2009 Kia Borrego Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2009 Kia Borrego? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 87 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Brake System the most reported area.

older3 years2010

Before you buy

This 2009 Kia Borrego has 87 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Brake System.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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87
Complaints
8
Crashes
β€”
Fires
3
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
3
Recalls

2009 Kia Borrego Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Kia Borrego trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

15
MPG City
15–17 range
22
MPG Hwy
20–22 range
18
MPG Combined
17–18 range
494
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $6,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2009 Kia Borrego Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

17.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

17.9% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Kia Borrego has 87 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2009 Kia Borrego β€” key reliability facts
Make
Kia
Model
Borrego
Model year
2009
NHTSA owner complaints
87
Crash-related complaints
8
Safety recall campaigns
3
Top reported component
Brake System
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
18
EPA MPG city / highway
15 / 22
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2009 Kia Borrego problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
16
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:2
#2
16
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#3
15
complaints

Electrical Faults

Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2009 Kia Borrego?

The 2009 Kia Borrego shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2009 Kia Borrego

Inspection Focus

  • Have a mechanic inspect the brake system for wear or defects.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission and electrical repairs.
  • Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues and brake responsiveness.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Have a mechanic inspect the brake system for wear or defects.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission and electrical repairs.
  • Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues and brake responsiveness.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2009 Kia Borrego, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2009 Kia Borrego are concentrated in the brake system, transmission/drivetrain, and electrical faults, with 16, 16, and 15 reports respectively. There are also notable issues with seat belts, steering, and lighting. The data suggests potential problem areas, but the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.

Key Findings
  • Brake system and transmission/drivetrain each account for 16 complaints, the highest counts.
  • Electrical faults are reported 15 times, closely following the top two components.
  • Seat belt issues appear in 11 complaints, indicating a recurring theme.
Top Concerns
  • Brake system problems, including potential failures or reduced performance.
  • Transmission or drivetrain issues, such as slipping or unusual noises.
  • Electrical faults, possibly affecting multiple vehicle systems.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The confidence level is Low, meaning the data may not be representative of all vehicles. Only 87 complaints exist for one model year, limiting statistical significance.

Full breakdown

All 2009 Kia Borrego complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Kia Borrego. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Brake System162β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain16β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults15β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues11β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues91β€”β€”
Steering Defects9β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures8β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)7β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions64β€”β€”
Engine Problems61β€”β€”
Fuel System5β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline5β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems4β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic41β€”β€”
Wheel Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Visibility3β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System2β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues21β€”β€”
Suspension Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Kia Borrego. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 87 most recent complaints

Uncategorized IssuesNov 21, 2025

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 …

Electrical FaultsNov 6, 2024

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…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashOct 4, 2024

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 check…

Electrical FaultsMar 14, 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 transmissio…

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 7, 2023

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 assi…

Brake System CrashJun 13, 2023

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, c…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresAug 16, 2022

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 driv…

Brake SystemJul 3, 2022

I was driving in traffic with stop light coming up hit my brakes to slow down because of cars in front of me, I had no brakes/ no warning lights on dash. I pumped my brakes and was able to stop before hitting car in front of me. Local shop said master cylinder so I took it to loc…

Seat Belt IssuesApr 3, 2021

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.

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 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…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 10, 2021

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 B…

Steering DefectsMar 9, 2021

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 W…

Electrical FaultsJan 17, 2021

MY DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT LATCH ALL OF THE TIME. IT WILL POP OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. I AM ALSO HAVE TROUBLE WITH MY ANTENNA AROUND MY IGNITION SWITCH. IT DOESN'T DETECT MY KEY ALL OF THE TIME WHICH MEANS THAT MY CAR DOES NOT START EVERY TI…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 17, 2020

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

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 1, 2020

WHEN I RETURNED TO THE PLACE I LEFT. I STOPPED AND TRIED TO MOVE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK. IT WOULD NOT GO PAST NEUTRAL. I COULD SHUT OFF ENGINE, BUT KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM IGNITION AND THE ACCESSORY, SUCH AS RADIO AND SOME LIGHTS STAYED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PRESS THE SHIFT LOCK REL…

Steering DefectsJul 30, 2020

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 TREAD…

VisibilityJun 3, 2020

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 I…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 22, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA BORREGO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EVERGR…

Uncategorized IssuesOct 2, 2019

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.

Parking-Brake Issues CrashJul 10, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA BORREGO. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED HOME, HE EXITED THE VEHICLE, ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND TURNED OFF AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN SECONDS OF ENTERING HIS HOME, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM HIS BACK…

Page 1 of 5

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Kia Borrego.

Safety recalls

2009 Kia Borrego recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Kia Borrego. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

#12V245000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES31/05/2012
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

#13V114000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHJan 4, 2013
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

#23V692000STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS13/10/2023

Across model years

Compare Kia Borrego model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2009 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2009 Kia Borrego buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2009 Kia Borrego reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 87 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Kia Borrego shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Borrego?β–Ύ

#1: Brake System (16 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (15 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Kia Borrego?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2009 Kia Borrego?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Kia Borrego, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 87 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2009 Kia Borrego have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Kia Borrego. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2009 Kia Borrego?β–Ύ

The 2009 Kia Borrego shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Borrego reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2009 Kia Borrego based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.