2009 Kia Borrego: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Kia Borrego: 3 recalls, 88 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #12V245000 · 2012 · 21,912 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal mount, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2012.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V114000 · 2013 · 980,377 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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…
The 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #23V692000 · 2023 · 22,768 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A headliner plate that detaches during a crash May strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 30, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (16): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (13), warning light on (7).
- Electrical (15): the most common themes are warning light on (4), electrical failure (4).
- Brakes (12): the most common themes are warning light on (7).
- Seat belts (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Kia Borrego has 88 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 12 Borrego model years for complaints (11.5× the average Borrego year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 43,810 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (2 complaints, 0 recalls), 2010 (2 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Kia Borrego.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2009 Kia Borrego have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Kia Borrego. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Kia Borrego problems?
Owners have filed 88 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (16), electrical (15), brakes (12).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Kia Borrego get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Kia Borrego repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.