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ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-KIA-BORREGONHTSA data synced 16 hours ago
2009 · Kia
Kia Borrego problems
87 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 Borrego?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Kia Borrego? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 14 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,452 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,042 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,309 mi · ~$700 to fix
seatbelts — 8 owner reports
· tends to show around 95,786 mi · ~$500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 53,634 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2009 Borrego· seatbelts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Kia borrego. The contact stated that some of the seat belts in the vehicle would not latch properly without first depressing the release button on the seat belt. Once the seat belt was latched, it became unlatched again when the contact moved…
Driver's seat belt randomly discharges and disconnects. We began to be able to feel the difference when putting it on when it would latch vs when it wouldn't properly and securely latch. Sometimes it would take 3-5 attempts to make the belt feel secure. Often times, it would…
After starting the car then moving the shifter in to drive . As I get the shifter in the reverse position going to drive .. The car jerks forward like I have my foot on the gas.. It is very startling. Goes in reverse fine.. But when I move onto it drive it starts to…
Drivers seatbelt does not stay latched. Pops open driving down road without touching it. It happens driving straight on highways city streets going straight and turning. It has been an ongoing problem for at least a year now.
Had a problem with your 2009 Kia Borrego?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Kia is recalling certain model year 2009 borrego vehicles, manufactured from may 2, 2008, through january 20, 2009, equipped with non-adjustable brake pedals
If this occurs, the driver would need to stop the vehicle with the parking brake or experience a possible second impact, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal mount, free of charge. The recall began on june 15, 2012. Owners may contact Kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Kia Borrego reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Kia Borrego is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Kia Borrego?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Kia Borrego does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Kia Borrego?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 14 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,452 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Kia Borrego a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 87 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 65,452 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Kia Borrego?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 14 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,452 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 65,452 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Kia Borrego has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Kia Borrego?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 87 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 16 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Kia/Borrego.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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