Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 87 of 88 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 68 of 88 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
16 complaint records
"THE TRANSMISSION GETS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR AND WON'T SHIFT OUT OF 4TH GEAR YOU HAVE TO SLAM THE GEAR SHIFT INTO A GEAR FOR IT TO RESPOND. HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND LET THE COMPUTER RESET FOR IT TO START ACTING RIGHT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Brakes
16 complaint records2 crash reports
"THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKE AND BRAKE SWITCH WAS ONCE A RECALL PART HAD IT REPLACED NOW IT GONE BAD AGAIN CAUSING ME TO HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE ESC OFF AND A DECLINE TRUCK SYMBOL IN LIT UP RED..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
15 complaint records
"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…..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V692000 | Structure | 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. | Normally free |
| 13V114000 | Exterior Lighting | 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... | Normally free |
| 12V245000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 BORREGO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2, 2008, THROUGH JANUARY 20, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH NON-ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDALS. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024549 2024-08-15 | Label | 647,384 | 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" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",... |
| 2023556 2023-10-16 | Structure | 1,158 | 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: Headliner plate(s) that hit an occupant could create a risk of injury. |
| 2013324 2013-09-25 | Electrical | 39,054 | 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 brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or... |
| 2012172 2012-05-30 | Brakes | 725 | 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 crash by applying the brakes. |
| 2008368 2008-10-09 | Lights And Instruments | 348 | Certain vehicles fail to comply with CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are combined with the turn signal lamps in a way that, when the turn signal is switched ON, both DRL lamps are... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 2021 | Exterior Lighting | 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. | |
| TSB_BOD041_CLSD May 2021 | Structure | TSB_BOD041_CLSD: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED | |
| TSB_TRA027_CLSD May 2021 | Electrical System | TSB_TRA027_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED | |
| PS539 Mar 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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. | |
| TSBELE091R3 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | 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. |
Show 17 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB-GEN085R1 Jan 2017 | Equipment | 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.? | |
| TSB-GEN085 Nov 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. | |
| PS443 Apr 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 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. | |
| PS418 Sep 2015 | Engine | "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." | |
| TSBELE091 Aug 2015 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| TSB-ELE091R1 Aug 2015 | Electrical System | 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... | |
| PS382 Mar 2015 | Electrical System | 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... | |
| TSBTRA046 Dec 2013 | Power Train | TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. | |
| 035 REV 1 Mar 2011 | Power Train | 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 | |
| TSB-074 Jul 2010 | Power Train | 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 | |
| TSB-059 Mar 2010 | Seats | 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. | |
| TSB-062 Mar 2010 | Air Bags | 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. | |
| TSB-027 Dec 2009 | Power Train | 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 | |
| TSB-022 May 2009 | Equipment | 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 | |
| TSB-046 May 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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... | |
| TSB-043 Dec 2008 | Electrical System | 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 | |
| TSB-041 Nov 2008 | Structure | 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 |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Borrego →