Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2013 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2012 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2011 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2010 | 2 | 2.0× | 2 | Transmission | Few |
| 2009 | 88 | 29.5× | 3 | Brake | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Borrego year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Borrego problems
Latest Kia Borrego recalls
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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.
Remedy: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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.
Remedy: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
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…
Remedy: 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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Borrego should you avoid?
2009 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Borrego years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2009.
What are the most common Kia Borrego problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (18), transmission & drivetrain (18) and electrical system (16). Brake complaints peak in the 2009 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Borrego had?
4 recalls across 2009–2014. The model year with the most is 2009. See all Kia Borrego recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.