Does the 2009 Kia Borrego have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Kia Borrego, the most recent reported on October 13, 2023 (Structure: body, roof and pillars). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Borrego?

Owners have filed 88 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (16 complaints), followed by electrical system (15).

How many 2009 Kia Borrego complaints mention a crash or fire?

8 of 88 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2009 Kia Borrego recalls and problems

3 recalls and 88 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Kia Borrego.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2009 Kia Borrego recalls

Structure: body, roof and pillars

NHTSA campaign 23V692000 · reported October 13, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 22,768 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Borrego vehicles. The headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
The risk: A headliner plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 30, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC286.

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 13V114000 · reported April 1, 2013 · Kia Motors Corporation · 980,377 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

NHTSA campaign 12V245000 · reported May 31, 2012 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 21,912 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia is recalling certain model year 2009 borrego vehicles, manufactured from may 2, 2008, through january 20, 2009, equipped with non-adjustable brake pedals. Certain pedal mounts may have a fiberglass composition that allows them to break off in a collision where the impact has not immobilized the vehicle, which would then allow the vehicle to roll.
The risk: 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train16
Electrical system15
Service brakes12
Seat belts11
Unknown or other10
Steering9
Exterior lighting8
Electronic stability control (ESC)7
Air bags6
Engine6

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 30, 2026 · Unknown or other
The Car Transmission Shift Lever Panel dust cover breaks down and causes issues with the vehicle staying in gear while driving.

Nov 21, 2025 · Service brakes
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…

Nov 6, 2024 · Electrical system
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…

Oct 4, 2024 · Air bags · crash reported
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…

Mar 14, 2024 · Seat belts
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…

Borrego model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes
2008	0	2	0
2009	3	88	8
2010	2	2	0
2011	2	0	0
2012	2	0	0

All Kia Borrego years →

Questions

Does the 2009 Kia Borrego have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Kia Borrego, the most recent reported on October 13, 2023 (Structure: body, roof and pillars). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Borrego?: Owners have filed 88 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (16 complaints), followed by electrical system (15).
How many 2009 Kia Borrego complaints mention a crash or fire?: 8 of 88 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 30, 2026.