONNA TREAT IT LIKE A REPOSSESSION. AND THREATENING MY 77 YEAR MOTHER. AND THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF THEIR BUSINESS. MY MOTHER TOLD THEM THE VEHICLE WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZZARD LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND IT WAS DANGEROUS TO MY LIFE CAUSE IT WAS A WONDER THAT I DIDN'T GET KILLED THE LITTLE I DROVE IT. SHE DROVE BEHIND ME IN THE VEHICLE ON THE WAY BACK AND SEEN HOW THE VEHICLE WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID 11342344 · filed Jul 30, 2020

THE ALUMINUM WHEELS ARE CORRODING WHICH IS CAUSING THE TIRES TO LOOSE AIR PRETTY REGULARLY.

NHTSA ID 11092667 · filed May 9, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OUR KIA BORREGO HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE WE PURCHASED IT. A ROUGH RIDE AND DIFFICULT TO STEER. DOESN'T STAY ALIGNED AND TIRES WEAR EXCESSIVELY. WHEN EVER WE HAD VEHICLE SERVICED DEALERSHIP WOULD SAY"VEHICLE DRIVES AS DESIGNED, OR TIRE PRESSURE OUT OF SPEC, ONCE THEY EVEN HAD THE NERVE TO TELL US THE MANAGER DRIVES ONE AND AGAIN DRIVES AS DESIGNED. FUNNY THING IS THOU ON WORK ORDER THEY WROTE TEST DRIVE. FOUND VEHICLE DRIVES AS DESIGNED. BUT MILEAGE IS THE SAME WHEN BROUGHT IN 'EXACTLY'. WE HAVE HAD TO BUY 2 AND 1/2 FULL SETS OF TIRES. AND STILL VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER AND ROUGH RIDE TO SAY THE LEAST. IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE IN ,MY 4YR OLD PROTESTS EVERY TIME WE HAVE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE OTHER THEN CORNER MARKET. DOOR ACTUATORS ON FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE HAVE BROKE 2X. HAD TO WAIT FOR PARTS THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL AND NEVER DID. INSTEAD WE CALLED TO FIND OUT PARTS HAD BEEN THERE. NOTIFIED DEALERSHIP POWER OUTLETS DO NOT WORK DEALER COULD NOT RESOLVE ISSUE. DRIVER SEAT BELT UNEXPECTEDLY UNLATCHES WHILE DRIVER INTERMITTENTLY. CLEAR COAT FINISH IS PEELING. INSIDE DOOR HANDLES METALLIC PEELING LEAVING SHARP EDGES.WE GET TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM KIA HAD CAR TOWED THERE 2X AND WERE NOT OFFERED RENT-A-CAR EITHER TIME. THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND I'M SURE THEIR ARE MANY MORE WITH THESE SAME ISSUES. HOWEVER KIA MOTORS DOES NOT WANT TO EXCEPT RESPONSIBILITY ON ANY LEVEL. 2 RECALLS ALREADY.I'M HOPING OTHER BORREGO OWNERS WILL MAKE COMPLAINTS IN ORDER TO GET INVESTIGATION OPENED. WE WOULD LIKE KIA MOTORS TO BUY BACK OUR VEHICLE, SO WE CAN PURCHASE SOMETHING OTHER THEN A KIA. *TR

NHTSA ID 10700772 · filed Mar 20, 2015

I HAVE A 2009 KIA BORREGO IT HAS COST ME $900.00 TO REPLACE THE SWAY BARS ON BOTH SIDES MY CAR HAS ALMOST 100,000 MILES ON IT AND NOW I HAVE THE FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MY SUV I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED ABOUT AND IT IS GOING TO COST ME $1,300 MORE BECAUSE IT IS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 YEARS NOW I GOT IT USED AND IT IS BECOMING A MONEY PIT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SOME LAGGING ON THE ACCELERATOR AND SOME SHIFTING NOISES WHEN IN PARK TO REVERSE IT WILL SOUND LIKE THE TRANSMISSION FALLING OUT AND NOW MY TRUCK SOUNDS LIKE A DIESEL FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON KIA NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON ALL THE 2009 KIA BORREGO AND GIVE PEOPLE A CHOICE TO TAKE AN REPLACE THE SUV.. NOW MY FAMILY LOVE KIA BUT THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER WITH THIS CAR NOW WE'RE THINKING ABOUT CHANGING TO FORD... *TR

NHTSA ID 10628624 · filed Aug 27, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL TIRES (HANKOOK) AT APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES DUE TO MINIMAL TREAD LEFT ON THEM, CUPPING AND THEY PROVIDED A HARSH RIDE. THE NEW TIRES AND ORIGINAL WHEELS WERE BALANCED DURING INSTALLATION. THE WHOLE BORREGO SHAKES WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 10 AND 35 MPH. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE NEW TIRE INSTALLER AND HAD THEM ALL REBALANCED. IT STILL SHOOK BUT LESS THAN BEFORE. I HAVE HAD THEM REBALANCED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES AT TWO DIFFERENT TIRE SALES AND SERVICE RETAILERS SINCE THE FIRST TWO BALANCINGS ON THE NEW TIRES. I HAVE HAD THE WHEELS AND TIRES REBALANCED FOUR TIMES IN THE 7,000 MILES THE NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. THE SHAKING HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED. I SUSPECT THE LUG HOLES IN THE WHEELS ARE NO LONGER ROUND. *TR

NHTSA ID 10546895 · filed Oct 6, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA BORREGO EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, SIZE: 265/60R18. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS TIRE ROT BEING EXPERIENCED ON THE TREAD OF ALL FOUR TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRES WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT CERTIFIED DEALERS, WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,017. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/10/2012 *JS

NHTSA ID 10466725 · filed Jul 20, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .