| Issue ID | 1035230 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10561224 |
| Manufacurer | Kia Motors Corporation |
| Brand | KIA |
| Model | SPECTRA |
| Model Year | 2009 |
| File date | 26/10/13 |
| Component | AIR BAGS |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | Recently, in october 2013 at 75,217 miles, i had it serviced due to an airbag warning light on the console. The light was diagnosed as a problem with the passenger side seat occupant mat cushion. In other words, the passenger air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. I discovered that this is an extensive repair involving the replacement of the passenger seat itself. The cost of which was $1,717. 11 for parts and labor. Both my mechanic and i were shocked that the seat itself cost $1,330. 80 and was only manufactured by kia, thus eliminating the option to shop around to seek the best price. My spectra was outside warranty due to its mileage so the expense would fall to me. I've been surprised to learn that many other complaints have been filed noting this exact same safety problem, yet no recall was issued leaving many spectra owners with the choice i had to make: drive an unsafe vehicle or pay a very large repair bill. |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 75217 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | SAN DIEGO, CA |
| VIN pattern | KNAFE221495XXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | 0 |
| No. of fatalities | 0 |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Drive train type | |
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| DoT tire identifier | |
| Tire size | |
| Location of tire code | |
| Type of tire failure code | |
| Was defective tire repaired? | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Type of child seat code | |
| Type of restraint | |
| Dealer's name | |
| Dealer's telephone number | |
| Dealer's city | |
| Dealer's state code | |
| Dealer's ZIP code |