Most common 2009 Kia Borrego problems
Share of the 88 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Borrego complaints by model year
2009 Kia Borrego recalls (3)
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.
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.
What 2009 Kia Borrego owners say
Brakes
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.
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 local shop that repairs my car the last few years, they replaced Kia master cylinder, still no brake, replaced Kia brake booster, still no brakes, sent master cylinder back and reordered another new kia one it was put on and no brakes, had it towed to shop in Charlotte NC , no codes reading for problem so they said it must be the module accuator assembly. No mechanic knows what's wrong with my brakes because nothing can relay to their diagnostic machines. …
Transmission & drivetrain
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. …
While sitting in my car with the key in the ignition listening to the radio it would start up. It would start up in park and it would start up and neutral and it sounds like the starter armature is engaging and won't stop and gauging in neutral and stop I don't have to be in the vehicle for it to start all on its own why does start on its own it very easily can you be bumped into drive and take off down the road if I leave it in neutral or park now it sounds horrible and it sounds like you're trying to start the vehicle when it's already running so the only way for me to get the off and going now is to start the vehicle in neutral bye just sitting there soon as you start side drop it into drive and I hit the road never seems to happen while in gear but it always happens now in park and neutral. …
Electrical system
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. …
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...
2009 Kia Borrego engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Kia Borrego a good car?
Based on 88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Borrego rates avoid: 29.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Borrego at the same age. It is one of the Borrego years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Kia Borrego?
The brakes — 18 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (16) and electrical system (15).
How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Borrego have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Kia Borrego, the most recent from October 13, 2023 (roof and pillars). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Borrego?
Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009. See the full Kia Borrego years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Kia Borrego problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 44,000 miles; 51% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.