2009 Kia Borrego recalls and problems

The 2009 Kia Borrego has 3 safety recalls and 88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
88
Crashes / fires
8 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Kia Borrego vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Kia Borrego recalls

Recall 23V-692: Structure

Reported Oct 13, 2023 · 22,768 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

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.

Risk: A headliner plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

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.

Recall 13V-114: Exterior Lighting

Reported Apr 1, 2013 · 980,377 vehicles affected · Kia Motors Corporation

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.

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.

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.

Recall 12V-245: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported May 31, 2012 · 21,912 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

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.

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.

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.

2009 Kia Borrego problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train16
Electrical System15
Service Brakes12
Seat Belts11
Unknown or Other10
Steering9
Exterior Lighting8
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)7
Air Bags6
Engine6
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Visibility4

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 43,810 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 Kia Borrego complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jul 30, 2026
The Car Transmission Shift Lever Panel dust cover breaks down and causes issues with the vehicle staying in gear while driving.
Service Brakes · reported Nov 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 I can put the car into park. Then that is hot and starts making under the hood hot. Then the check engine light will go on and off. It is also making a leak of brake fluid somewhere which is making the brakes go to the floor and making it dangerous when trying to stop the vehicle.
Electrical System · reported Nov 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…
Air Bags · reported Oct 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 checked. The light on my dash showed my airbags were on. Engine- My engine started to make a rattling noise that sounds like a diesel vehicle starting up during a cold starts. I have took it to the dealership I bought it from multiple times cause it has gotten louder and worst they claimed the looked at it and said that it…
Seat Belts · reported Mar 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 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…

Other Kia Borrego years

Compare all Kia Borrego years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Kia Borrego have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Kia Borrego: 23V-692 (structure), 13V-114 (exterior lighting), 12V-245 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Kia Borrego?

Owners report power train problems most often (16 reports), followed by electrical system (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 43,810 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.