2008 Kia Spectra problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What is the 2008 Kia Spectra safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Kia Spectra crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

Q: What gas mileage does the 2008 Kia Spectra get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Kia Spectra at about 27 mpg combined (24 city / 31 highway).

Q: How much is a 2008 Kia Spectra worth?

Comparable 2008 Kia Spectra listings run roughly $1,500–$4,400, typically around $2,978 (from 71 vehicles).

2008 Kia Spectra at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints136

Combined27 mpg

Typical price$2,978

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Kia Spectra recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2008 Kia Spectra.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Kia Spectra common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Tires

Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Wheels

Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

Seats

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 Kia Spectra safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Kia Spectra 4-DR w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Kia Spectra MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg

City24 mpg

Highway31 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,325

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Kia Spectra worth?

Low

$1,500

Typical price

$2,978

High

$4,400

From 71 comparable 2008 Kia Spectra listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Kia Spectra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,625

Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,950

Total$13,575

Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,978) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,019), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.