Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2009 Kia Borrego, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train16
- Electrical system15
- Service brakes12
- Seat belts11
- Unknown or other10
- Steering9
- Exterior lighting8
- Electronic stability control (esc)7
- Engine6
- Air bags6
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 3 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 10 2009 Borrego vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 2 people died inside them. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2009 Kia Borrego failed the safety check 4.42% of the time — 75% more often than the average 2009 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 145,826 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 13.0–14.0 L/100 km (about 17–18 mpg US), CO₂ 299–322 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borrego 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 14.6 | 11.1 | 13.0 |
| Borrego 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 16.1 | 11.4 | 14.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2009 Kia Borrego.
| 2024549 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2023556 16 Oct 2023 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, plate(s) in the headliner could detach and hit an occupant if the side curtain airbags deploy in a crash. Safety Risk: Headl… |
| 2013324 25 Sept 2013 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brak… |
| 2012172 30 May 2012 | Brakes On certain vehicles, the brake pedal mount could fail during a vehicle crash. As a result, the driver would not be able stop a vehicle still in motion after a … |
| 2008368 9 Oct 2008 | Lights And Instruments Certain vehicles fail to comply with CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are combined with the turn signal… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2009 Kia Borrego: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
| 10194555 | TSB_TRA027_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED |
| 10194506 | TSB_BOD041_CLSD: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED |
| 10183431 | TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the sys |
| 10133170 | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. |
| 10126423 | TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. |
| 10116821 | TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - Identifying Head Unit Software Version For Direct Exchange (ELE091) (Rev 1) - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. This procedure will now be required when ordering head units through the Direct Exchange Program (see Parts Bulletin 91-961-0005). |
| 10109812 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only. |
| 10109777 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? |
| 10092102 | PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIFYING THE CORRECT SWITCHES WHILE ORDERING PARTS, PREPARING TO PERFORM THE STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT OR WHILE PREPARING TO RETURN REPLACED SWITCHES TO KMA (IN CASE OF AN EXISTING MANDATORY PART RETURN (MPR) REQUEST). TO FACILITATE FASTER AND EASIER IDENTIFICATION OF THE CORRECT PARTS, A PICTURE GUIDE AS SHOWN ON PAGE 2 IS PROVIDED. THE GUIDES CONTENT WAS PURPOSELY |
| 10091489 | TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM/ REPAIR PROCEDURES/ INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT SECTION FOR THE CORRECT ATF CHECK/FILL PROCEDURES. |
| 10089354 | TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE ON HOW TO IDENTIFY AND RECORD THE HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE LEVEL ON VARIOUS HEAD UNIT PLATFORMS AND GENERATIONS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL NOW BE REQUIRED WHEN ORDERING HEAD UNITS THROUGH THE DIRECT EXCHANGE PROGRAM. |
| 10089083 | "PITSTOP: EGR/VVT READINESS MONITOR DRIVE CYCLE - ON SOME BORREGO (HM) VEHICLES, YOU MAY BE UNABLE TO COMPLETE EGR READINESS MONITORS, THIS CONDITION MAY BE CAUSED BY A RECENT BATTERY REPLACEMENT AND/OR RESETTING OF THE ECU MEMORY." |
| 10037529 | KIA: WARNING LIGHT IS ONE WITH SYMPTOMS SUCH AS: SHIFTER GETS STUCK IN PARK, THIRD GEAR HOLDS WHILE DRIVING, AND INTERNAL TROUBLE CODES STORED. 2009 BOREGO. *RM |
| 10034636 | KIA: PCM UPGRADE P0110, P0111, P0116 AND P1618B. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) SYSTEM RELATED DTC(S). *PE |
| 10034231 | KIA: CAUTION DURING AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT SERVICING. DESCRIBES PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY DURING AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) RELATED DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR/REPLACEMENT TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DURING SERVICING. AS AN ADDED SAFETY FEATURE, A ROLLOVER SENSOR HAS BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE ACUS. *PE |
| 10033810 | KIA: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM-2ND AND 3RD ROW SEAT BACK B0ARD REPLACEMENT. ON SOME VEHICLES, THE HARD BACK REAR SEAT BACK BOARDS MAY BE SCRATCHED OR SCARRED. REPLACE ORIGINAL 2ND AND 3RD REAR SEAT BACK BOARDS WITH NEW CLOTH COVERED BACK BOARDS THAT ARE SUPPLIED IN REAR SEAT BACK BOARD KIT. *PE |
| 10033484 | KIA: SERVICE ACTION: TCM UPGRADE-SHIFT DELAY AND SHIFT QUALITY ENHANCEMENTS (SA 016). INFORMATION RELATED TO TCM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME 2009 VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES PRODUCED FROM JOB #1 TO JANUARY 15, 2009. *PE |
| 10030365 | KIA MOTORS: RELATING TO OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) USED IN CONSTANT VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (CVVT). IF AT ANY TIME OCV IS SUSPECTED AS A CAUSE OF ROUGH IDLING, POOR ACCELERTION, CAMSHAFT TIMING MISALIGNMENT RELATED TROUBLE CODES, MISFIRE RELATED TROUBLE CODES ETC., ON THE VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE CVVT SYSTEM, BE SURE TO PERFORM THE OCV INSPECTION PROCEDURE BELOW BEFORE REPLACEMENT. NO MODEL YEARS SPECIFIED. *PE |
| 10030290 | KIA: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY LABEL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY (LCC) WHEN CERTAIN ACCESSORIES ARE ADDED TO A COMPLETED VEHICLE PRI0R TO FIRST RETAIL SALE. *PE |
| 10028347 | KIA: VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT OR NON-FUNCTIONAL REAR TAILGATE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. TO CORRECT CONDITION, REAR TAILGATE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY GEAR AND EXTERIOR COVER HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED. *PE |
| 10028269 | KIA: ECM UPGRADE, MIL ON W/DTC P2135. INFORMATION RELATED TO ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF BORREGO VEHICLES WHICH EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED W/ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) SYSTEM RELATED DTC, P2135. *PE |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)